IT?S THE CHRISTMAS REUNION OF THE YEAR! One of the 70?s most beloved and best selling pop groups are back with an all-new recording - their first in 28 years. Surprisingly having never recorded a Christmas record back whe... more »n they were topping the Billboard charts, this CD has been a longtime coming for the millions of record buyers who loved this group. Featuring the warm and instantly recognizable voice of Tony Orlando - and the unforgettable backing vocal sound of Dawn (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent,) this brand-new holiday offering is like a homecoming of dear friends. Tony Orlando & Dawn?s "A Christmas Reunion" is destined to be a holiday classic for years to come. Their wonderful version of "The Christmas Song" features lead vocals by Tony, Telma & Joyce ? a first for the group. Original tunes include "Christmas in New York," which is a solid-gold holiday smash?and bound to become a seasonal anthem for the Big Apple. The world-beat arrangement of "Mary?s Boy Child" is a wonderful new twist on this holiday favorite. Familiar voices loved by millions for over three decades, Tony Orlando & Dawn have definitely entered fresh musical territory with their latest effort. A Christmas collection so stunning, you won?t believe your ears! Produced by Grammy Award winner Michael Omartian, whose credits include Amy Grant, Donna Summer, Peter Cetera, Christopher Cross, Rod Stewart, Cher, Whitney Houston and many more.« less
IT?S THE CHRISTMAS REUNION OF THE YEAR! One of the 70?s most beloved and best selling pop groups are back with an all-new recording - their first in 28 years. Surprisingly having never recorded a Christmas record back when they were topping the Billboard charts, this CD has been a longtime coming for the millions of record buyers who loved this group. Featuring the warm and instantly recognizable voice of Tony Orlando - and the unforgettable backing vocal sound of Dawn (Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent,) this brand-new holiday offering is like a homecoming of dear friends. Tony Orlando & Dawn?s "A Christmas Reunion" is destined to be a holiday classic for years to come. Their wonderful version of "The Christmas Song" features lead vocals by Tony, Telma & Joyce ? a first for the group. Original tunes include "Christmas in New York," which is a solid-gold holiday smash?and bound to become a seasonal anthem for the Big Apple. The world-beat arrangement of "Mary?s Boy Child" is a wonderful new twist on this holiday favorite. Familiar voices loved by millions for over three decades, Tony Orlando & Dawn have definitely entered fresh musical territory with their latest effort. A Christmas collection so stunning, you won?t believe your ears! Produced by Grammy Award winner Michael Omartian, whose credits include Amy Grant, Donna Summer, Peter Cetera, Christopher Cross, Rod Stewart, Cher, Whitney Houston and many more.
"In their first studio album in over 25 years, Tony Orlando and Dawn prove, that like fine wine, they have gotten even better with age!
First, their voices are superb. Joyce Vincent Wilson and Telma Hopkins sing soulfully and beautifully. Tony Orlando exhibits some of the best singing of his career. No wonder he has been recording since 1961! The microphone loves this man's voice!
Second, the quality of the arrangements are out of this world. How can you bring something new to the "Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire), that hasn't previoulsy been done by the over 2,000 artists that have recorded it before? Well, this arrangement and the soaring vocals make this one of the top versions of this song. Mel Torme' would be so proud.
Some of the new songs on the CD are sure to become classics. "Christmas In New York" is an upbest romp that transports us to that great City during this magical time of year.
This CD is a must have for the holiday season. Let's hope it doesn't take another 25 years for their next album."
This CD is like a dream come true
Dr. Joe Kort | Royal Oak, Michigan United States | 11/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After their breakup in 1977, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be buying a new Tony Orlando *with* Dawn album. Yet, here it is and it is excellent.
Tony Orlando and Dawn pick up right where they left off. The use of saxophones and the key in which they sing many of the songs on this Christmas CD are reminiscent of their last two albums, "To Be With You" and "He Don't Love You" (which were their best albums ever!).
As a group their music was changing to a jazzy and more mellow sound with Telma and Joyce taking more leads. They were more serious, less generic and began to create a sound that was unique for them. They began to harmonize and the sound was really beautiful.
This album returns them to that sound.
When Telma Hopkins starts singing the first song on the CD you just know that this is going to be an album where "Dawn" is featured more prominately.
The *best* part of this album is the that Dawn, Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent, are highlighted throughout the CD in several songs. Perhaps that is the greatest thing about this group is Tony Orlando's willngness to share the spotlight and give these women a platform to shine. AND SHINE THEY DO!!!
