December

Track Listings

1. Thanksgiving

2. Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head

3. Joy

4. Prelude

5. Carol of the Bells

6. Night, Pt. 1: Snow

7. Night, Pt. 2: Midnight

8. Night, Pt. 3: Minstrels

9. Variations on the Kanon by Pachelbel

10. Holly and the Ivy

11. Some Children See Him

12. Peace

December,George Winston,Windham Hill Records,Adult Alternative,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Contemporary Instrumental,Neo-Classical,New Age,Pop,Solo Instrumental

December

Tracks:

Never Again
One Minute
Hole
Sober
Don't Waste Your Time
Judas
Haunted
Be Still
Maybe
How I Feel
Yeah
Can I Have A Kiss
Irvine

Amazon.com

Judging by the themes of anger and betrayal that dominate Kelly Clarkson's third disc, My December, perhaps 'Jagged Little Idol' would have been a more telling title. According to interviews, the massively successful artist wanted more creative control with her music going forward; as a result, unlike her previous CDs, Clarkson contributes as a songwriter on every track. The final product is not nearly as catchy as Breakaway, but is far more introspective and honest. My December's overall sound brings a harder musical style than fans might expect, with acerbic lyrics to match; the disc's first single "Never Again"--a dark rock song slamming her ex-boyfriend--is certainly a tip-off. The compelling chorus of "Hole" finds Clarkson singing "There's a hole/inside of me/it's so damn cold/slowly killing me" over a melody that is far more Tool than top-40. "Haunted" and "Judas" are wrought-over tracks that veer into Evanescence territory, while the wonderfully sparse "Maybe" is a highlight within which Clarkson's pleading voice is perfectly showcased. My December's final listed track, "Irvine" (prior to the hidden bluesy acoustic ballad "Chivas") sounds far more Cat Power-meets-Corinne Bailey Rae than Clarkson, but it is certainly one of the most captivating songs on the disc, and serves as yet another reminder of just how versatile her voice is. Fans of her previous radio-friendly releases may well be divided on her new direction, but it appears to be the path Clarkson is likely to continue to travel. --Denise Sheppard

More from Kelly Clarkson

Breakaway

Thankful

Since U Been Gone

Customer Reviews:

Kelly's in a different "light".......2007-08-06

Despite the negative feedback from her producer, I enjoy listening to her voice on this CD. Some of the songs are more "rocky" than her usual style BUT... this is great music!

Kelly does it again!.......2007-08-05

An angry CD, telling a story of breakup, love lost, confusion and self doubt in finding love, hard rock, more than pop. Different than Breakaway, more angry than blues, harder. But lots of energy, good variety in the songs. I love the last song Irvine, softer song. I look forward to Kelly's creative growth. I do recommend the CD; I am listening to it almost every day at work. But it is not the rollerblading, workout CD that Breakaway was.

Talent Trumps Image.......2007-08-04

Kelly Clarkson far outshines her pop contemporaries on this cd. Mainly because she can actually, you know . . . sing.
A lot of the songs sound like "Since U Been Gone," both in subject matter of the lyrics and the full-throated, booming chorus. What caught me by suprise, though, were the softer songs on the album. They reveal the quality and subtlety of her voice.
Seeing as how she got her start on American Idol, I did not think Kelly was much more than a media creation. I grouped her in with Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears. After listening to My December I can see that Kelly Clarkson is in a whole other league.
Kelly Clarkson is one of the few good things to come from American Idol. And while I was not completely blown away by My December, it is good enough to make me wonder about the possible directions her music may take her.

Should have sold more............2007-08-03

I can't understand why this album has not sold more and why it's gotten such bad reviews from critics. I think it's fantastic! Kelly has co/written great songs and I'm glad she fought to make the record she wanted. Way to go Kelly!

Great but fades towards the end.......2007-08-01

The first few tracks are great. Kelly is trying new things but it still is classic Kelly. The songs get weaker though towards the end. Still good songs but not her best stuff.

December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition

Average customer rating:

Twenty Years later... Still Excellent!
a must have for a musical library
George Winston's December
Love this CD
Multi-mood music

December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition
George Winston
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Autumn (Windham Hill 20th Anniversary Edition)
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ASIN: B00005NNDO
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Thanksgiving
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Joy
Prelude
Carol Of The Bells
Night-Part One: Snow
Night-Part Two: Midnight
Night-Part Three: Minstrels
Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel
The Holly And The Ivy
Some Children See Him
Peace
A Christmas Song
Sleep Baby Mine

