Customer Reviews

Christmas Album (Spkg)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I trace my eclectic Christmas music tastes to my childhood. My parents had some Christmas albums they'd pull out every year. As a result, these albums, by artists I haven't heard of anywhere else, are so ingrained in me that the first few notes immediately make me think of Christmas past. This is one of those albums.

Originally released in 1968, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass's holiday offering was a hit, reaching the #1 spot three Christmases in a row. It's been out of print for many years except for a brief issue on CD until this year, when it was released as part of the Herb Alpert Signature Series. It's been fully restored and includes a booklet talking about the release.

So what about the music? This is a mostly instrumental recording featuring Herb on the trumpet and the drums, guitars, and maracas of the band as well. This makes for unique arrangements of the classic songs. I guarantee you have nothing like this in your collection.

I say mostly instrumental because a choir is involved. Mostly, they hum the melody for a few measures and then let the band take over, sometimes coming in later to highlight the melody again. In addition, Herb sings on two songs. His version of "The Christmas Song" isn't going to top anyone lists of favorite versions, but is good. I've only heard "The Bell that Couldn't Jingle" here, but this time Herb's vocals are better suited to the song. It's a fun little number about Santa and Jack Frost helping a Bell find his jingle again.

And fun best describes the arrangements on this disc. The choir opens with a few a cappella measures of "Winter Wonderland," then the band takes over with a samba arrangement that will be sure to have you dancing. The samba rhythm applies to "Jingle Bells" as well. "My Favorite Things" is probably the most original song here (and also a huge hit at the time of original release). It features several breaks and changes in tempo. You have to listen closely sometimes to follow the melody of all of these songs, but the music is so much fun to listen to, you'll be tapping your toes or dancing along before you know it.

The samba rhythm is still going strong for "Sleigh Ride," but they slow things down and switch to more jazz inspired arrangements for the final three songs. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is especially unique because the choir hums the melody throughout to the accompaniment of the band.

This CD is not for everyone, but if you like something different to break up the monotony that can set in come December 20th, this is a CD to check out. I am so glad it is back in print so I can once again enjoy it for many Christmases to come.

A major component of my music library (6,000 titles and growing), is my ever expanding holiday music collection. It includes everything from John Fahey to the Chieftains to NRBQ to Vince Guaraldi and, of course, the holiday stylings of everyone's favorite mariachi band--Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.

While at times the Ray Connif-esque voices overpower the music, this is a welcome reissue of a classic Christmas album. Especially enjoyable are such songs as the Rodgers and Hammerstein gem "My Favorite Things," along with "Las Mananitas" and "Jingle Bell Rock." And while it won't make you forget Nat King Cole's version, there is a certain charm to Alpert's vocal on "The Christmas Song."

This is a straight reissue of the 1968 album with no bonus tracks (so it clocks in at just under 32 minutes). But if you grew up in the Sixties listening to Herb Alpert, this is an album guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. RECOMMENDED

After many years of being out-of-print, the Tijuana Brass Christmas Album comes back as an entry in Shout Factory's Herb Alpert Signature Series.
The original cover is restored and the music is mastered much better than previously available on A&M's CD.
This is such a beautiful collection of Christmas tunes with dynamic arrangements by Herb Alpert and beautiful choral and string arrangements by Shorty Rogers. The accompanying 20 page booklet includes thoughtful liner notes, an introduction by Herb Alpert himself and many great photos of the Brass throughout their career.
From Rodgers and Hammerstein to Leroy Anderson to Bach, Alpert tackles a wide variety of seasonal favorites with joyous verve and traditional respect.
Among the highlights are the sprightly opening take on "Winter Wonderland" where Shorty Long's chorus intermingles with Herb's trumpet to create pastoral scenes without using any actual lyrics; the unique stop and start arrangement of "My Favorite Things" which was a chart hit for the Brass; the Mariachi flavored "Las Mananitas" which was orginally only available as a b-side to the "Whipped Cream" single; and Herb's sentimental vocal treatment of Robert Wells and Mel Torme's "Christmas Song".
The only fault I can find with this album is that the playing time seems to be over all too soon.
So I just let it play again.

I grew up in the 70's listening to this Christmas album. I was so enraptured by it as a child, I believed that the photo(of Herb Alpert)on the vinyl sleeve was a bonafide picture of old St. Nick!

In addition to the fantastic picture on the front of this remastered CD there is a wealth of fantastic Christmas music inside.

"Las Mananitas" is voluptuously sentimental. The version of "Jingle Bell Rock" is perfect for a little holiday burlesque . And "The Bell That Couldn't Jingle" is as sweet as a Christmas cookie.

I can't imagine a better way to spend a Christmas night than sitting in front of a lit tree, sipping a glass of Christmas Cheer and listening to this sumptuous CD.

A seasonal hit for Herb Alpert and his Brass band, this album was recorded in the late sixties and was on the Christmas charts for three or four years. Shout Factory and Herb Alpert have remastered this delightful Christmas collection and reissued it several weeks ago (Oct. 05'). "The Christmas Album" remains an evergreen. My only complaint is, it's too brief at 31 minutes, you would love to have it go on and on. Jazz great Shorty Rodgers did the arrangements and they are spirited and infectious. The Bachrach/David composition, "The Bell That Wouldn't Jingle" should be in the holiday canon, it is such a charming tune. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good buy is, Herb Albert's Christmas Album.

I LOVE it! I had heard one of the songs, Sleigh Ride, on the local radio station and decided to look it up. I only wish I could have gotten the album before Christmas so I could have listened to it more. Most of the songs are instrumentals and are easy to listen to while working or relaxing. It is going on my shelf with my other Christmas favorites: Manheim Steamroller Christmas, Fresh Aire, and Joyfull Stings.

I have not heard this Christmas Album in well over 30 years so I decided to buy the CD. This version is one of the best around with a good clear sound. I still wish the Tijuana Brass would come out with more great stuff but this will suffice. Herb Alpert is still one of the best horn players around..second to none!!

This album has been part of our family ever sence I can remember. We all were so happy to find it on CD. We love it!Christmas Album

Fabulous disc. I bought it for my mom, then decided I had to have another one for myself! Standout tunes plus some favorite staples.

After hearing a Herb Alpert Christmas song on the radio, I looked to see if he had an album. This CD sounds great. It's uplifting and fun and it's a little different from other Christmas albums. I recommend it...you'll enjoy it! Merry Christmas!