Has Nancy Wilson ever made a public move in her 40-plus-year career that wasn't tasteful? Aside from a couple of small-print notices, purchasers would never know that Wilson intends to donate her royalties from her first... more » full- length Christmas disc to the Pittsburgh-based Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, an arts and education center for lower-income residents. Christmas finds Wilson moving between quietly felt moods with astute shifts in arrangement size; her trio, the Dizzy Gillespie alumni orchestra, and a chamber group are among the varied settings. As a choice for a houseful of family on Christmas Eve, this could hardly be better. A seemingly unpromising match between Wilson and the supremely fussy quartet New York Voices on "Carol of the Bells" ends up as one of the album's most sustained performances. --Rickey Wright« less
Has Nancy Wilson ever made a public move in her 40-plus-year career that wasn't tasteful? Aside from a couple of small-print notices, purchasers would never know that Wilson intends to donate her royalties from her first full- length Christmas disc to the Pittsburgh-based Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, an arts and education center for lower-income residents. Christmas finds Wilson moving between quietly felt moods with astute shifts in arrangement size; her trio, the Dizzy Gillespie alumni orchestra, and a chamber group are among the varied settings. As a choice for a houseful of family on Christmas Eve, this could hardly be better. A seemingly unpromising match between Wilson and the supremely fussy quartet New York Voices on "Carol of the Bells" ends up as one of the album's most sustained performances. --Rickey Wright
"Stunning,beautiful,tasteful,exquisite are the adjectives that come to mind when listening to A Nancy Wilson Christmas. Yet, these words seem inadequate for the joyous musical celebration Nancy offers. This is Nancy's finest album since Lady With A Song in 1989. Her voice has gotten a bit deper, but this brings out a richness in her performance that is quite appropriate for the material.All of the arrangements are sublime, whether combo or big band. The wedding of Nancy's voice with that of the New York Voices is an inspired match.The usual suspects are here...Let It Snow, White Christmas, Christmas Song, and all are delightful. However it is the more religious songs that are the standouts. Sweet Little Jesus Boy and O Holy Night shine. Never has Nancy sung with as much feeling as on her magnificent interpretation of All Through the Night.After the horrors of the last few months, this cd is a comfort and inspiration. The fact that Nancy is donating 100% of her income from this album, only adds to the true holiday spirit evoked by this stellar cd. If this cd does not inspire you, move you and bring you tidings of comfort and joy, then BAH HUMBUG to you. To Miss Nancy Wilson I can only say thank you."
A Nancy Wilson Christmas Indeed
Harry N. Cohen | 11/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have waited years for Nancy to do a Christmas album. I was so excited to discover this new CD. The last of the Jazz Divas has out done herself. It is jazz at its finest. This will certainly make my season bright. I hope you are working on your next CD, Nancy!"
CHRISTMAS MAGIC FROM MISS NANCY WILSON!!!!!!!!!
John T. Howton | Atlanta, GA United States | 12/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a truly sublime album, Christmas or otherwise, this gem is!!! Miss Nancy Wilson, with that jazzy, classy, unmistakable voice, treats us to Christmas standards, making each one her very own. From the opening number, 'Let It Snow', we know we're in for a holiday treat to be enjoyed with a glass of bubbly!!! When Nancy asks, 'What are you doing New Year's Eve?', one can't imagine this gorgeous holiday standard being sung by ANYONE else!!! The New York Voices blend in beautifully on Carol of the Bells, turning this classic into a new 'jazzy Christmas' classic!!! And the shining star on this flawless CD would have to be 'Christmas Time is Here' from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'! Nancy melts your heart with this one - GUARANTEED!!! Put this CD on 'random play' along with Tony Bennett's Christmas CD & Dave Koz's new Christmas CD, open the champagne while the snow piles up outside, & you're all set for quite a sublime holiday treat!!! Nancy has given us sheer magic this Christmas. A MUST-HAVE CD!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Serve" this one along with the Eggnog
Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 11/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The halls will surely be "decked" with Wilson's trademark jazzy interpretations of familiar holiday songs. The artist, backed by a bevy of talented musicians, such as The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Star Big Band and Herbie Mann, is wonderful as she takes on such standards as "White Christmas," "Carol of the Bells," and "Angels We Have Heard on High."However, it is her versions of "Christmas Time is Here" from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and the Nat King Cole classic "The Christmas Song" that show Wilson at her most captivating and evocative. These are the tunes that bring the spirit of the season alive.No one does it better than Nancy."
Traditional Christmas music with Great new arrangements
Reginald D. Garrard | 11/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the first bar of the first song this CD is fantastic. Miss Wilson puts her stamp on these tunes and the musicianship is the finest.
If you are like I am the Traditional songs seem to get the same old treatment, this CD is very different, refreshing, and most of all it really makes me listen.
5 stars for this performance."