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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sparkling Christmas album by cabaret singer extraordinaire., December 18, 2004
In this 1994 recording Nancy Lamott puts her unique stamp on familiar Christmas fare, along with some newer songs. Her cabaret approach is showcased by her arranger and accompanist on piano, Chris Marlowe, who keeps the accompaniment simple, allowing Nancy's voice to capture the moods and vitality of the season without the distraction of big orchestrations. Ranging from softly sweet to full-out, Nancy Lamott is "on" here, communicating the spirit and messages of these songs in her own style.
In "Some Children See Him," the simple piano accompaniment, in the same range as Nancy's voice, blends with it and feels like a duet, with her voice sounding as clear as the piano itself. The lovely "(Christmas) Stay With Me" once again keeps the background piano simple, while a muted trumpet answers Nancy's bluesy lyrics and starts a dialogue, ending in a stirring trumpet solo by Glenn Drewes.
Not all songs are simple, however. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" features a walking bass and a lively duet with Michael Feinstein, as Nancy and Michael, delightfully at cross-purposes in this song, argue whether he will stay with her or go home. "Just in Time for Christmas," one of the most memorable songs on the album, is a love song, with Nancy announcing "You brought me the greatest gift of all," a message which grows in volume and orchestration until she is singing full-out at the conclusion. In "All Those Christmas Cliches" the singer, sadly jaded by holiday decoration and tradition, now wants it all--the tree, the wreath on the front door, the plywood reindeer, sentimental cards, kids, and laughter--a poignant reminder that for Nancy these dreams did not come true.
As always, her powerful voice remains totally under control, ranging from the softest whisper to some full-out belting. Her diction and phrasing give the album a sense of immediacy--as if she is singing to each listener personally--and though many songs are sweetly sung, Nancy is simultaneously tough and strong--never demure or coy. According to the press, difficulties between the Lamott family and Midder Music, her recording company, have now been resolved, and up to ten new albums of never released material should start being available by the summer of 2005. Mary Whipple
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brings you Christmas cheer 12 months a year, February 20, 1999
By A Customer
I was once chastised for listening to this CD in AUGUST....but I couldn't help myself! Nancy's voice is as wonderful as always, and Christopher Marlowe's arrangements outstanding (no surprise there, either!) "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is stunning in its simplicty - no one has sung, or will sing, it better. Two other favorites are the title track and "All Those Christmas Cliches." Although we just celebrated Christmas 1998, I must urge anyone interested to BUY this now, as sales of all Nancy's CDs are being halted due to legal battles with the estate. Don't miss this one!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nothing Like Her, January 21, 2004
By A Customer
When I learned this album was on the way, I had already bought all of Nancy's earlier recordings. I was already so in love her voice but, though my hopes were high for her Christmas album, I wondered if she could bring anything new to holiday songs that had been done and done and done. When I heard "Just in Time for Christmas," I was bowled over by the new life she breathed into all the old songs. "I Saw Three Ships/Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella", "Some Children See Him", "I'll Be Home for Christmas" -- just three tracks that I believe are now the definitive recordings of those tunes. And the title track, "Just in Time for Christmas," is classic Nancy La Mott -- she starts out on the quiet side, grabs your attention in small ways, and then builds up to an emotional peak that's almost too much to take. Thoughtful song choices, brilliant Chris Marlowe arrangements, and of course that singular voice -- what an amazing combination. Every year when I open the box of Christmas music and see this album waiting for me again, I feel that strange and wonderful blend of joy and sadness that Nancy La Mott and her music brought us for the all-too-short time she was here.
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by Nancy LaMott 