I hope the sales of this CD spark the making of yet another Tony Orlando and Dawn album."
Beautiful Memories That Will Warm Your Heart
Theresa C. | Long Island, NY | 11/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been waiting 28 years for a new Tony Orlando and Dawn album - now CD - to come out. Finally my prayers were answered. I couldn't be more happy that the first new album by Tony and the girls is a Christmas album as Christmas is a very special time for me. My anticipation was overwhelming me and finally the time came for the CD to come out. It felt great going into my local music store and looking at the new releases and seeing Tony Orlando and Dawn Christmas Reunion looking right at me. The album cover is beautiful and the enclosed photos are great and reminicent of old ones. Just seeing that made me realize that I was in for something special. The CD was better than I could ever hope for. The CD happens to start with my favorite Christmas song, The Christmas Song, then goes into Christmas in New York which I predict to be a huge hit especially here in NY. What a perfect song for Tony Orlando's voice. I also really love the solo songs the girls sing, again reminding me of the old albums. Tony's version of Silent Night gives a Ray Charles flavor which is just so powerful - Tony and the Girls actually give me chills listening to this song. I also love Mistletoe and Wine, Mary's Boy Child, I Lose It When I Hear White Christmas...Oh the whole CD is just great! Please trust me when I say you will not be disappointed. Your collection needs this new CD. It will put a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. Merry Christmas Tony Orlando and Dawn and thank you."
I Feel The Spirit Of Christmas
John | Charlotte, NC | 11/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A friend of my suggested the Christmas Reunion CD to added to my collection. When I bought this Christmas Reunion CD I could not believe how awesome it is. I do believe this is the best Christmas CD I have heard. I highly recommend this CD. If I had to rate this CD it would be higher than the 5 stars allowed here. If you purchase this Christmas Reunion CD you will not be disappointed. I hope this will make your decision if you are thinking about buying it. Joyce, Telma, Tony and Pam voices sound awesome. Also what a great job R2 Entertainment and Michael Omartian did on this Christmas Reunion CD."
A Christmas Reunion well worth waiting for!
Laura Pinto | St. Petersburg, FL United States | 12/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many folks, especially babyboomers such as myself, best remember Tony Orlando and Dawn from their string of early-70's hits such as "Candida," "Knock Three Times," and "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree," and for their variety show which aired from 1973 to 1977. Now, after a hiatus of 28 years, the three group members, Tony Orlando, Joyce Vincent and Telma Hopkins, have again joined forces in the recording studio to put together a wonderful new collection of holiday tunes, their first. Tony Orlando and Dawn's 'A Christmas Reunion' features tracks sung by all three, either separately or together, as on the first track, the lovely Christmas classic "The Christmas Song" (aka "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire").
Tony Orlando and Dawn's 'A Christmas Reunion' is a mix of both old and new, but don't look for Rudolph or Frosty here. Instead, settle back with your cup of eggnog, put your feet up, and prepare yourself to be treated to a CD that clearly acknowledges the Reason for the Season - as with "Mary's Boy Child," brilliantly executed by Tony Orlando with an African-influenced arrangement; "Ave Maria/O Holy Night," featuring lead vocal by Joyce Vincent and Tony Orlando, respectively; and the haunting and thought-provoking "Mary Did You Know." The more secular offerings are enjoyable to listen to as well, and perhaps to sing along with, thanks to the included lyric sheet - Ray Parker, Jr.'s "Christmas Time is Here," with lead vocal by Telma Hopkins; the jazzy "Christmas in New York," composed by legendary New York songwriters Jack Keller and Bob Feldman; and my personal favorite, the bluesy "I Lose It When I Hear White Christmas," penned by Toni Wine and Artie Wayne, another pair of talented New York scribes; this Wine/Wayne collaboration is a sure-fire Christmas classic in the making. (By the way, that's Toni's voice you hear singing "I'm gonna make your life so sweet" on The Archies' 1969 megahit "Sugar, Sugar," and about a year after "Sugar" had its run on the charts, Toni co-wrote a little ditty called "Candida," which was recorded by a session singer named Tony Orlando and released under the name of Dawn and ... well, you probably know the rest.)
All in all, this 14-track holiday offering is a delight, and 'A Christmas Reunion' by Tony, Telma and Joyce really brings forth the spirit of Christmas. Highly recommended!"