Search - Maureen McGovern :: Xmas

Essential for the Christmas collection

Rusty Kransky | Greenport, NY United States | 08/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the few cases of a Christmas album by one artist that I can listen to over and over. The arrangements are excellent, and the singing is lovely and thoughtful throughout. "I Wonder as I Wander" "Coventry Carol" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" stand out.Two other songs highlight the disc for me. One is a whimsical, rather silly version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," that I didn't like upon first hearing it. I've changed my mind - it's amusing and Jay Leonhart provides excellent counterpoint to Maureen. The other highlight - worth the price of the album by itself - is a positively gorgeous song called "The Christmas Tree" that I've never heard before, and will probably never hear sung so well again.By all means, make this CD a part of your Christmas music collection!"

A Classic--One of the greatest Christmas records ever made

Rusty Kransky | 12/20/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is hard to say enough good things about this CD. About the only drawback is it's scarcity. In a day and age where Holiday music has become so ordinary and so repetitive, people often search for something new and unusual in the holiday music realm. This CD is one to own. Through a variety of Holiday selections, Maureen McGovern sets the mood for a holiday selection certain to please everyone. What makes this CD unique among Christmas albums, however, is not just her angelic voice or impressive range, but her selections which range from traditional to contemporary. For this, the CD will appeal to anyone who likes their Christmas music well done. Each track is pleasing, but my personal favorite is "Our First Christmas" a cheerful, upbeat holiday love song which could only be performed by her. This contemporary song captures the spirit of the holidays, as does her rendition of cassics such as "I Wonder as I Wonder" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas".These timeless classics are taken to new heights through the beauty of her singing. Her Broadway-twist on "Santa Clause is Coming to Town", on the other hand, takes another traditional favorite and makes us feel as though we have been placed in Times Square in December. The casual, upbeat mood we hear on songs such as "Winter Wonderland" contrasts perfectly with the beauty of "White Christmas". And as for the song titled "Do you know it's Christmas?", well, just playing this music lets you know that it is. So few artists of our time could successfully offer us a Christmas CD that blends traditional with contemporary as Maureen McGovern has. This is a CD that lives up to and exceeds the expectations of McGoverns fans, and probably, will gather her many more. Her voice is nothing short of angelic, her range is impressive, and the selections here are perfect. It would be hard to top this CD. Well Done, Ms McGovern!!"

A must at Christmas every year!

Rusty Kransky | Greenport, NY United States | 12/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I see that this CD is out of stock on Amazon, and that is a shame. This ties with Nancy LaMott's yuletide CD as my most favorite - and I probably have evry Christmas CD ever recorded! Maureen McGovern's singing here is lovely; she has never sounded better or more relaxed. The songs range from familiar ("Have Yourself a Merry...") to unusual ("A Child is Born"). Two unfamiliar songs, "The Christmas Tree" and a lovely ballad, "Christmas Eve," with music set to a poem by Robert Frost, are my favorites - gorgeously and simply sung.
The familiar songs get original treatments, too. Maureen duets amusingly with Jay Leonhart (as Santa) on "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and Maureen shows off her scatting (and high soprano) on a medley of favorites. "Lullay Thou Tiny Child" is combined with "I Wonder as I Wander" for a ravishing rendition.
If you like Christmas music, beautifully sung, do what you can do find this gem of a CD. It's something everyone should find in their stocking on Christmas Day."