Customer Reviews

John McDermott: Christmas Memories

5 star:		(8)
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I just recently purchased this album and even though it is May I enjoy it every bit as much as I would and will at Christmas time. Is there anything this man can't sing and make beautiful? I have tried to pick a favorite song from the album, but they are all so beautifully done it is difficult. However, I think "Panis Angelicus", "Ave Maria","Christmas Memories" and "The Secret of Christmas" would top the list with "The Old Tin Star" close behind. Shucks!,Even though my children are all grown and have children of their own, if John McDermott made an album of Nursery Rhymes I'd buy it just to hear him sing. If you don't have this album, by all means, buy it. You won't be sorry.

John McDermott's selection of classic as well as obscure Christmas songs is fantastic. The accompaning instruments are excellent and Johns' vocals are virtuously in harmony with the music. "Lo How a Rose e're Blooming" is my favorite song of all time. It became the symbol of my wife's and mine during her fight with breast cancer. "Lo How a Rose e're Blooming" is enscribed on her grave. The last 2 Christmas seasons and now the 3rd I play the CD every night as I go to sleep. Thanks John!

Regards, Steve Nelson

Even though it's a little early for Christmas songs, I couldn't resist. This is a great CD. It's a wonderful mix of traditional and some lesser known Christmas fare, sung to perfection (as usual) by Mr. McDermott. I highly recommend this CD---a grand addition to your Christmas collection!

I highly recommend this CD. Mr. McDermott sings a wonderful array of familiar and not so familiar Christmas songs. The most outstanding songs are "Suo Gan" and "Old Tin Star". His rich, mellow, voice is especially suited to these selections and his rendition of them is flawless. You will not be disappointed if you purchase this CD.

After purchasing the "Irish Tenors" CD, initially the only other CD I could find by John McDermott was "The Danny Boy Collection." After playing those two so many times, I was delighted to get his "Christmas Memories" in the mail. And yes, even though it was May, I listened to Christmas music. This is a unique Christmas collection. His classical "Ava Maria" and "Panis Angelicus" are so beautifully sung that they alone are worth adding this CD to your Christmas collection. Another favorite of mine is "Old Tin Star," an endearing song about fathers and sons. There are many traditional Christmas songs on this CD. However, one that was only vaguely familiar to me was the delightful "The Holly and the Ivy." This CD is a treasure. I may or may not put this away until Christmas. If you prefer to play Christmas music during the season, I would recommend purchasing it in time to enjoy the entire Christmas season.

Well, no, this selection is not exactly operatic, but this is so obviously a well trained voice. The album is well set up with an instrumental medley to start the set and a second one at the half-way point.

The music is basically sacred, but balanced with some familiar, some less familiar, and some just plain unfamiliar. The voice is superb, and carries the old standbys such as "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night" well, but also brings new energy to lesser heard numbers such as "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" and "Suo Gan".

The singer's heart is obviously in his songs, and his deep sincerity helps push this CD to the top of my favorites list.

I also have the Irish Tenors "Home for Christmas" CD and prefer this one. McDermott's relaxed voice and the subdued musical arrangements create a more intimate and moving environment. Backed by a full orchestra, the Tenors' Christmas album often sounds bombastic. On some songs, it sounds like they're trying to out-shout each other. I highly recommend this CD.

Even though it's a little early for Christmas songs, I couldn't resist. This is a great CD. It's a wonderful mix of traditional and some lesser known Christmas fare, sung to perfection (as usual) by Mr. McDermott. I highly recommend this CD---a grand addition to your Christmas collection!