Search - Jerry Vale :: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

"A Personal Christmas" Plus One More Song & Better Sound

Scott F. Rogers | Columbus, Indiana United States | 10/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the same as Jerry Vale's Christmas CD released in 1995, "A Personal Christmas", with one extra song, "Snowbird", and with a higher quality digital sound. To compare, I played "Santa Mouse" and "He" on the "A Personal Christmas" CD, and then played the same songs from the "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" CD, and immediatley noticed a richer sound with better seperation. Instruments that were way off in the background and hardly noticable on "A Personal Christmas", were suddenly audible, and pleasantly crisp on this new release. And of course, Jerry's vocals are clear and crisp. If you want the best possible sounding Jerry Vale Christmas collection, this is the one to buy. THE "A PERSONAL CHRISTMAS" REVIEW: "If you could pick one album to represent an old fashion American Christmas, this would be the one. Reminiscent of a Perry Como Christmas album, Jerry's vocals are flawless as he effortlessly croons out some smooth and beautifully arranged high notes, complimented by the fantastic orchestration, and the better-than-average backup singers and choir. Vale's "I'll Be Home For Christmas", is the best version I've ever heard, the choir and Vale bonding together in a fantastic display of harmonies and soaring notes. All the songs are excellently done, but my favorite on this CD is "He". Recorded in 1972, and formally released on the vinyl LP "Alone Again Naturally", "He" is a full-bodied, full-choired, fully-orchestrated and lengthy musical extravaganza that only Jerry Vale could pull off with such panache. It's a rare spiritually treat from the master of "croon" that you'll find yourself playing over and over again. Another treat is the rare and cute "Santa Mouse" which was previously only available on a 45 single. I give this CD AAAAAAA+++++++ and recommend it to newcomers, collectors, and everyone looking for the perfect Christmas music collection.""