Customer Reviews

A Christmas Album

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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It's hard to believe this is James Taylor's first Christmas collection - almost all the songs on "A Christmas Album" seem like such a natural fit for his style, or perhaps he has molded the songs to fit, either way, this is easily one of my favorite Christmas CD's. Produced by Dave Grusin, an accomplished composer and performing artist himself, "A Christmas Album" also features Natalie Cole, Chris Botti, John Pizzarelli and Mr. Grusin as collaborators. The whole CD is as enchanting as it is laid-back. There are gorgeous pop-jazz versions of "Winter Wonderland," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "The Christmas Song". There is also an engagingly simple new-age flavored version of "Auld Lang Syne" and a funk-blues version of "Jingle Bells". Dave Grusin and James Taylor make great partners, particularly on the gospel song "Go Tell It on the Mountain". While I like everything on this album, three songs stand out the most for me; the straightforward and graceful interpretations of "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Some Children See Him" and the tropical-flavored cover of "Baby, It's Cold Outside". This duet with Natalie Cole is easily one of the best versions, right up there with Louis Armstrong & Velma Middleton's and Ray Charles & Betty Carter's. I like this album so much, I'm still listening to it a month after Christmas.

"Christmas holiday music is a rich and varied bag. These particular songs have lived in my head these many years. I'm lucky and happy to have the chance to put them down, and what a delight it's been to work (play, really) with Mr. Grusin."
~ James Taylor ~

"First I would like to express my appreciation to Hallmark for the opportunity to work with an incredible American icon, James Taylor, to all the fabulous musicians who helped realize this project, and to Natalie Cole who surpassed our wildest dreams. The absolute fun we had in designing and recording these settings and arrangements was a uniquely enjoyable experience for all of us. I hope you could hear some of that glee when you listen to these songs. Finally, Thanks to James Taylor for one of the best times of my life, musically and otherwise. Merry Christmas to all."
~ Dave Grusin ~

If you prefer to listen to a more contemporary-sounding but traditional Christmas songs, then this awesome CD is right for you. This gem in my Christmas collection was produced and arranged by Dave Grusin exclusively for Hallmark. I'm a member of Hallmark Gold Crown and when I received their mailer promoting this CD, I didn't waste any time and bought it the first time it came out last year for only $6.99 with a purchase of three Hallmark cards, which was a very good deal. I also bought a copy for a friend of mine who enjoys listening to Christmas music throughout the year. I wanted so much to write a review back then but it wasn't available yet at Amazon, so I had to send an e-mail suggesting that they should sell this awesome Christmas CD.

The seasoned singer/songwriter/guitarist James Taylor is joined by jazz greats such as Dave Grusin (arranger/piano), Chris Botti (trumpet), John Pizzarelli (guitar), Dave Carpenter (bass), Toots Thielemans (harmonica), among the rest of the talented studio musicians. Natalie Cole graced this recording with an outstanding duet with the main artist on a Frank Loesser classic "Baby, It's Cold Outside," one of the standout tracks.

Another standout is the initial offering "Winter Wonderland," featuring an all-star cast - the flawlessly wonderful piano playing of Dave Grusin, the exquisitely beautiful trumpet playing of Chris Botti, the incredibly fabulous guitar playing of John Pizzarelli, the delightfully terrific drums playing of Vinnie Colaiuta and of course the absolutely marvelous vocals of James Taylor with the backing of Woodwinds and Strings sections and the Vocal group.

The perennial favorites "The Christmas Song," "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" are very enjoyable to listen to. The traditional "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is a joy to listen to and reminds us of the significance of Christmas. "Deck The Halls" conveys that Christmas is a "season to be jolly, to strike the harp and join the chorus." There is a combined poignancy and sacredness in the way he interpreted "Some Children See Him," "Who Comes This Night" and "In The Bleak Midwinter."

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish traditional song that is ever-present on New Year's Eve festivities. "Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?" Of course not! At least speaking for myself. Friendship is something I treasure and my idea of friendship is aptly described in one-word, and that is . . . "forever."

