Customer Reviews

Christmas at My House

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You probably think, "Aargh, another Christmas album!" Surprisingly, this is a great one. LC is at his best on "Little Drummer Boy" and "The Christmas Song". Every time I play this at Christmas, everyone wants to know "who is that, anyway?" There are 2 nice surprises on the album - a great pop tune called "Ringing the Bells of Christmas" sung by Michele Pillar and "The Christmas Song (vocal) also by Pillar. Her voice is gorgeous - rich, deep, clear highs. Reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, but much more sultry and mature. Carlton has all the usual suspects on the album as well, including Kirk Whalum, Terry Trotter, Abe Laboriel. A real family album. A real nice one, too! Merry Christmas!

Tired of the same Christmas music ??? Try this on for a very good jazz Christmas album. All the favourite songs are here but done as only a great guitar player can do. This is one my all time favourite Christmas CD's.

With all the shlock that comes out a Christmas time, it's nice to sit down and listen to a talented musician play some very nice arrangemnets. larry never fails to amaze me with his guitar playing. This is a very comforting Christams CD to listen to duing the Holidays.

Larry Carlton, who I first became familiar with as a session guitarist for Steely Dan, is a phenominal guitarist. This CD is so tasty. It rocks, it's jazzy and it's even reminiscent of my all time favorite Christmas CD, Charlie Brown Christmas. There are two vocals on the album, which are just beautiful. Add this one to your collection. You won't be disapppointed.

What more can I say? Hmmmmmm... This same musician whom Joni Mitchell delayed the making of her albums for and who has played on sessions from Steeley Dan to the Righteous Brothers, has produced a CD that is impeccable and rich. Start with the some best musicians in the industry, add in some individual song contributions from Jeff Pocaro, Christopher Cross, and Kirk Whalum and you will be moved from an easy listening (and anything but easy playing!) version of "The Christmas Song" to the surprisingly quick and upbeat rendition of "White Christmas" to soft and reverent versions of "The Holly and The Ivy" and "Joy to the World". You will probably end up doing what I did - carrying around the CD to play everywhere you go and getting the tape for driving. You will be tempted to listen to it after the season is passed.

You can ask yourself three questions: how is it that a musical gem of Christmas joy such as Larry Carlton's magnum opus for Advent through Three Kings Sunday has been kept so underground and so un-heralded for so long? How long has it been since you have experienced a touch of peace and healing, and wonder in the presence of Christmas music? How can pop princesses and boy wonders have a featured Christmas CD or iTunes year after year, with crafted production value and all the soul of Wal-Mart? "Seasonal music" on commercial radio, streaming channels, cable, etc. provide a vapid stream of wannabe hits, ancient hits, and stuff that we're supposed to like based on the sheer gravity of a pre-Christmas void of meaning, afraid of controversy and alienation of potential shoppers; as such, it has become background music in the house, the car, the bus, the malls. The programmers who make slight adjustments to the playlist/algorithm have attempted to create a vague connection between the act of listening and our individual experience of a divine moment. They have missed Larry Carlton. In my house, it is different. I search for music to connect my faith, family, past, and future, and my celebration of Christmas. I found this in Larry & his friends' interpretations and explorations of classics, plus one original, featuring Larry's articulate and expressive guitar work and Michele Pillar (his wife) on vocals in key moments on a mostly instrumental album. In this collaboration there is deep love of the birth of Jesus, and the Christmas season. This music is magic. I listen straight through, but always pause at "The Holly and the Ivy" to get lost in it entirely. Few of us can participate in the creative process that is jazz, especially jazz with friends and family, but we have this magic preserved in this CD. I've owned one since 1995, but loaned it to someone last year (can't remember who), and just decided to buy another on Amazon rather than put out a broadcast e-mail which will both embarrass a friend and myself. So, whoever has my old one, Merry Christmas.. enjoy, and you're welcome! Larry, and Christmas, is back in my house.

A good selection of songs and played in a clear traditional manner true to the Christmas spirit.

Larry Carlton brings a fresh approach to the selections on this album. Even if you have the Four Play album Snowbound you will find Carlton's work here different. If you are a musician you'll really enjoy the way Winter Wonderland starts out in 6/8 meter. The vocal selection Ringing the Bells of Christmas provides a nice break in the middle of the instrumental tracks.
Sunrise