Probably our most-requested Christmas album! You certainly have heard orchestral versions of these chestnuts, but not orchestral versions like these; includes Winter Wonderland; Jingle Bells; Christmas Song (Merry Christma... more »s to You); Santa Claus Is Comin to Town; Santa s Got a Brand New Bag; Jingle Bell Rock; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; White Christmas; I ll Be Home for Christmas; Little Saint Nick, and Do You Hear What I Hear? Merry Christmas, everybody!« less
Probably our most-requested Christmas album! You certainly have heard orchestral versions of these chestnuts, but not orchestral versions like these; includes Winter Wonderland; Jingle Bells; Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You); Santa Claus Is Comin to Town; Santa s Got a Brand New Bag; Jingle Bell Rock; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; White Christmas; I ll Be Home for Christmas; Little Saint Nick, and Do You Hear What I Hear? Merry Christmas, everybody!
"Finally released! This is a long overdue christmas lp to have a reissue on cd. But here it is..... and what a gem of a cd it is.
Recorded in 1965, this is an orchestra instrumental classic album that has some strong comparisons to PERCY FAITH'S non-christmas orchestra music in the mid-late 1960's which was influenced by the new modern orchestra sound of that time. However, the Hollyridge Strings perform it in a christmas fashion so don't worry about that. That said, because of the more modern (late 1960's) influence (especially in the backing rhythm section), there are some parts that will be weak when you look at it from a traditional point-of-view (which is also my favorite style) but the overall power of the orchestra covers that enough to warrant my 5 star review.
The strings, yes, those lovely lush strings really help carry the older, traditional side of things throughout. You will also hear some ANDRE KOSTELANETZ and LIVING STRINGS in this a bit too. Despite the strong PERCY FAITH influence I mentioned, this album still has it's own overall style as well, especially in a christmas sense. I can't think of any other christmas album (cd) that really has this type of style and sound throughout.
STU PHILIPS, the arranger and conductor of the orchestra, really did a great job in creating wonderful arrangements on this album, one that stands apart from any other christmas album overall. Only a few arrangers did this uniqueness to my liking (such as JOHNNY DOUGLAS of the LIVING STRINGS), and the arrangements are on the very usual 'lively' or upbeat side.
My favorite song on this cd is JINGLE BELL ROCK. It has a real upbeat and joyful power with some very interesting orchestra sounds and bells throughout much of it. It comes across as very traditional for me sounding like something from the late 1950's or very early 1960's.
Other great songs are JINGLE BELLS, HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, WINTER WONDERLAND, SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN, etc.... THE CHRISTMAS SONG has probably the lushest strings of any song on this cd (really reminding me of the living strings) and has a backing (or leading) rhythm on the latin side of things but is a real nice and smooth sound. Really, every song is great here and the power of the orchestra provides a very beautiful christmas sound throughout.
A definite recommendation from me on this."
Christmas Music
Debra A. Smith | 02/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music is so lovely and Christmassy. Each year I can't wait to hear it!!"
A classic finally available on CD!
A. Smith | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma United States | 02/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This superbly produced album is finally available on CD. Sure, there are billions of "easy" treatments of Christmas favorites, but this one stands above all of them. How do you make yet another version of an overwrought Christmas classic even worth listening to? It's all in the arrangements.
I was about 2 years old when this came out - so don't think this genre is just for the older set (!). Buy it NOW and be ready for Christmas early!"
FINALLY.... " CHRISTMAS FAVORITES" by THE HOLLYRIDGE STRINGS
Dennis Dorr | Westmoreland City,PA. U.S.A. | 12/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ahhh Yes...The delightful in house orchestra (under the direction of one Stu Phillips..give us "Middle of the Road..aka "Beautiful Musicers"...another chance to hear this LONG OVERDUE CHRISTMAS ALBUM!!
I have the "original" LP on vinyl,and now the CD,which are both do able!!
Every Year,I introduce someone new to this delightful Christmas fare...which unfortunately gets no air play,only from time to time as "Christmas Bumper" snipets for other songs on other radio stations.
Although I worked the "beautiful Music" format,it was not always one of my favorites,but Stu Phillips and his "Hollyridge Strings" certainly was.
If You have never heard "The Hollyridge Strings",and are indeed a lover of 60's music (even if it might be the pop stuff)...grab this up.
The one cut from here "Santa's Got A Brand New Bag" was also released in '65 as a single and got alot of air play on "rocker" stations way back then. (Iknow..I was there)!! And I played that song with a vengeance to try and make it Jump on the "Billboard Hot 100". That song ,to me,is a Christmas treasure!!
Although it did not make a hit..this song alone,is worth buying the CD!!
Released when we all need to go back to the 60's.....this one is a keeper.
Again,if You have never heard "The Hollyridge Strings",I think You will become an instant fan!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS STU PHILLIPS!!(And to "The Hollyridge Strings)!!"
YES!!
George E. Martinez | long beach ca USA | 11/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Hollyridge Strings Christmas Classic CD is a great cd I highly recommend it to all. Truly a standard for those "long gone" beautiful music radio stations during christmastime. The Holllyridge Strings' Christmas favorites should be cherish by future generation of listeners."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1