Amazon.com essential recording

December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit. --Richard Price

Amazon.com

A quintessential example of George Winston's "folk piano" style, December speaks to the spirit of the season. Mixing traditional carols, a couple of classical works, and his own originals, Winston drops notes with icy clarity into a winter silence, rippling through "Carol of Bells" and coaxing dark, introspective moods from his own suite, "Night." The pianist's liner notes are also a trip as he cites the numerous sources for his music. Who would've thought that the gentle melodies of "Peace" were inspired by the soundtrack to TV's The Outer Limits? This 20th anniversary edition, which includes two bonus tracks, is a vast sonic improvement over previous releases. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Twenty Years later... Still Excellent!.......2007-05-28

December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition, by George Winston is about as close to perfect as you can get. Winston phenomenal interpretations and originals form a masterpeice. Classified as a Holiday album, I agree with many of the other reviewers that this is an album to enjoy all through the year. Although each selection here is very good, Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel is simply a wonderful piece. I did have the pleasure of seeing George Winston in concert and I would receommend that any fan try to experience the music live with introductions by the pianist.

An outstanding 5 star CD.

a must have for a musical library.......2007-03-26

this cd album is extremely moving and has value because of the evocative power of some of the pieces it contains.

George Winston's December.......2007-03-09

I have a copy of the vinyl since it was released. Though I love the quality of the vinyl, I want to bring December with me wherever I go. The two additional cuts in the anniversary issue are lovely, but I would have been equally happy with the original.

Love this CD.......2007-03-08

Perfect for the holidays (but I listen to it all year)! Anything by George Winston is fabulous.

Multi-mood music.......2007-01-29

I love this CD! The best part about this music is that I can listen to it regardles of what mood I'm in and the music fits perfectly. The Sheet music for "Variations of the Kanon by Pachelbel" is a great bonus.

Average customer rating:

December's Children has too much filler
Their best early release in the US
Not an SACD
Not the Best, but pretty important
Stupendously Fantastic

December's Children (And Everybody's)
The Rolling Stones , and Rolling Stones
Manufacturer: Abkco
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Out Of Our Heads
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Flowers

ASIN: B00006AW2R
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

She Said Yeah
Talking About You
You Better Move On
Look What You've Done
The Singer Not the Song
Route 66
Get off of My Cloud
I'm Free
As Tears Go By
Gotta Get Away
Blue Turns to Grey
I'm Movin' On

Amazon.com essential recording

Before this 1965 blues-rock masterpiece, the Stones were the best of the many British bands living out their Muddy Waters dress-up fantasies. They continue giving new life to old songs, such as Arthur Alexander's soul tearjerker "You Better Move On" and the Nat King Cole standard "Route 66," but there are several exciting new developments. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger discover their songwriting talents, coming up with the enduring "Get Off My Cloud" and "As Tears Go By" as well as the underappreciated "I'm Free." And drummer Charlie Watts focuses the swing-jazz fills that have defined the Stones as much as the writing, voices, and guitars. --Steve Knopper

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Dig how even a tossed-together cash-in by the Stones' U.S. label--the group's third American album of 1965--ends up smoking like all but their very best. They invent thrash with the opener, "She Said Yeah" (a Specialty Records obscurity penned, under a pseudonym, by Sonny Bono!) before laying down a leering "Talkin' 'Bout You," a frenetic "I'm Movin' On" and their most consistent, varied list of originals yet. Dig, too, how even "As Tears Go By" sounds like a sneer in the midst of "Get Off of My Cloud," "Gotta Get Away," "I'm Free" and the dourly off-key "Blue Turns to Grey." --Rickey Wright

Album Description

This Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) recording offers high-resolution sound and is playable on both standard CD players and SACD-compatible devices.

Album Description

Full Title - December's Children (& Everybody's). Remastered reissue of 1965 album, suitable for standard & 'Super Audio' CD players. Digipak. Abkco. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

December's Children has too much filler.......2007-03-16

This is perhaps the weakest album in the Rolling Stones 60's catalog. But don't blame the band, this is the record companies fault. Sure there are some great tunes here like She Said Yeah, Get off of My Cloud, As Tears Go By and some decent tunes like You Better Move On and I'm Free. But there's just too much weak material, songs like Talking About You, Look What You've Done, The Singer Not the Song, Gotta Get Away and Blue Turns to Grey feel flat. Then the live renditions of Route 66 and I'm Movin' On are alright, but feel like fun filler.

December's Children (And Everybody's) ~ The Rolling Stones: 2 1/2 stars

Their best early release in the US.......2007-02-02

Even though it's a US compilation of British leftovers that weren't on the previous US albums. No matter, this record plays as the Stones best and strongest pre-aftermath album.

Not an SACD.......2007-01-31

I bought this because it is listed as an SACD.
What I was sent is a DSD disc. It does not register as an SACD on my player. It sounds miserable.
What gives, has the SACD been replaced by this other format?
It's one of my favorite Stones albums. I am not pleased.

