A Simple Gift

Track Listings

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

2. Sing We Now

3. What Child is This?

4. I Saw Three Ships

5. Of the Father's Love Begotten

6. Away in a Manger

7. Breath of Heaven

8. O Come O Come Emmanuel/Mercy Street

9. I Wonder as I Wander

10. Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming

11. Silent Night

A Simple Gift,Simple Gifts with Billy McLaughlin,Proton,A musician who's recorded several albums for the powerhouse new age/jazz record label Narada, Billy McLaughlin's musical style is a big acoustic sound that clearly comes from his jazz and pop electric guitar training.,Opera

A Simple Gift

Tracks:

Mommy & Me
Shake My Hand (Hello Song)
If You're Happy And You Know It
Old MacDonald Had A Farm
Head, Shoulders, Knees And Toes
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
The Farmer In The Dell
The Mexican Hat Dance
Ta Ra Ra Boom De Ay
Ring Around The Rosie
London Bridge
Where Is Thumbkin
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Take My Hand (Goodbye Song)
Mommy & Me (Jazz version)
Take My Hand (Goodbye Song - Instrumental version featuring Tom Scott)
Take My Hand (Goodbye Song - Jazz Version)
- 31. Instrumental Versions Only

Amazon.com

More Playgroup Favorites piles on a second batch of predictable songs--nothing you won't find on any preschool compilation--the main difference being that they're sandwiched between a solid five tracks of Mommy & Me-specific songs. "Shake My Hand (Hello Song)" and "Take My Hand (Goodbye Song)," call to mind snuggly together time for moms and tots across the country, and this CD capitalizes on their lovey-dovey devotion to the weekly groups that make interacting (goofing around on the floor and clapping out simple rhythms together) mandatory. Nothing wrong with that--some parents will even salute themselves for extending the enriching environment to their living room rugs. But this kind of fun, can grow formulaic fast, despite the performers' best stabs at loopiness. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Awful!.......2007-03-19

The writers have taken classic songs and added really poor quality lyrics:
Ride ride ride your bike
Down the busy street
Isn't it surprising
All the kangaroos you meet

Awful!

The song segments are terribly edited: the moms' mouths don't sync with the soundtrack at all. The cartoon segments are cheesy and poorly animated. The belching kangaroo only adds to the nausea I get when my wife plays this video.

To be fair, my daughter really enjoys it. But she also enjoys Sesame Street and Disney stuff. Don't waste your time.

Great CD!.......2006-03-24

My son has this one and the Playgroup Favorites, and he loves both (and has since he was an infant). The songs are catchy and not too annoying for the grown-ups. Really keeps him entertained! Highly recommend buying.

FANTASTIC CD!.......2004-02-21

My daughter, Emily and I are having the BEST time in the car since we've been listening to "Mommy and Me, More Playgroup Favorites." Now when we get in the car, Emily immediately yells out: "MOMMY ME!" which means, crank up the tunes mom! Once the CD starts playing, Emily recites all the words to the songs, which I was very surprised to hear. The original songs like "Mommy & Me," "Shake My Hand," and "Take My Hand," written by Marty Panzer, are quickly becoming cherished favorites in our family. Panzer has also written fresh new lyrics to classics like, "If You're Happy And You Know It," " Head Shoulders Knees and Toes," and "Row Row Row Your Boat," among others. It's shocking that this wonderful CD has replaced the Wiggles as my daughter's new favorite obsession! Even my husband hums the tunes to himself when we get in the car for a family outing. Thank you for bringing such wonderful music into our lives!

Stephanie Berk, mom of Emily, 21 months

Another wonderful album for bonding with young ones!.......2004-02-20

More Playgroup Favorites is another great album to play while spending bonding time with your baby and young ones! Check out the first album- Playgroup Favorites, too! Both feature sophisticated and modern arrangements of classic childhood tunes, produced by an award-winning team, including jazz versions of well-known favorites. Both CDs are PERFECT for playgroups, playdates, parties, and at-home fun. Not only is the music sensational, but parents cherish the time they spend with their young children, and they welcome tools like these CDs to help them make the most of the experience.

