Borrowing arrangements and influences from Lionel Hampton, Al Hirt, Les Brown, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and even Kay Starr, Setzer's holiday disc is like a vintage car, custom-made to delight his longtime jitterbugging audience. The focal point of this hard-driving '40s retro-chic creation, however, is the bandleader's fiery guitar. As a player, Setzer is even more versatile now than during his rockabilly days fronting the Stray Cats. Granted, he'd be the first to admit that no one can top Elvis Presley on "Blue Christmas" or "Santa Claus Is Back in Town." Nevertheless, Setzer's solos on both could lead one to fantasize about how far into the stratosphere the King might've taken those songs if Setzer had been around to play guitar for him. Elvis's Viva Las Vegas costar Ann-Margret shows up to duet on "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and Setzer finally gets to release a rendition of his own "So They Say It's Christmas," covered by Lou Rawls on the Jingle All the Way soundtrack. To paraphrase another holiday hipster, it's awfully close to Coolsville. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Asin: B00006J48Q
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop    3. Rockabilly    4. Roots Rock   

Every holiday season produces at least one hip alternative rock Christmas CD. For 2002, it's Maybe This Christmas. Most of the 13 tracks here lean more toward the mellower portion of the alternative spectrum. The title track--a tender and poignant plea for peace and understanding by the wonderful Ron Sexsmith--basically sets the pace for things. Coldplay's Chris Martin proves he's no Sinatra on the band's fairly faithful, piano-driven "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," but there's still something endearing about his occasionally off-key but totally sincere delivery. Jack Johnson puts an apt--and quite amusing--spin on "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (in which Rudolph takes the other reindeers to task for ridiculing him), and Phantom Planet do their best Everly Brothers crossed with Weezer thing and come off entirely likable on the ancient "Winter Wonderland." Most surprising, however, is Sense Field's cover of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)." It's one of those songs that pretty much belongs to its creator, but the band's take on this classic is, in its own way, as enjoyable as John and Yoko's original. --Bill Holdship ... Read more

Asin: B00006L9NX
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Alternative Pop/Rock    4. Britpop    5. Celtic Fusion    6. Celtic New Age    7. Christmas    8. Christmas / Chanukkah    9. Emo    10. Indie Rock    11. New Zealand Rock    12. Pop    13. Singer/Songwriter    14. V/a Compilations   

Steve Vai takes the concept of pairing guitar shredders and Christmas classics one step further, putting another string of pickers on the tree with a little less spectacular results than on his first outing. Which isn't to say that this album is a lump of coal. There are some riveting moments, especially when Steve Stevens dry-gulches "Do You Hear What I Hear," first lulling the listener into reverential submission with an almost medieval rendering of this time-honored classic, then shifting gears and jetting into Christmas future with some unconventional note-bending. Ted Nugent's "Deck the Halls" reminds one why the Amboy Dukes and Damn Yankees were appealing, before the Nuge filled himself full of hot air. An added plus is Robin Trower's rather restrained "O Little Town of Bethlehem." One complaint: the players tend to lose the melody line in their efforts to tart up Christmas classics into something experimental. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Asin: B00000DFS6
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Album Rock    3. Arena Rock    4. Blues-Rock    5. Christmas    6. Christmas / Chanukkah    7. Contemporary Instrumental    8. Fusion    9. Hard Rock    10. Heavy Metal    11. Holiday    12. Jazz-Rock    13. Meditation    14. Pop    15. Pop/Rock    16. Post-Bop    17. Prog-Rock/Art Rock    18. Relaxation    19. Smooth Jazz    20. Soundtracks    21. Southern Rock   

Uh, shouldn't that be Chicago XXV? Well, of course 25 refers not to where this title falls in the stalwart brass-pop band's ongoing oeuvre (besides, they dropped the Roman numerals they long favored way back around 1980's XIV) but to December 25, Christmas Day. While these Chi-town swingers have been putting out airy albums since 1969, this is their first holiday spree, and it's pretty much what one might expect. You get your Yule standards ("Little Drummer Boy," "Let It Snow," "Silent Night"). You get your collection of vocalists sharing the chores (Bill Champlin, Jason Sheff, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughname). You get your temperate jazz-rock arrangements (Chicago's brass section doesn't blow so much as puff). Doubters will find it frightful; for longtime devotees, it is delightful. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Asin: B000009PVG
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Holiday    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Soft Rock   