This is an excellent CD with a first-rate choice of material with splendid arrangements! You wouldn't dream of skipping any track but certainly you could listen to it with a few repeats without tiring. It's definitely a Christmas treat for your ears.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) ~

Once upon a time I worked at a book/music store. During the Holiday Season we would play every genre of Christmas CD for the listening pleasure of our customers. I think I have probably heard them all, and I noticed that some collections were nice, some nostalgic and some ANNOYING. Many didn't even give a Christmas-y feeling or vibe at all!
I sure wish that James Taylor's Christmas Album would have been available then. What a wonderful CD: the first time you hear it, I guarantee it will put you in a lovely Christmas mood. For this reason I am rather glad he didn't include his heartfelt version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (from "October Road") or his cover of Joni Mitchell's "River" (intended for this CD) because the overall feeling is festive. Those songs are too melancholy for this collection; as JT wrote in the album notes, this cd is intended to be played while "trimming the tree and quaffing eggnog..."
I can't pick a favorite tune, they're all delightful: but here are some stand-outs: the breezy "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (the best version I've ever heard!), "Some Children See Him" (beautifully touching without being sappy), "Jingle Bells" (100% JT!) and the rousing, Celtic-flavored "Auld Lang Syne."
A perfect Christmas Album.

I don't use the word genius lightly, but when an artist's talent lingers for decades and breathes new life into songs you've heard hundreds of times, I have to use it. I own about 25 Christmas CDs, but this is either at the top of the list or near it. Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls would elicit a yawn from me were it not for the magic of James Taylor's style and the unique arrangements on this album. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Rather than going through this wonderful CD song by song (you can read this in the other review's), I will just tell you that you have a great chance of buying this hard to find CD at Kohl's! I just bought it today (12/15/05) for $7.95 !!! You do not need to pay $15.00 to $30.00 for this gem! It is a very fine CD. If you like James Taylor, you'll love it! Enjoy!

The best way to properly assess a Christmas album by its musical merits is to play it sometime mid- August. A big favorite among American artists, the inevitable X mas album just has to be part of their discography. Only problem is that due to the jinglebells, Santa's and sleighrides you'll only want to play it once or twice a year. But even when these obstacles are taken into consideration A Christmas Album is a joy to behold. James struts his customary classy stuff over 11, jazzy, melancholy X mas( some very well known, some not)tunes.
If angels could sing they'd sound like... you guessed it!

Though I have always enjoyed James Taylor's music, I don't own any of his albums. When this CD was given to me, I figured that it would be pleasant but somewhat unremarkable. Much to my surprise, it has immediately become one of my favorite Christmas albums!!

It begins with a jazzy version of "Winter Wonderland" and includes a wonderfully mellow (Taylor's specialty) "In the Bleak Midwinter." There's also a fun version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Natalie Cole.

But the two gems on the album are lesser-known songs. Tracks 9 and 10 are "Some Children See Him" and "Who Comes This Night." Quite frankly, I had never heard of either, but they are absolutely fantastic. Not only are they musically intricate and absolutely beautiful, but the lyrics are quite powerful. I was surprised that a Christmas album from Taylor would have such personal sentiments about the birth of Christ. Many recent Christmas CD's refer only to the fun and gaity of the Christmas season, almost ignoring the Christ in Christmas. But these two songs, among others, really do celebrate the reason for the season.

Ultimately, this CD is lots of fun, musically charming, and lyrically profound. It is truly one of my favorites, and I look forward to sharing it with my friends and family.

I absolutely love this CD. I'm sitting here at work listening to it on my computer in repeat mode. I never tire of it.

I was just looking on Amazon to see if James Taylor made anymore holiday CD's and, alas, he has not. Arg.... please do more!

Really, I have never submitted a review on Amazon before -- but, for what ever reason, I enjoy this CD so much I had to pass the word along. I wasn't aware that it was difficult to find this year (I got it when Hallmark first released it); I better get another copy in case I ever lose this one!

Happy Holidays, all!

This is an excellent album. It is easy listening; it keeps you in the Christmas spirit without annoying you. The entire album is great and this is a purchase that is definitely worth it. I especially like "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside".

Winter Wonderland
Go Tell It on the Mountain
In the Bleak Midwinter
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Jingle Bells
The Christmas Song
Deck the Halls
Some Children See Him
Who Comes This Night
Auld Lang Syne