Customer Reviews

Sentimental Christmas

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this CD based on reviews posted here and was pleasantly suprised at the arrangements that evoke the era when most of these songs were popularized. Kathy Troccoli's voice is gorgeous without overpowering the familiar lyrics. An essential addition to the seasonal fare.

FRom the moment you pop in this CD, the fun starts. Kathy breathes new life into old standards. This just replaced Donna Summer's "Christmas Spirit" as my favorite holiday set. Get this CD....it has that same "play it two hundred times and never grow tired of the songs" quality that we have come to expect from all of Kathy Trocoli's CDs.

Wow, what a delight! Kathy brings new meaning to voluptuous with this very full and flavorful CD commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. I particularly love "Only Always", written by Kathy. Her rendition of Silent Night really brings home how special a night that was and continues to be. A very special Christmas gift for many on my list for sure.

Thanks Kathy, for this treasure!

Beautiful Album! This is an exceptional holiday album, and I would recommend it to anyone- especially those who love the season

First of all....I've been a fan of Troccoli's for many years, from the first time that I heard her featured as a back-up singer in early Amy Grant concerts. It's no surprise that, after her disappearance from the recording scene for a number of years, that she came back and experienced a measure of pop stardom. Sometimes her rich and throaty delivery goes a little overboard....but sometimes she hits it right on the money with songs that are perfect for her voice. But I keep buying Troccoli's c.d.'s because, first and foremost, she is a true artist/musician. She actually surpasses any vocal limitations by combining them with an impeccable ear and sense of timing. I've appreciated her amazing phrasing and ability to sell her strengths so much over the years that I'm always curious to see what she'll do next. And this amazing Christmas project was no exception. Despite the naysayers on Amazon who "pooh-poohed" her recording a "big-band" style Christmas project, this is an immensely enjoyable, classy and ultra-produced c.d. that is one of my all-time favorite Christmas projects. Her take on some traditional carols and Christmas classics is always tastefully done and she jazzes up some songs that lesser artists would've ruined by such treatment. She exceeds our expectations by never "overdoing". Just when I thought that I couldn't bear to hear another tired "new" rendition of songs like "White Christmas", "The Christmas Song", etc.....Troccoli comes along and gives us these sumptuously-orchestrated jazzy gems. The one original song "Only Always" is extraordinarily beautiful and worth the price of the c.d. Troccoli squeezes every bit of meaning out of these beloved songs and uses her husky alto to bring out every nuance. I've heard that Kathy is a huge fan of my all-time favorite singer (Karen Carpenter) and I actually believe that she may have picked up some of her wonderful phrasing from Karen. The majority of todays superstar pop females know very little to nothing of such technique. Troccoli has not only recorded a gem of a Christmas c.d.....she's put her heart into this recording. And I am definitely grateful.

After having this recording for a few years now, I can safely say that Kathy Troccoli is an artist who not only Loves God, she also Likes Christmas!
Go get this album ,you will enjoy it for many years to come!

I like Kathy and I've enjoyed her work over the years. So I was excited to find her first and only Christmas album a few years ago. But I have to admit that I was disappointed. I was expecting the soulful R&B style that I'd enjoyed on her other albums. Instead, we get a big band-style offering that seems to be in complete opposition to Kathy's warm and distinctive voice. The arrangements are typical of the sort of thing you might hear at your standard karaoke joint. They add nothing to the seasonal feeling usually evoked by these songs. And Kathy's voice is overpowering and too contrasted with the arrangements. A great singer can save a weak arrangement. But even Kathy can't overcome the odds with this album... which is really too bad. Her fans deserve better.

Some 12 years ago, before services, my minister of music played a selection from this CD. I bought it the next day, and am yearly entranced with the songs. I suppose it's largely the arrangements, full of big band sound, which yet do not obscure Troccoli's voice. Those selections not using the full band still have a jazzy simplicity in the accompaniment that accentuates the mood. Includes both secular and sacred songs, both tastefully done. Well worth the investment.

I just listened to this CD today and it is truly unlike any other Christmas CD I have experienced. Jazzy, upbeat, fun and romantic, this Cd does not become grating after multiple listens. Kathy's re-interpretation of the classics breathes new life into them and makes them a new treat instead of "yet another version" of a familiar song. Great job Kathy!!!!

I am an audiophile. This means I have invested more $$ into my 2 channel stereo than the car I drive. I am profoundly picky about the quality of recordings used in my system. Candidly, 99% of recordings simply don't qualify. Unfortunately, this means that I am generally confined to recordings from MDG, Chesky, Reference Recordings etc. etc. . While big band Jazz really isn't my thing, the recording quality of this CD is exceptionally good. This CD has found growing appreciation in my system. After repeated listening sessions, I really like it. And, my wife likes it too. This CD is a rare find for an audiophile like me. It's profoundly good in so many regards!