Customer Reviews

The Canadian Brass Noel with Guest Stars

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Is it just me, or are there just too many intonation "disagreements" on too many tracks? The All Stars include a number of pro brass luminaries, but the arrangements are too "corps" style for my taste. That said, in an age when BLAST is on Broadway, maybe I'm just not willing to compromise that much. They all play extremely well, of course, but the mix is "in your face"--a studio mix that doesn't do brass instruments justice. Maybe this project suffered from the ears of the producer, or it was cranked out in a hurry. In any case, I'm disappointed.

There is something about Christams music played by brass instruments. The Canadian Brass is a magnificent ensemble, and I have enjoyed almost everything they have produced. There is some magnificent material on this album. I am particularly drawn to Happy Christmas, sung here with the King's Singers and Children's Choir. I would not want to be without this album in my collection.

Still, there is something unsatisfying about this recording. Quite a few of these arrangements are jazz influenced, and the mixture doesn't come off very well. I have nothing against jazz, but I would prefer an original song intended for this treatment to the mixture of jazz with traditional carols. Even so, this recording is a fine one, and I highly recommend it.

For the past two or three years, this CD has been our family's favorite Christmas CD. Brass is a great sound for Christmas, with both sparkle and mellow richness. This CD packs a nice variety of music, with upbeat jazzy pieces and soft soothing pieces ("Sweet Songs of Christmas" is just lovely). Many pieces really show off the brass, while others allow the guest artists to shine. Our small children, ages 3 and 7, adore this CD and have several favorite selections. They especially love the opening fanfare, "The Toy Trumpet," and the brass-made horse whinny at the end of the sleigh ride medley. My husband enjoys the unusually upbeat version of "The Holly and the Ivy," which spotlights James Galway. There are many clever,unique, and special arrangements, all pulled off with great quality. Something for everyone that can be listened to over and over without becoming tiresome.

The "Canadian Brass" Christmas album "Noel" has been a favorite of mine for years. It is a great cd to listen to while decorating the tree or driving home for the holidays. "Oh Holy Night" sends chills up my spine every year I hear it! "The Toy Trumpet" is a fun song not only for adults but for children as well. "Angels We Have Heard on High" is breathtaking and truly puts me in the holiday spirit. If you are searching for the perfect holiday gift for a music lover, or just want a holiday album to sing along with - "Canadian Brass - Noel" is the album to buy! You will cherish it for years to come.

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

You must know that I am a huge Canadian Brass fan, and I absolutely love Christmas music. With that combination, what could be better than a Canadian Brass Christmas album? Well, this one left me wanting more.

My primary objection to this recording is its frequent use of guest artists. Six out of the eighteen tracks include rather random musical additions like a flute, a guitar, a clarinet, and various singers. Though each of these musicians are highly capable at their craft, I found their presence to be always unnecessary and often cumbersome and intrusive.

Ultimately, the Canadian Brass (and brass music, in general) provides such a distinctive and glorious sound that I find it to be considerably shortchanged when accompanied by other musicians. I would have much preferred a purely Canadian Brass album.

Of course, it is still the Canadian Brass, so it is musically outstanding, especially on the tracks which feature them alone. The album remains quite solid, and I listen to it each December. I just wish that they had done their own thing, discarding the need to include others into the mix. I would recommend many other Canadian Brass albums ahead of this one.

That said, I enjoy this CD. It's not the traditional Christmas CD you would expect from the brass. If you want that, pick up "The Christmas Album". Someone complained that these guys have released too many Christmas CDs. I don't know. I just know that this one is different and maybe that justifies another release. It has a variety of styles and is more contemporary-sounding. It sounds at times traditional or classical and at times like big band and at times like light jazz. The added musicians and soloists add even more textures and sounds. So, no, this is not a typical brass recording, however, it is a very creative and enjoyable recording. Why does every artist have to be pigeon-holed and held accountable to listeners expectations? With an open mind you might really enjoy most if not all of the selections. Recommended.

I had the old cassett tape and loved it. I can put the CD on my I-Pod.

As a brass player I love the Canadian Brass and hear them whenever they are near. This is my favorite Christmas album of theirs.

The two Stan Kenton arrangements for the Canadian Brass Jazz All-Stars are out of this world.