Not the Best, but pretty important.......2007-01-16

December's Children comes off as a rather uneven document of the Stones' song-writing prowess and a scattershotrock record in its own right. Nonetheless, their identity as a band distinct from the British invasion clones really emerges on these tracks.

Stupendously Fantastic.......2006-06-13

This is an absolute stunner of a record. The bad boys of Rock and Roll really go to town with Chuck Berry's "Talkin' About You," and Bobby Troup's "Route 66." The latter being one of the two live songs on the record. The timeless "As Tears Go By," written by Mick and Keith along with group manage Andrew Oldham," has got to be one of the signature songs of a generation. According to my folks, it was the Boomer's big make out song. Hey, I've made out to it too, the song really is timeless. The other Mick and Keith songs that I really like are "Blue Turns to Grey" and "Get off My Cloud." Brian's slide guitar on the live version of "I'm Moving On" is stupendous, in fact the whole record is stupendously fantastic.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful December
Lovely but, sadly not the best.
Veteran Christmas Rocker
Moody Blues Christmas Album - December
Loved it.

December
The Moody Blues
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000DJYOD
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Don't Need A Reindeer
December Snow
In The Quiet Of Christmas Morning (Bach 147)
On This Christmas Day
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
A Winter's Tale
The Spirit Of Christmas
Yes I Believe
When A Child Is Born
White Christmas
In The Bleak Midwinter

Amazon.com

It was inevitable that The Moody Blues would produce a Christmas record. Why it took this long is the mystery. The group's classical music underpinnings have always been ripe for the Christmas canon and on December they add to it with their own contributions. "Don't Need A Reindeer" is a remarkably sweet little pop song that proves Justin Hayward can still write what sounds like a hit. A fair amount of orchestration shades the rest of the CD, as the band arranges and adds lyrics to a Bach piece (here called "In the Quiet of Christmas Morning") while also taking on "In the Bleak Midwinter," "When A Child Is Born," "White Christmas," and the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." In the same vein, though less cheerful, John Lodge pens a melancholy meditation on the horrors of the Mideast in 2003. While he's no John Lennon and December is uneven at best, for Moody Blues fans it will be like finding the lost chord.--Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful December.......2007-06-23

I recently got this CD and I must say I am very very happy with it. My dear Moody Blues have still got "it" - in spades. Their lyrics, music and voices are as wonderful as ever. Those fabulous Hayward & Lodge harmonies sound so very good and this CD is just chock full of their blended vocals. 'December' is such a joy to listen to; in fact I am listening to it right now, and it's 90 plus degrees outside on this June day!

I highly recommend this beautiful Moody Blues work. It's great to listen to at Christmas, or at any other time you want to hear these fabulous men make a joyful noise in your ears.

Lovely but, sadly not the best........2007-05-20

If you own all the other Moodies albums then this is a must. However, if your still building your collection, Strange Times blows this one out of the water. With Ray now gone, there's an empty space in the harmonies and writing

December is avery nice album, and grows on you fast if you don't "get it" at first. 4 stars for the original songs, and is a good snap-shot of the Moodies today.

Still awaiting their next...

Veteran Christmas Rocker.......2007-01-23

Recognizable Moody Blues no matter what the song. With touches of classical (Bach) and vintage (Iving Berlin) Christmas music but with the distinctive Hayward and Lodge touch, as well as their own compositions, this cd evokes pleasant memories of Christmas past while holding out the promise of pleasant listening next December as well.

Moody Blues Christmas Album - December.......2007-01-13

Buy it! This great CD has some old favorites but it's the new songs that really get you. Absolutely one of my most favorite holiday CDs ever.

Loved it........2007-01-04

I've had it for a couple of years and just love it. To me, it is soothing and relaxing.
It brings back memories of the old days and all their LP's from the 70's. There's just something about the sound of Moody Blues that you can't quite describe.
Great!

Average customer rating:

It's all led up to this
Too Good For Corporate American Radio
Holy Glam Rock! Maria McKee Saves Rock N Roll
Maria does it again...and again...and again...and again
A Sheer Sonic Delight

Late December
Maria McKee
Manufacturer: Cooking Vinyl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000MRA88A
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Late December
No Other Way To Love You
A Good Heart
Power On, Little Star
Too Many Heroes
Destine
My First Night Without You
Scene Of The Affair
Cat In The Wall
One Eye On The Sky (One ON The Grave)
Bannow
Straving Pretty

