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One of the Great Albums of Christmas

DocRossow | 11/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought long and hard about taking the time to review this album, since a "surfer" can already tell by the "average customer rating" that this is a much-beloved album, a real five-star classic. But here is a time when a vote really counts, and I want to be on the list of those who recognize a great album when they hear it.My wife and I still have our original LP. Sometimes it's fun to listen to it, with the slight "pops and crackles" sounding like a fireplace. But, oh my! It's on CD!! And this album sounds glorious.Read some of the other reviews for the history of the group, and for the sense of the artistic achievement of this album. Let me just add that this is a wonderful album to listen to, with only the tree lights on, and a real fire in the fireplace."

Christmas magic

David A. Beamer | Clawson, MI United States | 10/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The old 1972 LP has finally been reissued on CD. This became an instant classic when it was released 30 years ago, and for good reason. The Singers Unlimited were the best jazz vocal group of the day, but here they were -- singing Christmas carols. But not just singing straight from the hymnbook; the Gene Puerling arrangement and the Alfred Burt carols are gems, and right up the SU's jazzy alley.First, the Burt carols. Alfred Burt was a jazz trumpeter in the Detroit area in the late 40's and early 50's. Over the course of about 6 years, he wrote 15 carols, many of which were sent as Christmas cards to family and friends. SU has chosen 6 of them, and does them extremely well -- Burt would be pleased.As for the rest of the recording, SU did their usual inimitable magic with a dozen well-known carols. A few are done very straight, with little jazz adornments. Others, like Deck The Halls, Silent Night, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, are all dressed up in new jazz clothes. With the overdubbing they indulged in, the 4 members of the group at times are singing 6- and 8-part jazz harmonies.Highly recommended."

God's favorite Christmas record.

danderson@neighbornet.net | Houston, Texas | 04/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is what happens when angels multitrack. If you ever get a chance to get it, do. In addition to the Puerling influence, it appears that the Alfred Burt carols are performed right off the cheap charts anyone can buy at the local purveyor of choral music. However, do not think that the local Methodist' are going to sound like Bonnie Herman et. al. Play this one for the choir, so they'll know what they are shooting for with dynamics, intonation, sychonization of target sounds, phrasing, etc. I listen to it several times a year, for about a week at a time. From all of us to the Singers Unlimited, peace to you too."