Average customer rating:

A More Pleasing Christmas Collection

Simple Gift of Christmas
Tim Janis
Manufacturer: Tim Janis Ensemble
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas
The Promise
Wondrous Christmas
A Winter's Eve
December Morning

ASIN: B0000AYLI2
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

Joy To The World
Do You Hear What I Hear
Away In The Manger
What Child Is This
Carol Of The Bells
Ave Maria
Deck The Hall
Hark! The Heald Angels Sing
Good Christian Men Rejoice
The Holly And The Ivy
Bring A Torch To Jeanette, Isabella

Album Description

With love an important theme of Christmas, Janis arranges Christmas classics in an intimate emotional fashion. Sweet guitars support sensitive melodies of flute and violin as Janis creates stunning takes on Christmas hits such as Joy to the World and Ave Maria. A perfect companion to the celebration of the Christmas holiday.

Customer Reviews:

A More Pleasing Christmas Collection.......2003-12-04

THE SIMPLE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS is Tim Janis' second Christmas collection. Like the first disc, it is great for background music, but this collection is generally more pleasing than the first Christmas collection. The arrangements are more complete, and Janis seems to be capitalizing on the uniqueness of his sound a bit more. For people not familiar with Janis, his music is almost a collection of many new age artists such as Yanni, John Tesh, the Windham Hill recording artists, sprinkled with a bit of Narada. It is enjoyable, and Tim Janis does have considerable talent. "Do You Hear What I Hear" is the track that seems to fit Janis' sound best, and is probably the most original recording on the disc, but there are no weak tracks on the album.

Average customer rating:

Religious music from the 19th century
A wonderful listening treat

I Am Filled With Heavenly Treasures

Manufacturer: New World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0002NY90W
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

Today, today is my own time
The Coming Day
Rose of Sharon
In this pleasant place I will go
The Earth Is Renewed
I've a spiritual garden to weed
Lord give me of Thy living bread
Redeeming Love
Good Brethren will you receive my love
Round Dance
Compassion
Toil On, Pray On
As Stars and Diamonds
Receive a Father's love
Pearl of Great Price
In love and peace we will increase
Simple Gift
With the lamb on Mt. Zion
The Charms of My Mother
"Great I" Medley: Dismission of Great I
Love Is Little
Harmony of Angels
I Am Filled With Heavenly Treasures
Mother's Chair
Let us grow up strength in Zion
My Mother's way's the way for me
Let us sow to the spirit of love
May I see as I am seen
Wake Up
I love to sing and worship God
Move on with the gift
How pretty 'tis to see
Good Elder, dear Brethren and Sisters, I love you
Grateful Remembrance
Learned of Angel
God Is Infinitely Able
God's Blessing
Farewell, farewell our dear gospel friends
Prayer for the Nations

Album Description

Shaker music is a unique body of American sacred folk music, created by eighteen American Shaker communities over a period of one hundred and forty years (1780-1920). This rich tradition of song continues to serve the Shaker community in the twenty-first century because it embodies their history, records the testimony of Shakers "who have gone before," articulates the religious principles on which Shakerism is founded, and reflects the faith of the contemporary community. Shaker music was created and nurtured in communities that prized isolation from worldly ways. Shaker melodies, although related to the larger tradition of Anglo-American folk songs, are not bound by their form, tonality, melodic or rhythmic structure.

The Enfield Shaker singers are a vocal ensemble of adults and children devoted to the study and performance of Shaker music. The group is open to all without audition, and is made up of both trained musicians and amateur singers. We draw heavily on the repertoire received or composed in the two societies that were the New Hampshire Bishopric—Canterbury and Enfield. Since the New Hampshire societies enriched their repertoire with songs from all the other Shaker communities, they also sing songs of the New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio and Kentucky Shakers.

The Enfield Shaker Singers are drawn to Shaker spirituals that illuminate Shaker communal values and broaden our definitions of the sacred. The songs included on this recording illustrate some of the many ways music served Shaker communities. Most Shaker song texts are theologically direct, emotionally honest, and expressive of our shared humanity.