Amazon.com

Even in the early days of her solo career, Maria McKee had a penchant for penning dramatic melodies that seemed more conducive to Broadway than to contemporary radio. In fact, the former Lone Justice frontwoman makes reference to criticisms of that theatrical style in between songs on her "Live Acoustic Tour" CD. Pandering to no one, McKee continues to distance herself from her country roots on her sixth studio release, Late December, writing what might be best described as 'pop-ras,' miniature contemporary pseudo-operas sung in open-throated vibrato. "Destine" is a prime example, echoing Queen's "A Night at the Opera" with it's dramatic vocals and grandiose guitar solo. "Scene of the Affair" evokes a similar sensibility, as McKee mournfully sings "Four walls and a bed/best to let the dead rest with the dead." Those who prefer the old Maria will find a handful of songs to satiate their thirsty musical pallet. "My First Night Without You" has a soul/country cross that allows McKee to vocally shine; other notable moments include the gospel-infused ending to the title track and the infectious '60s Motown styling of "No Other Way to Love You." The one song that will likely please fans of both musical camps is McKee's inclusion of "A Good Heart," a track that she wrote at 18 years of age which became a worldwide hit for an Irish artist named Feargal Sharkey. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

It's all led up to this.......2007-07-13

If you saw Lone Justice back in the day, you're a Maria Mckee fan. But thought she was always one of the great live performers, and an enormously talented songwriter, the recordings (both LJ and her own) were, by almost all accounts, an eclectic and mixed bag.

But here she is, part Edith Piaf, part Freddie Mercury, blasting through an outrageous set of operatic pop-rock that is about the most startlingly bold CD in recently memory. Hearing it is like when you first heard Jeff Buckley's "Grace": ohmygodohmygod, this person is out of his/her mind, shooting for the stars, and talented enough to pull it off. Wow.

This is the one we've been waiting for. And it's thrilling that in her forties, she is doing, without a doubt, absolutely her barking best work.

The gorgeous space of the opener, "Late December," sets you up. Then she rollicks along with the almost Motownish "No Other Way to Love You" (though the Rob Halford screeches mark it as a song only Mckee could sing). We're all glad to finally have her own studio recording of the classic "A Good Heart." And the next three only get better, with McKee out-Queening Queen on "Destine."

I could go on... every song is excellent, and the flow is dramatic and compelling.

If you're looking for a safe listen in a particular style you like to be able to ignore while you do something else, take a pass. But if you appreciate what can happen when a great songwriter, performer, and student of pop goes completely for broke, check it out.

Too Good For Corporate American Radio.......2007-06-17

Continuing her penchant of putting out great albums (this being her third studio album since returning in 2003 after a seven-year studio hiatus) that are too good for corporate radio, Maria McKee's LATE DECEMBER is another stunning work from one of the finest and most painfully underappreciated (at least by the public) vocalists of the last thirty-plus years.

In contrast with 2005's PEDDLIN' DREAMS (a rustic acoustic folk/country/rock affair that sort of harkened back to her Lone Justice days), LATE DECEMBER harkens back to the power-pop/rock eclecticism of her 2003 comeback HIGH DIVE. Her voice soars on all twelve tracks, written either by her alone or in collaboration with her producer husband Jim Akin, in such a way as to make her perfect for Broadway. But there's the R&B influences as well, on the title track and "No Other Way To Love You." And there is also the kind of cautionary note on "One Eye On The Sky (One On The Grave)", which is faintly reminiscent of HIGH DIVE's "From Our TV Teens To The Tomb."

What this album, and all of those in Maria's canon, dating all the way back to Lone Justice, shows is that she has always had the goods in every facet and has always had a hugely eclectic musical pallet--and, unfortunately, has also been far too good to be accepted on corporate radio in America. This is why it is best to pick up this CD and experience this tremendously gifted and youthful lady who still packs a vocal punch in her early 40s.

Holy Glam Rock! Maria McKee Saves Rock N Roll.......2007-05-09

Holy Glam Rock! Maria McKee saves Rock N Roll single handedly with this glam rock explosion! What an amazing power-pop record. The second song, No Other Way To Love You sums up what Rock has been missing. Life is sweet, indeeed! This album has restored my faith in Rock!

Maria does it again...and again...and again...and again.......2007-04-28

Ahhhhh Maria. Still not doing what everyone expects of you. Why doesn't she play this? Why doesn't she record that? Why doesn't each new record sound like the last one? How do we solve a problem like Maria?

You little diva indeed.

In my opinion, the new album is flippin' brilliant. My favourite so far, I think. Truly. Amazing. No Other Way to Love You may be the most gorgeously perfect pop song she's ever recorded. I am 3 months sober and Power On, Little Star leaves me shaking and in tears. I LOVE Destine - killer hook in it. Would love to see her play it live. And Starving Pretty is rich and full and melodic and...again...Maria breaks my heart. Did I mention Late December? Uhhh, goosebumps. The end of a relationship? The end of a career? The end of a life? But still, the hope of starting over. Maria sees the bleakness but holds onto hope.

