|
|
| Home: Music: An Acapella Christmas |
An Acapella Christmas- Rhino / Wea |
These sophisticated jazz singers prove just how much their vocal versatility has always embraced pop, doo-wop, rounds, and a cappella music when the foursome explores 10 Christmas songs on a disc that previously was available only in Japan. The group transports "Jingle Bells" to the '40s in a sweeping nostalgic turn and do a knockout take on Charles Brown's low-down "Merry Christmas Baby" that showcases how elegantly funky they can be. An Acapella Christmas balances the more sophisticated harmony singing the group is known for alongside straightforward versions of "Christmas Is Coming," "Good King Wenceslas" (complete with kid voices), and an otherwise forgettable blatant play for radio on "My Grown-Up Christmas List." But with can't-miss readings of "Christmas Time Is Here," "White Christmas," and a totally magical exploration of "Toyland," the Manhattan Transfer delivers the kind of holiday record certain to please first time listeners while satisfying longtime fans. --Martin Keller  Tracks:
Customer Reviews:
A new release that is destined to join the ranks of holiday perennials is An Acapella Christmas from The Manhattan Transfer. As the title implies, this one is all vocals with no instrumental accompaniment. But, with voices that blend as seamlessly as this foursome's, there's nothing missing at all. The opening track, a re-creation of Frank Sinatra's "J-I-N-G-L-E" version of "Jingle Bells" sets an upbeat tone, but the rest of the ten song playlist is mostly ballads like "White Christmas" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas." All are filled with the rich, warm harmonies and tight vocal interplay for which the Transfer is well known. "Christmas is Coming" is turned into a mesmerizing round, "Merry Christmas Baby" mixes doo-wop with the blues, and the recently composed "My Grown-Up Christmas List" asks Santa for more than "packages and bows" for "a world in need." originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 12/12/06 copyright © 2006 Port Folio Weekly. Used by Permission. --2006-12-15 Wow!.... Just about the time one thinks that nothing Great is being produced in Christmas Music today, The Manhattan Transfer release, 'An Acapella Christmas'....This recording took 1 play to become my new Favorite Christmas CD.. Every track masterfully arranged, as every vocal is simply perfection.. The addition of the childrens voices on Good King Wenceslas is perfectly charming, ... I highly recomend An Acapella Christmas to all that enjoy superb quality in music... Alan, Tim ,Cheryl and Janis.....Bravo!! Magnificent.... Beautiful.....Thanks for giving us this wonderful gift of music... We will cherish it for a lifetime! --2006-12-14 This CD is *MUCH* better than their earlier "The Christmas Album". That album was way too "normal"... This one swings a lot more, but is still kinda bland. The last couple of CDs have been a little less "experimental" than some of their earlier works. "Vocalese" is still kind of the standard I judge them by. This one does not rise to that level. I love Christmas music and if you do, too, this one is a good addition to your library of Christmas CDs. --2006-12-13 The Manhattan Transfer has done something I swore could not be done...they bettered their 1992 Christmas album! The album features the usual close, lush harmonies, and the beauty of the song "Toyland" will have to be experienced to be believed. While the work is not strictly "a capella" (in the style of the chapel; singing without instruments) the instrumental accompaniment heard throughout is understated and quietly supports the singers. Be warned ..."Good King Wenceslas" features children's voices, which, while pleasant, are by no means professional (though there is one lovely young women's voice heard at one point...she has a definite gift). --2006-12-08 Loved every cut on this Acapella cd. Manhattan Transfer does such an amazing job keeping true to their sound as well as putting their own twist on an arrangement. Great addition to your Holiday Tune Collection. Recently saw them in concert in Seattle and they just keep on making terrific music. :-) Barbthechef --2006-11-25 Read for more: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html%3FASIN=B...
Browse more in:[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] ... |
|
|
(c) 2005-2006 Giga Goods - Release New Products Online
Submit New Product | Submit New Software | Submit Press Release | Submit French Press Release |