When My Heart Finds Christmas

Harry Connick Jr. | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000029DL
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (117 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,282 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

New Orleans pianist, singer, and songwriter Harry Connick Jr. has done what many makers of Christmas records strive for but seldom achieve: he's made a Christmas record that sounds convincingly like a '40s period piece and rigorously like a cool, contemporary jazz disc. His powerful, self-written Christmas songs sound like polished standards, and he delivers the whole package with a sassy, vocal economy (with the occasional New Orleans accent) and an orchestral richness that is never indulgent or overwhelming. When My Heart Finds Christmas is a true classic that no lover of big-band jazz and singing (in the Sinatra style)--and Christmas music--should be without. There are so many great moments here that singling any one out would be at the expense of the others. Still, the reverential, solo-piano intro to "Ave Maria," Connick's own "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus," (a rousing, second-line swing tune), and his triumphant "I Pray on Christmas" (a get-happy-now gospel song) deserve mention if only because they'll earn Connick extra credit in heaven and on Earth. --Martin Keller

Product Description

New Orleans pianist, singer, and songwriter Harry Connick Jr. has done what many makers of Christmas records strive for but seldom achieve: he's made a Christmas record that sounds convincingly like a '40s period piece and rigorously like a cool, contemporary jazz disc. His powerful, self-written Christmas songs sound like polished standards, and he delivers the whole package with a sassy, vocal economy (with the occasional New Orleans accent) and an orchestral richness that is never indulgent or overwhelming. When My Heart Finds Christmas is a true classic that no lover of big-band jazz and singing (in the Sinatra style)--and Christmas music--should be without. There are so many great moments here that singling any one out would be at the expense of the others. Still, the reverential, solo-piano intro to "Ave Maria," Connick's own "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus," (a rousing, second-line swing tune), and his triumphant "I Pray on Christmas" (a get-happy-now gospel song) deserve mention if only because they'll earn Connick extra credit in heaven and on Earth. --Martin Keller

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a must have for any seasonal collection November 2, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Audio CD

This is the best Christmas album I've heard in a very long time! "It Must Have Been Ol' Santa Claus" is a great toe-tapper, and should become an instant classic. That's just one of many original songs on this CD, all of which are fantastic. "When My Heart Finds Christmas" really captures what is supposed to be the spirit of the season The traditional songs are great new renditions. "Ave Maria" gives me chills every time I hear it. And just hearing Harry sing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" makes me melt! No one could sing it better. It's the most romantic rendition of the most romantic song! It's fabulous. Buy this CD, and listen to it all year 'round!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Harry's First and Best Christmas Album November 25, 2008

By KW

Format:Audio CD

This was Harry's first Christmas album, recorded 15 years ago. And to me, it is still the best. It's pure, it's fun and not overdone. Harry incorporates some original Christmas songs, which are simply wonderful. I feel that his more recent holiday efforts do not live up to When My Heart Finds Christmas. If you're looking for classic Harry, performing Christmas in his classic big band style, you need to purchase this album.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific '40's big band sound. December 14, 2002

By Neal C. Reynolds VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Indeed, it's the big band sound which is the high point of this CD. From "Sleigh Ride" on, we're treated to the orchestral and choral arrangements so prevalent during the '40's. And this works for most of the cuts, including the strong originals presented here.

However, it does fail on the two most spiritual offerings, Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night". The former starts with a beautiful piano accompaniment, but Harry's voice just doesn't deliver "Ave Maria" well, nor does it work on "O Holy Night".

The rest of the album is great, especially for those who appreciate the old big band sound.