This woman is a genius. I cannot believe we have been blessed with five (count 'em, five) Maria albums since 2003. Around year 2000, I seriously wondered if we would ever hear from her again. I believe that LD is a more accomplished, cohesive album than High Dive. The production is stellar and exciting and Maria seems to understand now that, no matter what, her voice needs to stay front and center in the mix. She and Jim have done a remarkable job with this one.

Thank you, Maria, for a lifetime of music and passion and hope.

Life is sweet.

Caution: Rant ahead:
Why? Why? Why does every song/album that Maria records HAVE to be compared to some other sound/singer/genre, blah, blah, blah? Has the world not figured out yet that she is her very own universe, guided by her own insane muse? It's obvious. It's been obvious for a long time. She's not interested in doing the same thing twice. Ever. Let's all get over it. She's never doing an album of Bob Dylan covers. Ain't gonna happen! Record critics are truly out-to-lunch. Thank God for Thom Jurek!

A Sheer Sonic Delight.......2007-04-27

As my wife can attest, I am a mark for all things Maria - and have been since buying that first Lone Justice album back in 1985. Yes, of course, through the years she's evolved, exploring different musical terrains and challenging us fans - as all artists should. As far as this album: it's a sheer sonic delight that echoes the likes of David Bowie, the Drifters, Laura Nyro, Queen, Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen and many others. Yet, as with all of her albums, the end result is 100-percent Maria: eccentric, heartfelt, theatrical and ... just plain addictive.

The finger-snapping title cut, about love on its last legs - or maybe just the fear of such ("baby, when can we start over?") - conjures NYC in winter with its bed of Nyro-like vocal flourishes and "Walk on the Wild Side"-esque spoken-word interludes. Another favorite: "No Other Way to Love You," which builds from its "On Broadway"-like intro to become ... well, I already used the word "addictive," but I'll use it again. It's a sweeping, hypnotic song about giving one's self over to love in total: "Want to talk about your wild horses/and the strength of 100 men/Attila and all his forces/couldn't keep me away from him ...." You'll feel Maria's sweat flying from the speakers, guaranteed. (Check out the guitar work on it, too.)

Other highlights: her cover of her own "A Good Heart," originally a hit for Feargal Sharkey way back when; the aching "My First Night without You"; the utterly poetic, operatic rocker "One Eye on the Sky (One Eye on the Grave)," in which she demonstrates why she's sometimes called "a punk Edith Piaf"; and the closing "Starving Pretty," in which she sings a song for starving artists everywhere: "lean on me, baby/we're going to make it/we're paperthin/we're gonna win...." The most challenging song, I suppose, is the oddball "Cat in the Wall" - but (as often is the case with Maria) there's a metaphor at play there. In a way, it's a bit like having a cat knead you - it's wonderful even though the tips of its claws dig a bit into the skin.

Of course, having singled out those seven songs, I feel compelled to single out the other five. I won't but, suffice it to say, "Late December" is an album that demands repeated plays; and, as all great albums, gets better with each listen.

Average customer rating:

Soothing, moving, delightful!
Great sound!!
A Welcoming Journey Through the Holiday Season
A Jazzy Christmas Album
Smooth Jazz

December
Chris Botti
Manufacturer: Columbia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000I0QKD8
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

The Christmas Song
Ave Maria
Winter Wonderland
The First Noel
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Hallelujah
I Really Don't Want Much For Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Silent Night
Little Drummer Boy
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
I'll Be Home For Christmas

Customer Reviews:

Soothing, moving, delightful!.......2007-06-26

I am not the trumpet enthusiast my husband is, so when I requested this CD to please his palate, I was dubious about how much I would enjoy adding it to the holiday CD rotation. It is fabulous! It feels both fresh and familiar at the same time, soothing, yet festive. Particularly impressive is the beautiful arrangement of Ave Maria. A wonderful, (for the most part) instrumental holiday collection I would recommend to all - no jazz experience required!

Great sound!!.......2007-01-12

This cd is a must if you like holiday music and Chris Botti's sound. Have seen Mr. Botti a couple of times in concert. His music live and on cd are both wonderful. Encourage anyone who enjoys jazz to purchase this cd and others from Mr. Botti. You will be glad you did.

A Welcoming Journey Through the Holiday Season.......2007-01-11

Chris Botti's music for the holiday season delivers with the essence of peace, love and a level of spirituality so welcome at a time when, try as we might, chaos seems to reign in our lives. It's the middle of January and I am still listening to this inspiring CD. BRAVO.

A Jazzy Christmas Album.......2007-01-10

Finally a Christmas album that doesn't make me sick with the syrupy sweet, tired lyrics. I've heard it said that as entertainers achieve fame, they are compelled to do a Christmas album. Please make them stop! Chris Botti has a winner here and is a nice, jazzy take on the standards that is best enjoyed with a nice glass of Shiraz.

