Search - Barbara Cook :: Count Your Blessings

Heavenly

Bruce Aguilar | Hollywood, CA | 11/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Barbara Cooks first Christmas CD and I hope it's not her last. As usual, her voice is heavenly, caresssing the lyrics and warming your heart. The big surprise on this set is how fresh these standard Christmas songs sound when perfrmed by Cook. Many Christmas discs can be overly florid and cliche, but not so on this disc. The only jingle bells you'll hear on these songs is in "Winter Woonderlnd" and they are subdued. Barbara Cook and her arranger Wally Harper keep things in a (deceptively) simple and intimate setting. Almost as if she's giving you a personal concert in your living room.I've always enjoyed Amy Grant's "Breath of Heavn" and was surprised to see it appear on this CD. Cook is somehow able to make it an even more moving experience than Grant. "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" which starts acapella and grows to include a banjo and a harmonica, harken back to her Atlanta roots. Probably my favorite track is "I Wonder As I Wander" which is sung completely acapella.I'll be listening to this set for many Christmas' to come. Count your blessings indeed. So far, I count 15."

A Wonderful Christmas Album for Everyone

Judith A. Griffith | Augusta, GA United States | 11/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just received this Christmas CD by Barbara Cook, her very first Christmas CD. I saw her last weekend in Atlanta for the very first time and now to hear this wonderful mix of Christmas songs is just heavenly. She has a voice that is so very special and delightful. I marvel at it every time I hear it. It has a quality to it that no other female singer has. The songs were chosen very carefully by Ms. Cook and Mr. Harper as I would expect. The selection "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" is just enchanting, very moving and emotional for me. It is not usually thought of as a Christmas song but it becomes an essential part of this album. Ms. Cook's voice is as clear as if she were in my living room singing to me. This Christmas album is destined to be the one you always reach for and play for your friends, family and guests. I know it will be treasured by me for many many years to come!"

A Christmas Gem!

John T. Lewis | San Francisco, CA United States | 01/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just got Barbara's newest CD...her first Christmas one I believe.
What a gem! Some mixed feelings about some of the arrangements but as a whole a delight to hear! Want to hear more times, so right now, this is a premature rating...but still love Barbara a lot and have seen her 3 times here in San Francisco....I just love her rendition of "Away In A Manger", interweaving both versions of the carol...lovely and so dear! A lot of warmth and feeling in all the selections....some familiar and some not so. Unfortunately, my favorite Christmas song is "O, Holy Night" but have to say I don't care for this arrangement...my own bias...some songs I just like being done very straight.
But who knows!? This might grow on me... The "Silent Night" is exquisite! Very nice arrangement and harmony! Buy this CD and don't wait for next Christmas to listen! Thanks again, Barbara, for a beautiful gift of song for us to enjoy!"