Great New Recordings for Christmas - Target Exclusive Availa
Bill Anthony | North Texas United States | 10/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Deluxe edition has a bonus DVD with a 24 minute "Making Of" special that is well worth the extra cost. At Target Stores, there is an additional/exclusive 20 minute segment on the DVD called "Live In Concert", that turns out to be a new performance with the Count Basie Orchestra and pianist Monty Alexander of several complete tunes from this album! (My Favorite Things, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, O Christmas Tree, Winter Wonderland, and Silver Bells)
The "Making Of" segment only contains partial or interrupted sections of the live performances.
The Johnny Mandel/Alan & Marilyn Bergman song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on this CD was first released in 2004 on the Barnes & Noble exclusive version of Tony's CD "THE ART OF ROMANCE" under it's original title "A Christmas Love Song" (it was also recorded by Manhattan Transfer on their 1992 Christmas Album). All other tracks are new recordings with the Basie Orchestra.
WalMart (ughh) has a version with two "exclusive" bonus tracks - Let It Snow (from the Family Christmas TV Special 1992) and The Christmas Song (from his 2000 album with 3 other singers) - not new or exclusive material at all."
'Must have" Christmas jazz!
John Peterson | 12/20/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great album! If you like big band jazz this is a "must have" CD. I got the CD/DVD package. On the DVD Bennett is shown singing "The Christmas Song" (Torme) but sadly, it was not included on the CD. Pianist Monty Alexander plays more than the Count would have but was superb! Highly recommend; it won't dissappoint."