The smartest political satirists working the Washington, D.C. Beltway--and maybe the entire United States--have made two funny and politically incorrect Christmas records that are marred only by the shifting political (mis)fortunes of the scene. Since All I Want for Christmas Is a Tax Increase was recorded in 1993, its batch of Clinton jokes and bye-bye Bushie and Quayle jabs don't travel all that well through time. But as history lessons from the early 1990s, they make for great reminiscences and grave grimaces at the most wonderful time of the year (when you can still sneak some soft money into your favorite presidential candidate's back pocket). Perhaps the most humorous--and timeless--thing on this set are the alleged album-jacket remarks from Larry King, Tom Clancy, Al Gore, Bernard Shaw, and George Bush about the bipolar, bipartisan troupe. "Some people in Washington are confused," says Gore, "but the Capitol Steps are not." Then there's this crack one-liner from Bush, sounding very presidential: "The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life." --Martin Keller ... Read more

Asin: B000003JOO
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. Political Comedy    5. Pop    6. Song Parody    7. Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows   

Billboard Christmas Five Pack
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 October, 2000)
list price: $49.98
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Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

Great set!
This cd set has a little bit of everything for everybody.All the classic favorites are here.If you're a fan of Christmas music, like I am, you'll wear this set out.With the first note of the first track (Bing Crosby - White Christmas), you'll be in the Christmas spirit.

p.s. My personal favorite track - White Christmas by the Drifters. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XSZW
Sales Rank: 191366
Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Country-Pop    5. Cowboy    6. Holiday    7. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    8. Pop    9. Rock & Roll    10. Swing    11. Traditional Country    12. Traditional Pop    13. Vocal Pop   

Jingle Bell Jazz [Columbia LP]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (9)

No Chico Hamilton, But...
As some of the other reviewers have stated, there are indeed many unfortunate omissions on this cd that were included on the original vinyl release. Hopefully Sony will see fit in the near future to reissue the recordings as they originally appeared. Having said that, I will make two comments. First of all, Chico Hamilton's "Winter Wonderland" is indeed available on cd. It is on a Sony Music Special Products cd called simply "Jazz Christmas". It is available from amazon, and it's worth the search, even it if it is very short in length, and has tawdry packaging. To my knowledge, this is the only way to get the song on cd. Secondly, this is still a wonderful cd, and one I seem to never tire of hearing. McCoy Tyner's solo piano rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is beautiful and reflective; Duke Ellington's raucous version of "Jingle Bells" is loads of fun; Carmen McRae's touching version of "The Christmas Song" still conjures up images of light snowfall with the faint glow of candles in the background; Dave Brubeck's midtempo rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" has some wonderfully swinging alto work from the great Paul Desmond; Dexter Gordon is bluesy and swinging on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". All in all a fine and diverse Christmas cd with plenty of moods and melodies. Always worth hearing and worth owning despite the omissions.

A Christmas Tradition in My House
This is a great CD in what's here. Dexter Gordon's solo on have Yourself.... is worth the price, and playable the other 11 months. What's interesting is that there are some outside arrangements (we three kings) along with the straight ahead material.

Worth buying!

Not the Original
If you are looking for the Original (Columbia "CS8693") Jingle Bell Jazz (cover has Red Santa Sack full of gifts)issued October 17, 1962, THIS IS NOT IT.The reissue ("PC 36803")of Jingle Bell Jazz (cover has Snow filled N.Y. streets with Taxi Cabs)in September, 1973 is GREAT.This latest "reissue" IS NOT.If you are expecting either of the "Original" issues on CD, you will be greatly offended.There is no Chico Hamilton, no Paul Horn.In 1985, CBS stupidly combined Jingle Bell Jazz with another Columbia recording called God Rest Ye Merry Jazzmen and the sad result is THISCD.Do youself a favor, secure the Vinyl Original and burn your own CD."You'll be glad you did."(...) I'd sell you my CD but it was so sorry, I couldn't sell it, I GAVE it away. ... Read more

Asin: B000002659
Sales Rank: 78949
Subjects:  1. 50's    2. 60's    3. Bop    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Hard Bop    7. Pop   

Santa's Bag: An All-Star Jazz Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 October, 1994)
list price: $5.98
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Reviews (2)

GREAT XMAS COCKTAIL!!!
'Santa's Bag: All-Star Jazz christmas'is on top of my list as an favorite Xmas cocktail party CD. Hearing Bobby Short singing White Christmas, as well as Jazz all time Great; George Shearing playing 'Away in a Manger' is a real delight.. My favorite has to be Jeanie Bryson's sensual rendition of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' At this price it is a steal, play it at that afternoon December cocktail party, and enjoy!

