An Acapella Christmas

The Manhattan Transfer | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B000I0QJH0
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,577 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

These sophisticated jazz singers prove just how much their vocal versatility has always embraced pop, doo-wop, rounds, and a cappella music when the foursome explores 10 Christmas songs on a disc that previously was available only in Japan. The group transports "Jingle Bells" to the '40s in a sweeping nostalgic turn and do a knockout take on Charles Brown’s low-down "Merry Christmas Baby" that showcases how elegantly funky they can be. An Acapella Christmas balances the more sophisticated harmony singing the group is known for alongside straightforward versions of "Christmas Is Coming," "Good King Wenceslas" (complete with kid voices), and an otherwise forgettable blatant play for radio on "My Grown-Up Christmas List." But with can't-miss readings of "Christmas Time Is Here," "White Christmas," and a totally magical exploration of "Toyland," the Manhattan Transfer delivers the kind of holiday record certain to please first time listeners while satisfying longtime fans. --Martin Keller

Product Description

The world's most popular jazz vocal group delivered this beautiful Christmas card to Japan in 2004, featuring heart warming, instrument-less renditions of "Good King Wenceslas", "Merry Christmas Baby", "Winter Wonderland", "White Christmas" and many more. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific, if not too much acapella..., November 7, 2006

By 

Richard Roland (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Acapella Christmas (Audio CD)

These are astoundingly brilliant arrangements and the group sounds amazing here. For me, however, a little acapella goes a long way. Most of these tracks here are doubled, some even tripled, and the effect is that of a large group of people singing, which sounds beautiful, but I'd rather hear just the four voices backed up by a trio when it comes to these tunes. And sometimes it's better to execute a tune by just singing it straight ahead with no funky surprise key changes, but that's me being picky. On the other hand, the production is warm, personal and joyous. It's a great companion to their previous Christmas album.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most pleasing holiday album I've ever heard., December 28, 2007

By 

Thomas Stafford (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: An Acapella Christmas (Audio CD)

I've been a long-time fan of The Manhattan Transfer, but there have been some disappointing moments for me by them in the past. Sometimes I only like one or two songs on an album (Vibrate), or I will see the artistry in an album, but not be able to get through it all because it is too cerebral and perfect (Vocalese). This, their second holiday album, is probably one of the best recordings I have ever heard from them. There are imperfections like when the kids sing but, hey, they're kids and that's great. The harmony and the precise tone and dynamics of the quartet are spot on and it makes for pure pleasure. Alan Paul's arrangement of Jingle Bells is one of the best arrangements I have ever heard of this song and the Transfer sound as if they're really enjoying singing it. However, as one listens, it's easy to tell that this is no walk in the park musically. Tight harmonies and complex rhythms make the piece soar to new heights. If you buy only one holiday album, buy this one. You'll be glad you did.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Christmas CD, November 25, 2006

By 

barb "barbthechef" - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Acapella Christmas (Audio CD)

Loved every cut on this Acapella cd. Manhattan Transfer does such an amazing job keeping true to their sound as well as putting their own twist on an arrangement. Great addition to your Holiday Tune Collection.
Recently saw them in concert in Seattle and they just keep on making terrific music.
:-) Barbthechef