Smooth Jazz.......2007-01-03

Botti phrases like an accomplished singer. The melodies are mellow and sound effortless. Relaxing, romantic and beautiful. I've listened to it over and over.

Average customer rating:

Excellent CD
Good for any age
Absolutely Gorgeous! The Best Piano Solo Album Of All-Time.
It's Christmas in July
Catkin's reveiw

December
George Winston
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All The Seasons Of George Winston: Piano Solos

ASIN: B000000NFI
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Thanksgiving
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head
Joy
Prelude
Carol of the Bells
Night: Part One: Snow
Night: Part Two: Midnight
Night: Part Three: Minstrels
Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel
The Holly And The Ivy
Some Children See Him
Peace

Amazon.com essential recording

Customer Reviews:

Excellent CD.......2007-06-11

December by George Winston is about as close to perfect as you can get. Winston's phenomenal interpretations and originals form a masterpeice. Classified as a Holiday album, this is an album to enjoy all through the year. Although each selection here is very good, Variations On The Kanon By Pachelbel is simply a wonderful piece. I did have the pleasure of seeing George Winston in concert and I would receommend that any fan try to experience the music live with introductions by the pianist. I would also recommend December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition which is an updated version of this excellent CD.

An outstanding 5 star CD.

Good for any age.......2007-04-09

There is something in this music which has been with ever since I listened to it first time back in 1987. Soundtrack of my life...

Absolutely Gorgeous! The Best Piano Solo Album Of All-Time........2005-12-30

I honestly don't feel it is even the slightest of exaggerations to label this recording as the Greatest Piano Solo Album Of All-Time. Even at nearly a quarter of a century old, it has only become better with age. I was first introduced to "December" at the mature age of 10, and I fell in love with it immediately. My mother would play it at Christmas, time and time again, and oddly enough I never tired of the haunting melodies. In the nearly twenty years since, I've found that while much of the music has a holiday theme, I enjoy listening to the tracks year-round. And in all that time I've found nothing that even comes close to matching the beauty, feeling or power of this exquisite creation. Winston pours such depth and feeling into each compilation that, if you're not careful, you find yourself begin to sway with the melody, much the same fashion as a teenager headbanging to a punk-rock band. But of course this is much more subtle and sophisticated. Truth be told, I credit Winston (and to some degree Chip Davis) with my desire to learn the piano. Fortunately my wife had the foresight this year to do what I could not bring myself to do, and presented me with piano lessons for Christmas. My one desire is to someday be good enough to eek out an intelligible semblance of this timeless album for family and friends at the holidays... but I won't hold my breath. Winston is a Master, and I don't believe I have either the time, nor the talent, to hold even the dimmest of candles to his "bright as noon-day" masterpiece. Enjoy!

It's Christmas in July.......2004-07-27

I am not really big on instrumental music. A lot of it reminds me of that cheeseball Yanni. My favorite instrumentalist is George Winston. I absolutely love his album "December". I have always loved this particular album for as long as I can remember. I remember borrowing my mom's cassette copy of this album several years ago and I still have it to this very day. It is truly one of my personal favorite albums in my entire (almost) 30 years of life. No matter what time of year it is, I can always throw it in and chill to the music. The music is so enchanting. I especially love "Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head". It is one of my personal favorite songs on the album. It truly moves me emotionally. George's piano playing is flawless. It flows like a running stream. I love the simplicity of the music which is just George's piano playing. I think having other instruments would have convoluted the music. I also adore the variations on Pachelbel's "Canon", my personal favorite baroque movement. George does a lovely job with his unique interpretation of the song. After eight hours at the office and listening to my goth/industrial/ebm/techno cds, it is nice to listen to more soothing music to relax too.

Catkin's reveiw.......2003-03-14

i think dat is a very good cd, especially for christmas and we put it on whenever we hav a family time.
Thank-you george!

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4; The Seasons ("July"-"December") [SACD ]

Average customer rating:

The best of the best.

