Customer Reviews

Christmas

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Back in May, Barry Carl suggested using this album as "Xmas Prozac." More mellow than the usual Rockapella offering, this CD features the band's outstanding ability to sing crystal clear harmonies. While many of the songs include Jeff Thatcher's inventive vocal percussion, several have no VP at all ("I was eating falafel," he joked in the newsletter). This is the perfect type of music to play while the family is eating the holiday dinner or opening presents. The first two tracks are uplifting tributes to the spirit of the season; I was affected by the pure strains highlighted in "I Heard the Bells..." "Glow Worm" is a welcomed import from a Japanese CD and is one of several on this album that are nostalgiac... that 1940's band feel. Superb! Those who have come to expect a heart-wrenching ballad by Scott Leonard each release will not be disappointed by "Christmas Without You": "At least you left the lights; okay, half; probably the ones that blink." The final cut, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," is the strongest rock tune here and puts Barry's expressive bass in the spotlight. Buy the CD, play it in traffic, and I defy you not to drive around with a giant grin on your face. If you're ready to be put in a festive mood, this is a flawless addition to your holiday tunes collection. It hits the spot like soft chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate. Even the album liner is clever and warm-fuzzy inducing.

Let me tell you right off the bat here people, this cd is a classic. Sure these songs of have been recorded before by thousands of artist, but these guys turn these songs into new and refreshing material. They have two originals that are, or should be up there with the old classics. The first song must be heard with headphones on to hear all harmonies intertwined inside the words. Unbelievable!! I can't say enough how talented ROCKAPELLA is and how they can establish new inovations with thier voices. Barry... you have got the only voice that could ever do "your a mean one mr grinch" and the laugh at the end...man...gives me goose bumps.

Yup, I am a diehard fan. I actually saw Rockapella two times this weekend, as they were touring in my area. Even better in person, and realy nice guys to talk to. Anyway - my review :-)

This CD has a good mix of traditional Christmas music, as well as some Christmas songs written by Scott Leonard, a member of Rockapella. Scott has a way for writing sentimental, tug at the heart-strings type songs, so of course his Christmas material proves no different.

Rockapella, as always, has a very unique sound, with 5 very talented men in the group. Each one is an asset in themselves. Put them together, and you have something that borders on vocal perfection.

I highly recommend any Rockapella recording, whether it be this one, or another.

There are a total of 12 songs on the CD. Three of them, I believe, are original material, and the rest are adaptations of traditional Christmas music. Songs like "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Silver Bells" are just a few of the well known songs on this CD.

This CD is a sure thing to play for a holiday gathering! Happy Holidays.

I love vocal jazz. Ive known Rockapella since I was a young one watching "Where in the world is carmen sandiego" and I became a singer myself. My choir director turned me back on to the group my fresman year of high school a year ago. This album ties in my love for music and my love for christmas. The Christmas song. Wow. There is a few original tracks that are exceptional. My friends enjoy mainstream music. They couldn't deny how unbelievably incredible this album was. This was truly amazing and expresses the magnitude of this album's voice.

For those "in the know", Rockapella is much, MUCH more than "that group from Carmen Sandiego" or the "Folgers Guys". Rockapella is source of sublime harmonies, complex and exciting vocal arrangements, and uplifting, refreshing material that will plaster a smile on every listener's face.

In regard to Rockapella's latest - had Scrooge obtained a copy of "Rockapella Christmas" - the ghosts could have stayed home. "Glow Worm" alone would have had the old codger buying Christmas dinner for the whole town. Rockapella produces that kind of joy - without the annoying interference of instruments.

There is something on this CD for everyone. Traditional but far from ordinary arrangements of standards such as "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and the "Christmas Song"; a doo-wop slant on "Silver Bells" and "Winter Wonderland"; and a jazz/swing holidayized version of the classic "Glow Worm". Rockapella continues to deliver wonderful original material - my favorite being the heart wrenching "Christmas Without You" by high tenor and lead on this song, Scott Leonard. Scott's superb phrasing brings to life a man who is going through the motions of the holiday season while longing for a lost love.

One song you have to hear to believe is "You're a mean one Mr. Grinch" - updated and funked up for the new millennium. Barry Carl's unparalleled bass and Jeff Thatcher's uncanny vocal percussion shine on this one.

Each song has chill-producing harmonies that the warmest holiday fireplace won't drive away!

This Christmas CD is talent-packed, varied, surprising, fresh, inspiring and fun - in a word - Rockapella

My gift from Santa came early! Rockapella's new CD "Christmas" is a treasure that will be known as a holiday classic for many years to come. From the religious "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" to the mixture of harmonies and sounds on "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch", you will be repeating the cuts over & over again as I am doing. I could hear each member of the group's hand in the selection of the cuts. Elliot's melody of "Glow Worm/It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas" brings in his love for the Mills Brother's sound. Scott is the romantic in "Christmas Without You" Jeff and Kevin's vocal percussion is in control of the entire CD. Let us not forget about Barry, and his booming vocal chords. Rockapella has come of age. No longer are they the comical minstrels of the TV show "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego", but a very polished, well tuned group. J.Bird Records was very wise in signing this group. Rockapella will make you believe in the miracle of the season and in the goodness in others. The CD lets you escape to the joy that is found in children during this time of year. The additional vocals of Nicole Marie Leonard, was a wise decision by her Father Scott to include her on the CD. What's Chrismas without children...then again...What is Christmas without Rockapella. Happy Holidays Rockapella, and to all...buy the CD!

This CD is so much fun to listen to. I love the sound these 5 guys have put together. Ever since my daughter watched "Where is Carmen SanDiego", (they were a regular there), I have enjoyed listening to the rhthyms (sp) and harmonies they create. I especially LOVE the "Grinch" song. How anyone can have that base voice so low..is beyond me! Buy it! you won't be sorry you did!

I know what I'm playing at my holiday party this year. Wonderful to hear Christmas music that isn't just the same old thing. I understand Scott Leonard does arrangement, and he has dug up intros and harmonies I hadn't considered in the old favs. "Hope We Hold" is like an old friend already, "Christmas Without You" has me singing, "lonely are the days..." and as for "Mr Grinch", I don't think they should let anybody but Barry Carl do it! Jeff Thatcher's vocal percussion is still uncanny... and Kevin Wright, Elliott Kerman and Scott are as tight as ever. Definitely a must for the Christmas shopper looking for originality and talent.

I'm a fan of a capella singing so this group is a natural for me. They do it all including vocal percussion and running bass lines. In fact, their bass is what distinguishes them from all would-be competitors. His voice is incredibly dark and just wonderful! As for the tunes - an assortment of Christmas standards done in a different style. My personal standouts include "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "Glowworm" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch". If this album is flawed in any way it is flawed in the order of the songs on the cd itself. Seems that I hear songs in the same key following each other and that's not the best thing to do. With that extremely minor caveat, I whole-heartedly endorse this cd. It is a lot of fun, a new way to hear old standards, and a delight!

If you are a fan of tight knit harmonies, then you will absolutely LOVE "The Christmas Album" by Rockapella. Their talent for a cappella performances is beyond anything you could ever imagine. Scott Leonard shares leads with Kevin Wright, Elliott Kerman, and Barry Carl, who does an incredible rendition of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch", with Jeff Thacher providing the always amazing vocal percussion sounds! You will not be disappointed in your purchase of "The Christmas Album" and I can venture to say it will be a favorite among your holiday listening pleasures!