On this recording we offer thirty-nine songs we have come to love. Some have special meaning for individuals. We associate others with a particular singer in the group, or an occasion when it was sung. Each song offers us slightly different insights into Shaker aspiration, and Shaker faith. We hope that, through this recording, others will also come to love and sing them too. —Mary Ann Haagen, from the liner notes

Customer Reviews:

Religious music from the 19th century.......2007-07-07

If one likes the songs of the Shakers written in the late 18th and early 19 century that were without musical instruments, then you may like this CD. I found 8 songs out of the 30 or more on the CD that I liked, the others I did not care for much. This is no fault of the creators of the Cd, it is simply the style of the Shakers of the past.

A wonderful listening treat.......2005-01-11

This CD is a delight! The simple melodies, surprising harmonies, and clarity of the voices makes you want to sing along. Listening makes one smile, regardless of one's religious persuasion. Thank you for giving us these songs and preserving the tradition of this music.

Average customer rating:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title
Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played
Press Quotes
Press Quotes
Press Quotes

Amazing Grace, An American Tapestry

Manufacturer: Eroica Classical Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004U4SO
Release Date: 2000-06-08

Tracks:

Simple Gifts
Duo: Flowing
Duo: Poetic, Somewhat Mournful
Duo: Lively, With Bounce
Duo: Pleasant Song No.1
Duo: Pleasant Song No.2
Duo: Canzone
Three Dances: Andante
Three Dances: Adagio, Quasi Improvisatory, Tempo Rubato
Three Dances: Allegretto
Ste Modale: Moderato
Ste Modale: L'istesso Tempo
Ste Modale: Allegro Giocoso
Ste Modale: Adagio
Ste Modale: Whales Weep Not!
Ste Modale: Somewhere (West Side Story)
Ste Modale: Polka And Can-Can
Ste Modale: Orange And Blue Rag
Ste Modale: Old Folks At Home
Ste Modale: Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'Long
Ste Modale: Bayou Home
Ste Modale: Amazing Grace
Ste Modale: A Simple Gift

Customer Reviews:

"Amazing Grace" Casts A Spell & Lives Up to its Title.......2000-08-28

Donna Wissinger and Jon Klibonoff have done a superb job. Their musicianship is genuinely artistry of the first caliber. All the music is vibrantly and sensitively played. One feels joy, wonderful intelligence and great caring every step of the way in their music making. I was especially struck by their playing of the Copland Duo. What purity of heart in the opening phrases! Clear, beautifully balanced tones that sing out from the soul. I come back to it again and again to taste its utter peacefulness. Each breath a graceful, easy flowing. Thank you, Donna! I am inspired! And the third movement of the piece is so full of fun and fabulously virtuosic for both players -- Bravi! Among my other favorites were the two Stephen Foster pieces: "The Old Folks at Home" and "Oh, Boys, Carry Me 'long". They magically re-create the charming spirit of another time and place. The pep and bounce of "Carry Me 'long" is absolutely contagious. "Bayou Home" is another miniature masterpeice. William Grant Stills is a treasure I would love to hear more of. Jon and Donna do a splendid job here too. What is so great about their playing together is that they know how to cast a spell with the music and take the time and care to do it magnificently, generously and for the sake of the music. Jon Klibonoff's work is a miracle in its own right, always fully present, rhythmically alive -- simply brilliant. The Howard Tappan arrangements of "Simple Gifts" and "Amazing Grace" are sonorously rich and full of heart and, in the hands of Donna and Jon, absolutely uplifting, indeed, eloquent. I have been privileged to hear these two fine artists in concert on numerous occasions. AMAZING GRACE: AN AMERICAN TAPESTRY captures their extraordinary gifts with prize-winning authenticity. Congratulations as well to sound engineer, Jonathan Schultz. I could not recommend this album more highly.