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4; The Seasons ("July"-"December") [SACD ]

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Albert Roussel: Symphonies Nos. 1 "Le Poème de la forêt" & 4

ASIN: B000O77SG8
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

I. Andante Sostenuto-Moderato Con Anima-Moderato Assai, Quasi Andante-Allegro Vivo
II. Andantino In Modo Di Canzone
III. Scherzo. Pizzicato Ostinato-Allegro
IV. Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco
VII. July: Reaper's Song
VIII. August: Harvest
IX. September: Hunting
X. October: Autumn Song
XI. November: Troika
XII. December: Christmas-Tide

Amazon.com

The famously rich Philadelphia strings continue to sound terrific in Tchaikovsky, while the expert winds and brass shine on this disc. The opening fanfare, in which Eschenbach takes a more leisurely and less doom-laden approach than we hear from most Russian conductors, tells us his interpretation will emphasize structural balance over shorter-term thrills. Not that excitement is lacking, but this is a cooler, less overtly emotional approach that some may find a good complement to more-emotional versions in the catalogue. Eschenbach's reading also displays more-relaxed tempos than are usually heard, while bringing out myriad welcome details that might otherwise be lost. Still, despite comparable timings, Bernstein's New York Philharmonic performance has more rhythmic snap and excitement, while Mravinsky's classic Leningrad version remains in a class by itself. Eschenbach is at the piano for the final six months of The Seasons, reminding us that he was a world-class pianist before he turned to conducting. He displays keyboard command of Tchaikovsky's charming vignettes of the months, much as he did in his traversal of the first six of the set when coupled with his recording of the Tchaikovsky Fifth. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

The best of the best........2007-07-03

I have all of the current SACD Multichannel hybrids of this Symphony and have been waiting for the right one. I have been disappointed in all of the current SACD's and have been waiting for Telarc to record a new SACD of this.
They have apparently been restricted with budget for new classical recordings
and we'll have to wait. This Ondine recording is very good and better than all of the current offerings. The technical recording aspects and the performance are very good. It is done with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
It will probably be the best availble until Telarc finally get it to the top of their recording list.

Average customer rating:

"December" by Kenny Loggins
A Holiday Treasury Of Songs!
One of the best Christmas CDs
The Bells of Christmas Ring for All of Us!!!!!!
A True Christmas Classic

December
Kenny Loggins
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Christmas Time Is Here
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ASIN: B00000DCH8
Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

Walking In The Air
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
The Bells Of Christmas
Coventry Carol
Christmas Time Is Here
Angels In The Snow
White Christmas
Some Children See Him
On Christmas Morning
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
December

Customer Reviews:

"December" by Kenny Loggins.......2007-06-08

I absolutely love this album by Kenny. It is far from the ordinary Christmas time music that is usually heard in December.

A Holiday Treasury Of Songs!.......2007-05-11

This album is one of my favorite secular music albums for Christmas-time. Ths artist's combination of fine arrangements and skillful orchestral accompaniments make for a most enjoyable experience. I can heartily recommend this CD to every family, whether or not you have followed the career and work of Kenny Loggins...

One of the best Christmas CDs .......2006-12-21

Wonderful! Really wonderful! I listen to this CD and it brings back great memories. The songs are beautiful and beautifully done.

The Bells of Christmas Ring for All of Us!!!!!!.......2006-12-04

Well people...wouldn't you know that it takes Holiday music to bring this old Seer out of hiding......but it's a good thing and, when is there more an appropriate time to re-ignite the love of music? No finer time I say.
I purchased this c.d. a few seasons ago. Although a fan of Kenny Loggins, I hadn't heard any of this-but I figured that judging by Kenny's past excellence, how could I go wrong? I was right on! Although aged-my Seer's instincts are still sharp! Kenny does not disappoint on this wonderful offering! A pure, emotional, exhilarating experience.
We begin with "Walking In the Air", an ethereal, atmospheric magical journey of the season to come-and from there he creates a pasticco of music-drawing heavily on creative, reflective moods. And being reflective myself-this is the stuff my dreams are made of. Lilting, light, beautiful shades of music and vocals. So fine, so very fine. Be forewarned-this not the jaunty jingle bells of long ago-instead Kenny takes us on an awe-inspiring sleighride. One of beauty-like seeing the lights on the tree light up for the first time. How wonderful.
And what of the songs? The newer material fits in nicely with the old chestnuts. But one song, overwhelms me each time I hear it. That is "The Bells of Christmas". A lovely, melancholy yearning to return to the magic known as Christmas. Kenny has touched on a universal feeling in all of this with this-and, to me, this is one of the best songs he's ever done.
He reinvents "The Christmas Song" (one of Metamorphos favorite top 3 Holiday tunes of all-time) moving it to a slower mode and interesting arrangement. Also in his bag of tricks is mellow- jazz tinged guitar reworking of "White Christmas". It is a wonderful thing to hear renditions of known songs be molded to an artists style as accomplished as Kenny Loggins.
This c.d. is like a prayer - soft-yearning-spiritual, and a joy to all that take the quiet time to listen. Get this. Marvel at the beauty here. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Thank-you Kenny. Your music has always been inspirational and a joy!
Must go. I hear my Spirit Guides listening to this in the other room. They better save me some egg nog!
Again-a fine effort with great class!
Wishing a happy season to all my readers....... Yours, Metamorpho

A True Christmas Classic.......2005-01-10

Kenny set out to creat a "Romantic Christmas" album and boy did he ever! There is not one song on here I don't enjoy. Music should always take you somewhere else and this CD does the job!
The dreamy "Walking In The Air" sets the mood perfectly and is followed by a stunning rendition of "The Christmas Song" and is followed by Track after Track of more of the same tone set at the beginning. This CD stirrs the hope and love people feel for family and friends, and even some bittersweet memories too.One of my favorite tracks is "White Christmas" and another is "Some Children See Him", both are just wonderful arrangments that deserve a listen to, as well as the entire CD.
Good Job Kenny!

