Customer Reviews

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS MUSIC : Holiday Instrumental Music

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

 

 

"Simply Christmas" lives up to its title - nothing more, nothing less than favorite Christmas songs given a traditional, sometimes nostalgic treatment. Shirley Cason's piano is complemented with synthesized accompaniments which are also simple and straightforward. If you like your carols without a lot of trills and fanfare, this CD will suit you well. All eleven of the featured songs are among the most-popular carols. The only one missing from the list is "Jingle Bells", but it really wasn't needed. One of my favorites is Cason's arrangement of "Carol of the Bells", which is upbeat and joyful. The minor chords in this piece often sound almost tragic, but this version is lively and happy. "Away in a Manger" is a lovely lullaby with synth flute and guitar. "Simply Christmas" would make a great musical backdrop for a Christmas Eve supper or for opening gifts around the tree. By keeping the arrangements simple, Cason has allowed us to fall into our own Christmas memories as well as her own.

Shirley Cason has captured in music what Christmas time should be: relaxing and enjoyable with a little nostalgia thrown in with it.

I downloaded the free mp3 Carol of the Bells and have to agree with the other reviewers that it really get you in the spirit for Christmas. I am going to get this as a gift for my mother. The song selections on this Christmas CD are great too.

I am a piano teacher and found Ms. Cason's arrangements of popular holiday music refreshing. I like how she combined traditional sounds while adding some new twist to keep it interesting.

I just found Shirley Cason's site and listen to her music there and just fell in love with her Simply Christmas CD! I just wished the CD would never end. It's that good. Even though I never heard her music before, I really think this CD will fit nicely in my Christmas music selections for the holidays.

First, let me say that this CD was NOT what I expected from someone so adept at new age; but that turned out to be a surprisingly wonderful development. In "Simply Christmas" Shirley hits the mark dead center on December 25th. This is a delightful rendition of traditional Christmas music; past and present. The best example I can give is to equate this to a well done interpretation of the Star-Spangled Banner,(ala Whitney Houston) as opposed to attempts by many who destroy the original's traditional beauty. Shirley has created a unique balance of keeping alive the love of your favorite Christmas memories while creating a glimps of future holidays full of hope. It's old. It's new. It's "Simply Christmas"... and several copies are simply going on my Christmas list! (Only 4 Stars???, Yes Shirley your 5th star is sitting proudly atop my tree!!!)