Customer Reviews

Remembering Christmas

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most holiday albums are really oversweetend by the presence of heavy orchestra, bells, chimes, vibes, choirs, etc. This album is a beautiful album of Christmas music featuring piano, guitar, sax, and one vocal performance by Michael Franks. "Christmas Time Is Here" featuring Michael on lead vocal, is changed from a piano solo piece to a lilting pop/jazz lounge song. It's pure escapist, and a delight. David's light touch on all the songs will have you playing this one over and over again.

I've been a longtime fan of David Benoit, and when shopping for new Christmas music, I happened upon this. Took it home, put it into the player, and wow. There is some awesome music on here, all of it played with a feel, and a respectfulness this music deserves. Tracks deserving specific notice include "Hark the Herald Angels Sing, on which Benoit teams with Dave Brubeck to carve a unique "Take 5" feel. The following track, "Do You Hear What I Hear," knocked my socks off with the piano work around the 2 minute mark. I highly recommend this CD for anyone who likes their Christmas music a little more modern.

What a classic album - filled with classic standards from Christmas past. While some holiday albums can leave you with an empty feeling because of the production, lack of "real" instrumentation (synthesizers, drum machines), this is a true jazz album of Christmas music. Also has great guest musicians such as John Patitucci, Earl Klugh and Dave Grusin. You have the feeling listening that you're at a Christmas party but the musicians are stealing the host's thunder! Understated, but when listened to more closely you can hear Benoit's touch on each song. Highly Recommend!

Hey, This is a great album. IF you want an upbeat Christmas, get it. This album is good for any time of the year, since some of the songs aren't famous. They're all great though. I still listen to this album during the dead of summer. All of these songs especailly skating, are the BEST. I'd really suggest getting this album. You'll never grow tired of it.

The first Noel(themes and variations) is the best christmas song I've ever heard. It is at first a slow, sweet song. Then it gets more upbeat and Jazzy.

All these songs vary in music and style. And that's what I look for when I shop for CD's. You won't be dissapoined with this one.

David Benoit does an excellent job with all the great Vince Guraldi's Christmas hits! A definite must-have for the Christmas Season!

I love David Benoit. He has a remarkable talent for creating music that registers with your soul. How many times have I played CAST YOUR FATE TO THE WIND? I never tire of it's uplifting, optimistic melody. REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS is a nostalgic, beautifully crafted album of best loved holiday carols. A mix of traditional and the popular- relaxing, mellow, all permeating a warm glow. The title song is especially wistful and recalls precious memories of Christmas past. In my opinion, this is a much superior effort to Benoit's CHRISTMASTIME, recorded six years earlier on GRP. The tempos are a bit easier, the arrangements more masterful. All in all a very nice listen with Benoit at his most sensitive self. A must have in your holiday collection.

He has a real flare for create a different sound to old classics. Like his work very much.

If you want something christmas style + snazzy jazzy, well, here you go! (You don't have to be a jazz fan to like this music!) Musicians~David Benoit, piano; Pat Kelly, Bob Benoit, Earl Khul, guitars; Ernest Tibbs, John Patittucci, bass; Harvey Mason, Tony Morales, drums; Brad Dutz, percussion; Michael Franks, vocal; Dave Brubeck, piano
Enjoy!

David Benoit is awesome on the piano, whether it's Christmas music or any other smooth jazz. He plays beautifully and one can tell he loves what he's doing. This is definately a "must" to add to your "Jazzy Christmas" collection.

David Benoit...provides excellent selections of the past , with a somewhat modern jazz twist. Christmas Time Is Here..is one of my favorites with Michael Franks singing the lyrics. If you like the Themes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" you will love this CD. Excellent background music for a holiday gathering.. In some instances you can recall a little of Steamroller. Give it a try..It is worth the price. Delivery time was excellent ..