This is the best holiday CD I own. GREAT TUBA SOLO!
This is the only Xmas CD I'm replacing after our home burned down.It is jazzy, fabulous, and at times really funny. ... Read more

Asin: B000003D4E
Sales Rank: 114765
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Bop    3. Christmas    4. Christmas / Chanukkah    5. Cool    6. Hard Bop    7. Holiday    8. Latin Jazz    9. Mainstream Jazz    10. Pop    11. Post-Bop    12. Show Tunes    13. Soul-Jazz    14. Standards    15. Swing    16. Traditional Pop    17. Vocal Jazz    18. West Coast Jazz   

Christmas Blues & Shout
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 August, 1996)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Box set

Reviews (2)

Don't buy this set!
If this set actually contained the advertised songs I would have given it five stars.However, when you receive it, the songs are all different!If you are looking for a general Christmas jazz set, this one is OK ... But if you are looking for those specific songs I would look elsewhere.

What will Santa Claus say, when he finds everybody swinging?
Christmas hasn't been the same since I discovered this fabulous box set. Jazz has been forevermore infused into Jingle Bells and Bing Crosby.(Although Bing joins in on "Gone Fishin'.")

What a collection!Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Lena Horne...every disk is a powerhouse of music.I am no Jazz expert, but I know how to enjoy good music."What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin'?)" is my favorite.It is as swinging a song as the title suggests.Mildred Bailey does good service to "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm""The Night Before Christmas" as read by Louis Armstrong is really fun.

I can't imagine a better box set. Each of the three disks is worth the price on its own. ... Read more

Asin: B00001U05X
Sales Rank: 145549
Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Dixieland    5. Electric Blues    6. Holiday    7. Jump Blues    8. Pop    9. R&B    10. Rock & Roll    11. Standards    12. Swing    13. Traditional Pop    14. Vocal Jazz    15. Vocal Pop   

A Cappella Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 August, 2000)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (2)

Truly A Cappella!!!
As a genuine lover of music, I love this CD and I definitely do not have any hesitation to recommend it to everyone especially to those who want to add variety to their Christmas Music Collection.

Yuk, Bleah, don't buy
The singing is uninspiring.Often the melody is overpowered by the harmony, the singing is clipped and abrupt.The vibratos of the singers does not allow the chords to tune and "lock" in.I have no idea why the occasional "whump" of a bass drum is present.The christmas songs now have a "caveman" feel because of the drum.Phooeee.The tempos are too fast and don't give the listener a chance to appreciate the music.I made a HUGE mistake in getting this cd.HUGEI wish I could get my money back. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YR78
Sales Rank: 393190
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop   

Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 October, 1993)
list price: $18.98
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Editorial Review

Logic would dictate that if Aaron Neville can't make it a soulful Christmas, nobody can. Neville's one of the only mere mortals who can actually deliver on the old saw about having a voice so sweet he could sing the phone book. Problem is that Neville, who is notorious for making the wrong career choices, probably would sing the phone book if someone signed the check. Consequently, even though he includes the typical standards on Soulful Christmas, they still ring true with his magical voice. "Such a Night" and "Louisiana Christmas Day," however, stand out with soul and are required additions to any funky holiday party mix. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The Best Christmas Album
Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas is a must have.He has the voice of an angel; I've never heard anyone do Christmas better than Aaron.

This cd is christmas for me.
Hands down, this is the best christmas album available.Classics (like Christmas Song, Silent Night, etc) mixed with Neville's own take on christmas (Louisiana Christmas Day, Such a Night) make an incredible cd.It is not really christmas until this cd is playing in the backgroud and you're sipping eggnog with your family.

Great Christmas CD
Some of the best Christmas standards sung by the man with the voice of an angel.Can't be beat and I've listened to just about all the Christmas music around. ... Read more

Asin: B000002G1V
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Holiday    4. New Orleans R&B    5. Pop    6. Pop-Soul    7. Soul