Call him the retro Sinatra, the keeper of the big band flame, the swingin' piano man, but Harry Connick Jr., remains one of New Orleans' treasures. His second Christmas CD is as much a salute to his hometown musical roots ... more »as it is to the season. Filled with second-line arrangements and fierce horn charts that could blow all that holiday chill back to Canada, Connick's latest revisits upbeat standards such as "Frosty The Snowman," "Blue Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," and others. Most swing and romp, but the hymns are given the reverential vocal treatment that Connick is known for on his more secular love ballads. Surprises include a quirky arrangement of "Silver Bells," in what sounds all the world like a Henry Mancini score for an action film. And there's four Connick originals that don't quite match the level of the covers, except for what must be the oddest pairing of talents all season, the duet with country singer George Jones on "Nothin' New For the New Year," an inspired tune and performance from two master stylists. There's nothing quite as lasting as the chestnut he penned on his first Christmas CD, "I Pray on Christmas," but for fans, here's a merry Harry N'awlins holiday love fest. --Martin Keller« less
Call him the retro Sinatra, the keeper of the big band flame, the swingin' piano man, but Harry Connick Jr., remains one of New Orleans' treasures. His second Christmas CD is as much a salute to his hometown musical roots as it is to the season. Filled with second-line arrangements and fierce horn charts that could blow all that holiday chill back to Canada, Connick's latest revisits upbeat standards such as "Frosty The Snowman," "Blue Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," and others. Most swing and romp, but the hymns are given the reverential vocal treatment that Connick is known for on his more secular love ballads. Surprises include a quirky arrangement of "Silver Bells," in what sounds all the world like a Henry Mancini score for an action film. And there's four Connick originals that don't quite match the level of the covers, except for what must be the oddest pairing of talents all season, the duet with country singer George Jones on "Nothin' New For the New Year," an inspired tune and performance from two master stylists. There's nothing quite as lasting as the chestnut he penned on his first Christmas CD, "I Pray on Christmas," but for fans, here's a merry Harry N'awlins holiday love fest. --Martin Keller
Lilah H. (lilyhax) from COLUMBIA, MD Reviewed on 11/30/2014...
This is a great CD full of jazzy versions of Christmas songs. The music will make you want to sway with the music and snap your fingers along with the beat. The arrangements and music solos are well placed and compliment and punctuate the lyrics. For example, the Sax interlude takes us on a journey in I Wonder as I Wander.
Emily B. from MEDFORD, NJ Reviewed on 8/27/2006...
Christmas music. Nice versions. If you feel the same way I do about the gorgeous singer, you'll love this.
CD Reviews
There's Jambalaya in My Stocking!
M. B. | TN United States | 11/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On this album, Harry Connick Jr. and his merry band of men serve up just enough smoothness to lure in the Kenny G fans and then throw in enough New Orleans syncopation, swingin' and in-your-face horns to confound them.And crooooonin' galore. The songs are a fair mix of the secular and non-secular both. Though the traditional hymms lean more towards slightly sober reflections, there's the effervescence and looseness throughout the disc of a band throwing down for a rollicking good time. Harry adds a few tunes of his own to the holiday cannon as well, including a duet with George Jones (!) on the country-tinged "Nothin' New for the New Year." I'm personally partial to bomp of "The Happy Elf," an irresistable toe-tapper.The North Pole just got a little hotter and spicier this year. And to answer one question put forth in an off-the-cuff remark in one of the Christmas classics here: Yes, I think Santa likes gumbo."
Incredible! Inspiring! Who IS this man?!
ccandersen94 | Cove, UT USA | 11/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"He's done it again! Harry IS Christmas! I thought that nobody would top his last Christmas album...I was wrong.Frosty the Snowman is outta sight!
'I'm gonna be the first one' took me right back to those Christmas mornings. Thanks for writing that one Harry!
'Santa Claus is coming to town' reminds me of 'Next Door Blues'. You should see the kids dance to this one!
'I Come with Love' inspiration from the pen of the man.I could go on and on.....but just go and get this one!
Every song made new as only Harry can do.I used to wonder what it would be like to grow up in the time of Nat King Cole, Satchmo and Sinatra......now I think I'm very lucky to be here now!"
Harry Christmas.
Joe Goodwin | Dallas Texas | 10/31/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, Harry doing what Harry does best - crooning with a big band - this time including orchestra. It kicks off (in Nick Hornby fashion) with 'Frosty the Snowman,' featuring Maynard Ferguson-esque trumpets screaming two octaves up, and rarely slows down from there. Holiday standards are punctuated with four original tunes which, while fun to listen to, probably won't become part of your Christmas caroling repertoire. And the 'cajun' knob is turned up a bit too high on some arrangements - seeming a bit forced at times - marring an otherwise polished performance. Still, you'd be hard pressed to find a better Christmas record if stranded on a desert island (they were crafty enough not to repeat tunes from his earlier Chrismas album) . . . actually, make that two."
Harry Holidays
L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 12/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This review refers to "Harry For The Holidays" CD(Columbia)...
Every year I try to find a Christmas album that adds something a little different to my holiday arsenal of music. This year I was quite pleased with my newly purchased Harry Connick, Jr. album. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. Added to the familiar standards, which are done in a way that makes them new again, are some wonderful traditionals not heard to often on other Christmas albums, plus 4 brand new songs, written by Harry himself. The music ranges from upbeat fun, to dreamy, to soulful and spiritial.
Opening with a rousing rendition of "Frosty The Snowman", to get you into the spirit of things, Harry mixes in sentimental favorites, "Blue Christmas", "Silver Bells', and "I'll be Home For Christmas" in his own wonderful style. On the more spiritual side, a couple to sing along with, are "Mary's Boy Child" and "Silent Night". Harry's original "The Happy Elf" is a fun and upbeat number, and for a nice change of pace, "The Christmas Waltz" may have you up and dancing. Other originals, that may become new favorites are "I'm Gonna Be The First One", "Nothin' New For New Year", and a beautiful "I Come With Love". "I Wonder As I Wander", "Nature Boy", and "This Christmas", are unusual and nice additions as well.
Over an hour of Harry's lulling vocals, and some wonderful musicians and music for your holiday listening pleasure. There are 16 tracks in all. The CD has a great sound and included is a booklet, with words for most of the songs.
Highly recommended for fans of Harry and anyone wanting a fabulous new holiday addition with a wonderful taste of something a little different.
Happy Holidays....Laurie
also recommended: Yule B Swingin' Too and To Wish You a Merry Christmas"