Search - Erin O'Donnell :: Christmas Time Is Here

An Absolute Holiday Gem

Michael Janke | San Diego, CA | 12/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Erin O'Donnell has released a handful of well-made albums but nothing she has done has really broadened her fan base beyond her loyal following. So imagine my surprise when I popped her newest album, CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE, into my CD player to discover a record that wasn't just "fine" or "decent" but one of the best Christmas albums that I have heard in years; perhaps ever.



CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE is a delightful collection of holiday favorites and originals, recorded in an authentic coffeehouse/jazz style. O'Donnell is accompanied by all of the right instruments - acoustic piano, upright bass, drums with brushes on the snare, etc. - to accentuate the dimly-lit lounge atmosphere. Production that must have been presided over with a cup of wassail perfectly melds the smooth musical grooves with O'Donnell's surprisingly accessible vocal performances. I say surprisingly only because her voice, while beautiful, has a girlish quality to it that sometimes makes her songs feel strained. There is no such complaint here; indeed, it is like Erin has, vocally, finally found her place in this musical world.



The song selection is similarly sensational. Traditional sacred Christmas favorites like "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" are paired with holiday classics like "Frosty the Snowman" and "Winter Wonderland," and the arrangements know when to be intimate, when to be loose, and when to have fun. Tracks that particularly stand out are "Christmas Kiss," which is a lovely little romantic romp through the snow, and the Allison Kraus-like "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear." Truth be told, though, not only is there not a single bad track to be found, every one deserves a big thumbs up. Perfect for a Christmas party or a tree trimming, CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE is easily the best new Christmas album of 2004 - only a Scrooge would be able to turn up his nose to this one.



I love this album. Hopefully it only signals the start of better things to come from Erin O'Donnell in the coming years."

Jazzy Christmas Gem

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 12/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love all things Christmas, including Christmas music. As a result, I often buy Christmas CD's by artists I might not normally give a second thought to. I have a few CD's I don't wind up listening to that much as a result, but I have some that become favorites I can't wait to pull out each year. This CD falls into the second category.



Erin O'Donnell goes with one of the popular choices when it comes to Christmas CD's, she went with jazzy arrangements. As a result, this disc sounds different from most of what's in my collection, making it stand out.



Also helping it stand out are the fun arrangements. "Frosty the Snowman/Winter Wonderland" immediately springs to mind. It's an upbeat medley with great drums and piano that will have you tapping your toe along right away. Also in the fun, upbeat camp is "Angels We Have Heard on High." "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" is sped up from its normal tempo just slightly. Even so, it's enough to make you listen to it more closely then you normally might.



The CD isn't afraid to slow things down as well, creating some intimate moments. "I'll be Home for Christmas" brings the longing of the song right to the forefront. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is haunting here. Both songs feature piano and guitar with light drums and sound like something you would here in a coffee house. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is another song that stands out. Accompanied only by acoustic guitar, she expertly captures the longing of the words.



I'll admit to being a purest when it comes to the title song. Nobody does "Christmas Time is Here" like the cast of A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS. This version actually equals it because it retains the same flavor. The song originally was all about jazz, and it fits in well here. Frankly, listening to it makes me want to watch the special.



There are two new songs on this disc. Up first is the fun "Christmas Kiss." It's an upbeat, playful song about a woman who decides to take the relationship with her would be boyfriend into her own hands. I really like it.



"Waiting for Love to be Born" is actually ten years old, but I've never heard it before. A medium tempo track, it talks about the magic of Christmas, both for kids but also in the birth of Jesus.



I'd actually forgotten just how much I loved this CD until I pulled it out again this year. I can already tell this will be one I don't want to put away come January."

Love it

Rachel Henderson | Spring, TX | 12/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My daughter thought this CD was a little too mellow for her taste, but I absolutely love it (and I promise, I'm not an old lady!) Anyways, the sound it great - a little jazzy. And it has her version of my all time favorite Christmas song from the Charlie Brown Christmas program. Love it! Erin's voice is smooth and unique... I love this whole CD, and would suggest it to anybody."