Average customer rating:

A must!
dale warland singers
Very fine collection - well sung
One of the great choral recordings
Well-compiled and sung lesser-known works for the holidays.

December Stillness
The Dale Warland Singers
Manufacturer: American Choral
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003M4S
Release Date: 1995-09-30

Tracks:

Long, Long Ago
Song Of Cherubim
The Rune Of Hospitality
Corpus Christi Carol
Magnificat
All Night Vigil, Opus 37: Praise The Name Of The Lord
The Oxen
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Four Motets For Christmastime: Quem vidistis pastores dicite
Evensong
Little Tree

Customer Reviews:

A must!.......2005-09-26

One of the most beautiful, well-made choral CDs to be released anywhere in recent memory. A must for any choral enthusiast. Wonderfully fresh, gorgeous, and challenging program. One or two of the tracks, such as Busto's Ave Maria and Part's Magnificat are slightly below the choir's standard of excellence, but it is easy to forgive considering the incredible performances on the rest of the CD. The Penderecki, Houkom, and Paulus in particular are absolutely ravishing; I truly don't think choral singing has ever gotten closer to perfection.

dale warland singers.......2005-07-01

once again the dale warland singers have produced a recording of wonderful singing and terrific (while perhaps slightly obscure) repertoire. this eclectic recording of lesser-known choral works is truly worth purchasing. from the simplistic beauty of "little tree" to the fresh dissonances of "the rune of hospitality", this recording is a treasure. however, i would recommend it to those with an experience ear.

Very fine collection - well sung.......2003-06-12

At times I have not been terribly impressed with albums like this from American choirs, but this one is very good indeed. It's certainly an eclectic collection, including music from around the world. The singing is almost always exceptional, with some outstanding interpretations of the lesser-known works. My favourites would have to be the two settings of 'Ave Maria' by Stravinsky and Javier Busto (a Basque composer, who has developed a wonderful choral-writing style). Also of note are Part's 'Magnificat' and Poulenc's 'Quem Vidistes Pastores'.

I highly recommend this recording - as other reviewers have said, it's worth playing all year round (in New Zealand, the stillness is in July anyway - not December!).

One of the great choral recordings.......2002-04-20

Minneapolis-based conductor Dale Warland directs this superb chorus that specializes in 20th-century music. The collection here is an outstanding demonstration of the group's artistry, with some compositions by well-knowns such as Stravinsky and Arvo Prt, and others that are relatively unknown.

It's hard to choose favorites from such a line-up, but the vocal and artistic highlight for me is Penderecki's "Song of Cherubim" - an absolutely stunning piece sung with the precision that is one of the hallmarks of this group. Alf Houkom's "The Rune of Hospitality" has a gorgeous melody that resonated in my head for days afterward. I also like Trond Kverno's magnificent "Corpus Christi Carol," and Stephen Paulus' quietly moving "Evensong." But every single track is a gem, and throughout the program, this remarkable group demonstrates impeccable technique and ensemble unity.

American Choral Classics has done this project justice with sound of crystal clarity and presence. When coupled with such artistry, the result is one of the finest choral recordings I have ever heard.

Don't be deterred by the "holiday" nature of the collection. The music and the performances are of such a high caliber, you'll want to listen to it year-round.

Well-compiled and sung lesser-known works for the holidays........1999-08-27

This is a very well-conceived collection of mostly lesser-known choral gems for the holidays, combined with a few more famous selections. For years, Warland has championed the cause of otherwise obscure choral works, as well as choral composers whose works deserve a broader audience. The benefit to these composers, their works, and the discerning listener, is the consummate professionalism, musicianship, artistry, and craftsmanship with which Dale Warland, his singers, and even the recording engineers and technicians lend to their album projects.

As a former student of Dr. Alf S. Houkom, composer of "The Rune of Hospitality" (found on this recording), and a choral conductor myself, I rejoiced in the knowledge that this work, and others like it, are finally getting the exposure, as well as the professional treatment, that they so richly deserve. Bravo, Mr. Warland, and thank you for the gift of this album. This is truly in the spirit of the season.

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