Customer Reviews

Christmas Singers Unlimited

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The old 1972 LP has finally been reissued on CD. This became an instant classic when it was released 30 years ago, and for good reason. The Singers Unlimited were the best jazz vocal group of the day, but here they were -- singing Christmas carols. But not just singing straight from the hymnbook; the Gene Puerling arrangement and the Alfred Burt carols are gems, and right up the SU's jazzy alley.

First, the Burt carols. Alfred Burt was a jazz trumpeter in the Detroit area in the late 40's and early 50's. Over the course of about 6 years, he wrote 15 carols, many of which were sent as Christmas cards to family and friends. SU has chosen 6 of them, and does them extremely well -- Burt would be pleased.

As for the rest of the recording, SU did their usual inimitable magic with a dozen well-known carols. A few are done very straight, with little jazz adornments. Others, like Deck The Halls, Silent Night, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, are all dressed up in new jazz clothes. With the overdubbing they indulged in, the 4 members of the group at times are singing 6- and 8-part jazz harmonies.

Highly recommended.

I thought long and hard about taking the time to review this album, since a "surfer" can already tell by the "average customer rating" that this is a much-beloved album, a real five-star classic. But here is a time when a vote really counts, and I want to be on the list of those who recognize a great album when they hear it.

My wife and I still have our original LP. Sometimes it's fun to listen to it, with the slight "pops and crackles" sounding like a fireplace. But, oh my! It's on CD!! And this album sounds glorious.

Read some of the other reviews for the history of the group, and for the sense of the artistic achievement of this album. Let me just add that this is a wonderful album to listen to, with only the tree lights on, and a real fire in the fireplace.

I first heard of the Singers Unlimited in 1973 (In Tune With Oscar Peterson was my first encounter with them) and knew that the incomparable Hi-Los were the predecesser of this group. Within a couple of months I heard portions of the Christmas album, but it was a couple of years before I finally acquired it. Having listened to it now for 28 years, I can honestly say that it is simply the most beautiful recording I have ever heard. Not just of Christmas music, but of any kind. The harmonies are just incredible and the voices and the phrasing are perfect. One should listen to this album with absolutely no distractions in order to be able to hear each note of each chord. Although Gene Puerling wrote only four of the arrangements, every single one of the 17 is a gem. For anyone who wants to hear the ultimate beauty that music can offer, this cd is a must. One more little thing. I am Jewish.

This is what happens when angels multitrack. If you ever get a chance to get it, do. In addition to the Puerling influence, it appears that the Alfred Burt carols are performed right off the cheap charts anyone can buy at the local purveyor of choral music. However, do not think that the local Methodist' are going to sound like Bonnie Herman et. al. Play this one for the choir, so they'll know what they are shooting for with dynamics, intonation, sychonization of target sounds, phrasing, etc. I listen to it several times a year, for about a week at a time. From all of us to the Singers Unlimited, peace to you too.

These talented artists, led by the gifted arrangements of Gene Peurling are not just for the Yule season. I have the windows down and volume up during the dog days of August. Without a doubt a classic for all time. How I wish my musical talents went beyond just playing the radio. My ears are thrilled at the magic of this magnificent group.

I have loved this music since I received the record as a gift in 1972. My son sent me the CD last year and I have finally been able to hear the wonderful sounds again. The original record as well as the tape was scratchy and had skips! It made my Christmas! I love this CD and I'm ordering some for my friends this year.

Without, doubt my favorite Christmas album, perhaps my favorite album of all--and I own over 1,000. Truly beautiful, truly inventive, utterly pleasurable, whether you're a fan of conventionally-performed or jazzily-rendered Christmas carols.

Singers Unlimited "Christmas" is an amazing blend of musical styles and heritages: secular and sacred, American and international, joyous and solemn. Their arrangements, intonation and all-around musicianship are awe-inspiring. One of the finest albums ever released in ANY genre. A real treasue.

I bought this album abroad in the late 70's. Christmas albums come and go but each December this is the first album I get out and it's the last back in the rack about the 6th of Jan. The Hi-Lo's were great but Puerling has reached the zenith with this group.

I first heard this album on reel to reel at the Guernsey home of my friend Dave Farnon, son of the late great Robert Farnon. What a privilege to hear such fine musicians singing such wonderful arrangements.

I was so happy to find that it was still available. This album is satisfying on so many levels, musical and above all, spiritual.