When asked what is my go-to, #1 Christmas cd of all time, my answer is ALWAYS the same-
Vanessa Williams’ Star Bright. The cd was released in 1998, yet stays on top of my list due to the brilliantly superb arrangements on the disc and the overall great Christmas vibe of the cd!
I find myself comparing other versions of the traditional songs during the holidays and they just don’t measure up to the great jazz arrangements given the songs on this album.
Tracks:
Vanessa’s 2nd Christmas cd Silver & Gold is a great cd, but nowhere in the realm of her first. It’s on my mix, just not the frequent flyer her first cd is.
It may seem odd to review someone else’s cd with Vanessa’s, but Christmas Remixed Vol 2. has the same great jazz/retro vibe as her cds, and they all make WONDERFUL Christmas party music, so I had to combine them for you! I don’t even remember how I got linked into a review on this cd, but I am grateful that I did!
The cd takes traditional songs (like Rosemary Clooney’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) and has modern mixers (like MINO) mix them up and out comes a hip traditional song. it really can’t be explained- you have to hear it! But it is a GREAT party cd as you can sing along, but with a retro groove! I love ALL the songs on this cd- I really love that Charlie Brown song is included- it's so FUNKY to hear that at a Christmas party!
Tracks:
I find myself comparing other versions of the traditional songs during the holidays and they just don’t measure up to the great jazz arrangements given the songs on this album.
Tracks:
| Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- classic Vanessa! | ||
| Christmas | ||
| The Holly and the Ivy (featuring Cormac Breatnach & Martin Dunlea) | ||
| December Lullaby-gorgeous song | ||
| Prelude: I Dream a World (featuring Ossie Davis)-love Davis on this! | ||
| Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow-another great gospel song! | ||
| Merry Christmas, Darling | ||
| The Little Drummer Boy- CLASSIC! | ||
| Winter Weather | ||
| Silent Night (featuring Cormac Breatnach & Martin Dunlea)-breathtaking in it's adaptation | ||
| Mary's Little Boy Child- great for kids! | ||
| Joy to the World (featuring Brian McKnight)-love the combo! | ||
| Silver and Gold |
The cd takes traditional songs (like Rosemary Clooney’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) and has modern mixers (like MINO) mix them up and out comes a hip traditional song. it really can’t be explained- you have to hear it! But it is a GREAT party cd as you can sing along, but with a retro groove! I love ALL the songs on this cd- I really love that Charlie Brown song is included- it's so FUNKY to hear that at a Christmas party!
Tracks:
1. Jingle Bells - Joe Williams
2. Christmas Song, The - Jimmy McGriff
3. Rudolf, The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Bing Crosby/Ella Fitzgerald
4. White Christmas - Charlie Parker
5. Have Yourself a Merry Christmas - Rosemary Clooney
6. Frosty the Snowman - Patti Page
7. Good King Wenceslas - CSSR State Philharmonic
8. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Charles Brown
9. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
10. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy - Berlin Symphony Orchestra
11. Winter Wonderland - Vic Damone
12. Silent Night - Mahalia Jackson
So there you have it- the TOP 3 of my Christmas cds! Check out next week's list, as we'll have a giveaway of one the cds being reviewed!
Disclosure: I was NOT compensated in any way, by any company, or artist, for these reviews. I bought these cds myself, and they are part of my personal collection!
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