"This arenÕt the Christmas songs youÕll hear in the malls or at the parades. No Santa Claus. No reindeer. No snow. But for me it would not be Christmas without this glorious album. (Although, to be honest, the music is so beautiful, IÕve put it on many times in mid-summer, and it doesnÕt seem out of place. This is the only Christmas album I own that I could say that about). This is the essence of Christmas Ñ simple, unadorned songs about a poor baby king and his struggling mother, songs of hope, joy, and redemption. This is my antidote to exhausting Christmas shopping. Food for the heart and soul. And no one can sing these exquisite songs better than Odetta. Her voice is a great mixture of warm humanity and righteousness that makes these songs belong to her. She renews the meaning of Christmas. Even in July."
1963 or 1994
Mattimus | Melbourne Australia | 08/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Really great album (all year round), but note that there are two different recordings. The original recording from 1963 is rougher with just Odetta and her guitar, the 1994 version is more heavily produced. I prefer the 1963 version but they are both great. If you want one or the other then be careful when ordering - I ordered the 1994 version as advertised but then received the 1963 version. The samples from the album on Amazon are from the 1963 recording."
Most played Christmas record of all time in my collection
Reg Forsyth | 11/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Everytime I have a Christmas party, I play this CD and people say, "Who IS that?" They are so delighted to discover Odetta's Christmas music.If you had to pick one new Christmas CD this year, this is one everyone will enjoy....Souful without being New Age-y or cliche-ish."
Reminder of a powerful singer
James P. Keyes | Columbus, Ohio USA | 01/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I knew of Odetta years ago, of course, Recently a singer in my commuity chorus wanted to sing Mary Had a Baby. So I got Odetta's version to be a role model. Performance was excellent. Better still, I ended up with the entire CD and it has become a welcome addition to my family's collection of Christmas music."