John Cimino President & CEO Associated Solo Artists Creative Leaps International

Welcome collection beautifully and expertly played.......2000-08-25

The new CD, Amazing Grace: An American Tapestry, is a welcome collection of American music beautifully and expertly played by flutist, Donna Wissinger, and pianist Jon Klibonoff. Ms. Wissinger's lovely, full, pure tone sends us through a treasury of American music. The disk begins with "Simple Gifts" arranged by Aaron Copeland. The Copeland "Duo" is played very expressively with a variety of dynamics and tone color in both the flute and piano parts. There is energy, drive, and brilliant technique without losing tone quality or clarity. Peter Schickele's "Pleasant Songs" are given a mellow, simple and indeed pleasant rendition. Samuel Barber's "Canzone" is shaped by the artists with beautiful flowing lines and deeply concentrated feeling. The composition, "Three Dances", by Stella Sung, is a marvelous addition the the literature. The Andante's intricate and fascinating rhythms and melodies are tossed off with panache by the artists. Playing alone in the Adagio, Ms. Wissinger perfectly captures the improvisational style with a range of emotion and gorgeous color. The Ostinato never lets our attention lag for a moment, the duo brings it to a dazzling finish. Ms. Wissinger and Mr. Klibonoff continue their excellent ensemble throughout all the selections. In the Ernest Bloch "Suite Modale", they take a very thoughtful approach. There are subtle nuances, much delicacy, elegant long lines, and carefree yet refined style with perfectly spun filigree. The remaining somewhat lighter compositions are charming. They provide the finishing touch to an outstanding recording.

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

"...a star. Miss Wissinger has the sound and the rhythmic vitality of the very best. " - Lavrov, Director Capella Leningrad, USSR

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

........ a great artist with great warmth ...... a tremendous stage personality. real Renaissance person." - Mid-Western Tour

Press Quotes.......2000-08-23

Her gifts and abilities as a flutist are rare and compelling. I am greatly impressed by her beautiful sound, exciting musicality, and captivating presence. " - Jean-Pierre Rampal

Average customer rating:

A Simple Gift

Manufacturer: Proton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Wintersongs & Traditionals
Guitar Meditations, Vol. 2
Guitar Meditations
Fingerdance

ASIN: B00007IJ2U
Release Date: 2002-11-19

Tracks:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Sing We Now
What Child is This?
I Saw Three Ships
Of the Father's Love Begotten
Away in a Manger
Breath of Heaven
O Come O Come Emmanuel/Mercy Street
I Wonder as I Wander
Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming
Silent Night

Average customer rating:

One Simple Gift

Manufacturer: Clydesdale
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0007RSG3O

Product Description

Track Listing: 1. Christmas Time Is Here/Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas; 2. The First Noel; 3. Away In A Manger; 4. Silent Night; 5. Angels; 6. Jingle Bell Rock; 7. White Christmas; 8. O Come, O Come Emmanuel; 9. We Three Kings/Song of The Wise Men; 10. The Christmas Song; 11. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Average customer rating:

Off to a Great Start
Infectious Songwriting combined with Masterful Musicianship

As Simple As That
Woody Russell
Manufacturer: Cats Up the Street Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004XPJO
Release Date: 1996-02-15

Tracks:

One Too Many, One Too Far
Wishful Thinking
Done Deal
Leave It Alone
Something Other Than Love
Until Now
As Simple As That
A Dozen Ways

Album Description

The 1996 debut release contains tales of bittersweet relationships and reflections on times past, woven into a colorful collection of songs. Scenes of rural Americana are played out to the sounds of a mostly acoustic based trio, while cello and oboe complement a few tracks, bringing an "ethereal" vibe to the mix

Customer Reviews:

Off to a Great Start.......2002-04-19

An excellent first CD! The music is a smooth blend of Jazz, Country, Blues - everything. I'm a classic rock and big band jazz fan and I absolutely enjoyed the sound comming from my speakers. Woody Russell has a sound that everyone can enjoy!

Infectious Songwriting combined with Masterful Musicianship.......2000-08-31

This CD has the type of songwriting and rythms lost on todays manufactured Top 40 "music". It's difficult to put a label on the bands style, but lovers of country, blues, and rock will enjoy this album. I find myself listening to it over and over again, not only for the lyrical poetry Russell writes, but for the way in which it is delivered with such captivating expression. Woody Russell seems to have a special gift found only in the most legendary artists. I expect future albums to me more refined, but as far as debut releases go, this album is top shelf material and a must have for the true music lover.

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