Customer Reviews

An Acapella Christmas

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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

This CD is *MUCH* better than their earlier "The Christmas Album". That album was way too "normal"... This one swings a lot more, but is still kinda bland. The last couple of CDs have been a little less "experimental" than some of their earlier works. "Vocalese" is still kind of the standard I judge them by. This one does not rise to that level.

I love Christmas music and if you do, too, this one is a good addition to your library of Christmas CDs.

"Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year"

I'm sure all of us love Christmas time. I do and I've always loved Christmas Season. It always brings out the inner child in me. It also dispels the general notion that "Christmas is for children." To borrow a line from "The Christmas Song," it is for kids from "one to ninety-two." To me, it is that special time of the year that calls to mind cherished childhood Christmas memories. I have to admit that as a child and as a teenager it was my very favorite annual celebration, and as an adult, it holds true that it is still my favorite time of the year.

I have always enjoyed the music of Manhattan Transfer and I recently added "An Acapella Christmas" to my collection. The material includes Christmas carols arranged and recorded in acapella style thereby making them so appealing to the ears. Any album of Manhattan Transfer will always give the listeners an assured enjoyable listening experience and this recording is not an exception. They will sure to impress the listeners with their well-harmonized voices and incredible flair in scatting.

The greatness of a Christmas album is when the material includes songs that epitomize Christmas such as "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas," "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland." Well, if you love these songs, you are in for a real Christmas goody from Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul and Janis Siegel. Even without the embellishment of an orchestra or a band to back them, it is still a very enjoyable listen and definitely one of the group's most remarkable recordings.

An added delight is the participation of their children on "Good King Wenceslas" (Gabrielle Skoletsky, Zöe Allen, Lily Hauser, Basie Hauser, Keely Pickering and Arielle Paul) and Zöe Allen again for additional vocals on "My Grown Up Christmas List."

While I did enjoy all the songs, my ears are eternally enthralled with Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson's "Christmas Time Is Here." I call it the album's charming centerpiece.

"Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year"

Nothing adds glitter to everybody's favorite time of the year than listening to some of the finest Christmas music such as this. It is a uniquely beautiful Christmas album that I merrily recommend to "kids from one to ninety-two." Celebrate a heartfelt, warm and delightful Yuletide Season and make this album a part of your Christmas parties, reunions and get-togethers year after year.

And from my heart to yours...may your Holidays be filled with happy times and warm memories, and bright hopes and good cheers for 2010!

This is a fabulous collection of old and new Christmas songs done A Cappella.
A great addition to those who like to have something different to listen to during their holiday gatherings. Quite an amazing group of VERY talented people!. BUY IT!

The Manhattan Transfer has done something I swore could not be done...they bettered their 1992 Christmas album!

The album features the usual close, lush harmonies, and the beauty of the song "Toyland" will have to be experienced to be believed. While the work is not strictly "a capella" (in the style of the chapel; singing without instruments) the instrumental accompaniment heard throughout is understated and quietly supports the singers.

Be warned ..."Good King Wenceslas" features children's voices, which, while pleasant, are by no means professional (though there is one lovely young women's voice heard at one point...she has a definite gift).

This recording will enthrall you from the first swinging sounds of "Jingle Bells".

The Manhattan Transfer has done something I swore could not be done...they bettered their 1992 Christmas album!

The album features the usual close, lush harmonies, and the beauty of the song "Toyland" will have to be experienced to be believed. While the work is not strictly "a capella" (in the style of the chapel; singing without instruments) the instrumental accompaniment heard throughout is understated and quietly supports the singers.

Be warned ..."Good King Wenceslas" features children's voices, which, while pleasant, are by no means professional (though there is one lovely young women's voice heard at one point...she has a definite gift).

I hope MT chooses to release this in America soon, rather than keeping it as in import only. But it does not matter...An Acapella Christmas is worth the the additional expense!

A must have for any fan of The Manhattan Transfer, or simply any lover of good time, spirited, holiday cheer. Whether you choose to raise the volume and join the chorus, or choose a softer background tone, this collection is not only traditional Christmas, it's tradition Transfer. No fan could possibly be disappointed by this classic. Only Scrooge would miss adding this to his yearly play list. The Manhattan Transfer...melodic and ever better with age.

I saw Manhattan Transfer in Seattle a couple of months before Christmas, and they announced they had this coming out...but I never saw it at the store so ordered it from Amazon. It's really great and includes their kids, who were on their previous Christmas CD at a much younger age.