Customer Reviews

Wrapped In Love

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Through the years as I have listened to Mary Beth Carlson's recordings, I have often wondered what made her music so very special. Obviously, she has great talent. But I always thought there was something more than that which was special about her music. I think her arrangements are among the best I have ever heard on so many of the songs. And that certainly makes the music special. But still, there was something else.

She gave me the answer I was seeking with her latest Christmas CD --- her music comes "wrapped in love". Yes, she is wrapped in love by God through His son who's birth we celebrate each Christmas season. But her music is wrapped in her love as well. Her feelings and love come through each and every piece she plays. And that is what makes her music so very special. I feel her emotions as I listen to her music. And the music inspires me and makes me feel good about God, myself, and life.

"Wrapped In Love" celebrates the Christmas season with Mary Beth Carlson's collection of heartwarming holiday favorites and is a treasure to experience and share throughout the season. Mary Beth is again joined by members of the Minnesota and St. Paul Chamber Orchestras for soothing sounds which decorate the featured instrument, the piano.

"Silver Bells" always brings me joy. I love the entire Christmas season. Obviously I focus on the reason and meaning of the season. But I also love the joy of the season. I love going to shopping malls at Christmas and just soaking up all the excitement and energy. It doesn't matter if I actually purchase anything. I see the decorations and listen to the music and am filled with love and joy. I especially enjoy doing little things like taking an extra minute to hold a door open for someone or maybe giving a passer-by a big smile. And, to me, no Christmas song expresses these feelings better than "Silver Bells".

The CD's title song "Wrapped in Love" was composed by Mary Beth and it may be her best ever in my opinion. The first time I listened to the song, I had to play it over several times. The music is beautiful and the lyrics are so very special. I also liked it that she has the very talented Beth Yeshaya singing on the recording. The message expressed in the lyrics is so very special. What a very special Christmas gift the song "Wrapped in Love" is to all of her listeners.

The CD includes an especially beautiful arrangement of "White Christmas". It is sure to bring back fabulous memories of Christmas' past for you. A couple of my other favorites on the CD are "I Saw Three Ships" and "The Holly and the Ivy". While these two selections aren't as familiar or played as frequently as many of the sounds of the season, Mary Beth's arrangements of both of them are very beautiful and they are sure to become favorites of her listeners.

The artistry of Mary Beth on the piano is joined by her brother John Trones on vocals for the medley of "I'll Home For Christmas" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". It's a beautiful rendition of both songs and the arrangement of the medley is outstanding!!!

Mary Beth Carlson's CD "Wrapped in Love" is a wonderful Christmas gift from Mary Beth to all who enjoy her music. And the CD makes a perfect gift for that someone special in one's life.