Customer Reviews

Harry for the Holidays

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

On this album, Harry Connick Jr. and his merry band of men serve up just enough smoothness to lure in the Kenny G fans and then throw in enough New Orleans syncopation, swingin' and in-your-face horns to confound them.

And crooooonin' galore.

The songs are a fair mix of the secular and non-secular both. Though the traditional hymms lean more towards slightly sober reflections, there's the effervescence and looseness throughout the disc of a band throwing down for a rollicking good time.

Harry adds a few tunes of his own to the holiday cannon as well, including a duet with George Jones (!) on the country-tinged "Nothin' New for the New Year." I'm personally partial to bomp of "The Happy Elf," an irresistable toe-tapper.

The North Pole just got a little hotter and spicier this year. And to answer one question put forth in an off-the-cuff remark in one of the Christmas classics here: Yes, I think Santa likes gumbo.

He's done it again! Harry IS Christmas! I thought that nobody would top his last Christmas album...I was wrong.

Frosty the Snowman is outta sight!
'I'm gonna be the first one' took me right back to those Christmas mornings. Thanks for writing that one Harry!
'Santa Claus is coming to town' reminds me of 'Next Door Blues'. You should see the kids dance to this one!
'I Come with Love' inspiration from the pen of the man.

I could go on and on.....but just go and get this one!
Every song made new as only Harry can do.

I used to wonder what it would be like to grow up in the time of Nat King Cole, Satchmo and Sinatra......now I think I'm very lucky to be here now!

I just purchased this CD, and found it wasn't quite as good as "When My Heart Finds Christmas". While "When My Heart Finds Christmas" has more of a big band sound from the 20s and 30s, this CD sounds like the Las Vegas show bands of the 70s and 80s. I'm glad I bought it, because I love Harry's voice, but the other Christmas CD is much better.

Once again, Harry doing what Harry does best - crooning with a big band - this time including orchestra. It kicks off (in Nick Hornby fashion) with 'Frosty the Snowman,' featuring Maynard Ferguson-esque trumpets screaming two octaves up, and rarely slows down from there. Holiday standards are punctuated with four original tunes which, while fun to listen to, probably won't become part of your Christmas caroling repertoire. And the 'cajun' knob is turned up a bit too high on some arrangements - seeming a bit forced at times - marring an otherwise polished performance. Still, you'd be hard pressed to find a better Christmas record if stranded on a desert island (they were crafty enough not to repeat tunes from his earlier Chrismas album) . . . actually, make that two.

This review refers to "Harry For The Holidays" CD(Columbia)...

Every year I try to find a Christmas album that adds something a little different to my holiday arsenal of music. This year I was quite pleased with my newly purchased Harry Connick, Jr. album. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. Added to the familiar standards, which are done in a way that makes them new again, are some wonderful traditionals not heard to often on other Christmas albums, plus 4 brand new songs, written by Harry himself. The music ranges from upbeat fun, to dreamy, to soulful and spiritial.

Opening with a rousing rendition of "Frosty The Snowman", to get you into the spirit of things, Harry mixes in sentimental favorites, "Blue Christmas", "Silver Bells', and "I'll be Home For Christmas" in his own wonderful style. On the more spiritual side, a couple to sing along with, are "Mary's Boy Child" and "Silent Night". Harry's original "The Happy Elf" is a fun and upbeat number, and for a nice change of pace, "The Christmas Waltz" may have you up and dancing. Other originals, that may become new favorites are "I'm Gonna Be The First One", "Nothin' New For New Year", and a beautiful "I Come With Love". "I Wonder As I Wander", "Nature Boy", and "This Christmas", are unusual and nice additions as well.

Over an hour of Harry's lulling vocals, and some wonderful musicians and music for your holiday listening pleasure. There are 16 tracks in all. The CD has a great sound and included is a booklet, with words for most of the songs.

Highly recommended for fans of Harry and anyone wanting a fabulous new holiday addition with a wonderful taste of something a little different.

Happy Holidays....Laurie


also recommended: Yule B Swingin' Too and To Wish You a Merry Christmas

Great CD, if you are looking for another "When Harry met Sally" redo this CD is not for you. All the songs on this album have Harry's mark on them. It is November and this CD puts me in the Christmas mood!!!!!Happy Holidays All.

I love the new Harry Connick Jr. CD. It is very reminiscent of his first Christmas album. However, there is an extra track "Jingle Bells" that is only included if you purchase the CD from Target. As far as I can see, Amazon is not offering this version. If you can live without this track, then buy it from Amazon. However if you are a Harry Connick Jr. fan (like myself) you'll make the trip to Target to get the complete version.

I love Harry's style. My most favorite Christmas of all time is Harry's "When My Heart Finds Christmas" and because of that, I can't quite give this CD a 5. It is amazing though. I especailly love Harry's ability to write new Christmas songs. One reviewer (Anita) mentioned how she didn't think the songs were related to Christmas. "I Come With Love" is a very touching song about Jesus, "The Happy Elf" (which my nephews insisted for awhile was "The Happy L") is one that every child will love. At first I was confused as to why "Nature Boy" would appear on a Christmas album, because I just kept thinking about Moulin Rouge and John Leguizamo...Anyway, I listened to it and saw how in the context of a CHRISTmas cd, he was making the song refer to Jesus. My very favorite track is "Jingle Bells" (not on all editions of the CD--I bought mine at Target) Harry sings 7 (I think it's 7) verses and it is VERY fun. I love "Silent Night" and the gospel feel of it. "Frosty the Snowman" is another of my nephew's favorites and it is definitely filled with joy! "Nothin' New for New Years" also helps with the 4 star instead of 5. I have a hard time with country music. Harry's vocals are great, but sorry, George Jones, I just don't like country music. It really is a wonderful Christmas CD. It's less Christmasy feeling and more jazzy feeling than Harry's other Christmas CD. Then again, it is also a more grown up Harry. Unlike Anita's feelings, I think he knows what he is doing...and by the way, the man DOESN'T drink....

I've been a HCJ fan for years. I adore "When My Heart Finds Christmas," which has a been a standard to which I compare other holiday CD's. WMHFC was the first time Harry did any of his own arrangements. And what an excellent result! But "Harry For The Holidays" reveals that Harry's talent has grown by leaps and bounds. It blows me away with it's complex and interesting arrangments.

This is not traditional big band! There's a lot of New Orleans inspired sounds on here. But Harry also takes traditional songs on exciting departures. "Mary's Little Boy Child," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" are brought to life with new rythyms, but still with respect to their sacred lyrics. Harry is NOT the "It Had to be You" kid anymore. He takes chances with his music that are challenging and inspirational. If you want a new holiday CD that is more than just bells jingling in the background, you'll definitely get a spicey holiday gumbo with this one

Harry Connick Jr. just keeps getting better and better! His latest CD, "Harry for the Holidays" is another example of his genius. Harry's arrangements of classic holiday songs and his original compositions show a true artist devoted to his music. He puts his heart and soul into every song and puts you into the holiday spirit. If you love Christmas music, this is the CD for you!

Harry's voice is beautiful and he really knows how to sell a song. Harry and his band start with a very New Orleans style "Frosty the Snowman." Adding strings to the mix, "Silver Bells" is another one of my favorites. Harry's original songs show what a talented composer he is.

I have a hard time picking a favorite off this CD because they are all incredible. Harry and the band are all I need for the Christmas season!