 |  | It all depends on what you want |  |
Normally, I enjoy Christmas music with a little out-of-the-ordinary interpretation. But this album seems designed to display the virtuosity of the musicians, rather than to present the melodies of the season. No doubt, a brass player would really enjoy it for the fine musicianship. But for just listening, it misses the boat.
The best track on the album is "Ave Maria," where the brass accepts the supporting role to Jerry Hadley's beautiful tenor.
December 21, 2007 | | The Canadian Brass don't need this much help!!! | |
You must know that I am a huge Canadian Brass fan, and I absolutely love Christmas music. With that combination, what could be better than a Canadian Brass Christmas album? Well, this one left me wanting more.
My primary objection to this recording is its frequent use of guest artists. Six out of the eighteen tracks include rather random musical additions like a flute, a guitar, a clarinet, and various singers. Though each of these musicians are highly capable at their craft, I found their presence to be always unnecessary and often cumbersome and intrusive.
Ultimately, the Canadian Brass (and brass music, in general) provides such a distinctive and glorious sound that I find it to be considerably shortchanged when accompanied by other musicians. I would have much preferred a purely Canadian Brass album.
Of course, it is still the Canadian Brass, so it is musically outstanding, especially on the tracks which feature them alone. The album remains quite solid, and I listen to it each December. I just wish that they had done their own thing, discarding the need to include others into the mix. I would recommend many other Canadian Brass albums ahead of this one.
December 12, 2006| | | Intonation difficulties and sterile mix... | |
Is it just me, or are there just too many intonation "disagreements" on too many tracks? The All Stars include a number of pro brass luminaries, but the arrangements are too "corps" style for my taste. That said, in an age when BLAST is on Broadway, maybe I'm just not willing to compromise that much. They all play extremely well, of course, but the mix is "in your face"--a studio mix that doesn't do brass instruments justice. Maybe this project suffered from the ears of the producer, or it was cranked out in a hurry. In any case, I'm disappointed.
January 4, 2006 | | Favorite for the whole family | |
For the past two or three years, this CD has been our family's favorite Christmas CD. Brass is a great sound for Christmas, with both sparkle and mellow richness. This CD packs a nice variety of music, with upbeat jazzy pieces and soft soothing pieces ("Sweet Songs of Christmas" is just lovely). Many pieces really show off the brass, while others allow the guest artists to shine. Our small children, ages 3 and 7, adore this CD and have several favorite selections. They especially love the opening fanfare, "The Toy Trumpet," and the brass-made horse whinny at the end of the sleigh ride medley. My husband enjoys the unusually upbeat version of "The Holly and the Ivy," which spotlights James Galway. There are many clever,unique, and special arrangements, all pulled off with great quality. Something for everyone that can be listened to over and over without becoming tiresome.
December 4, 2001 | | A Fine Job by the Canadian Brass | |
There is something about Christams music played by brass instruments. The Canadian Brass is a magnificent ensemble, and I have enjoyed almost everything they have produced. There is some magnificent material on this album. I am particularly drawn to Happy Christmas, sung here with the King's Singers and Children's Choir. I would not want to be without this album in my collection.
Still, there is something unsatisfying about this recording. Quite a few of these arrangements are jazz influenced, and the mixture doesn't come off very well. I have nothing against jazz, but I would prefer an original song intended for this treatment to the mixture of jazz with traditional carols. Even so, this recording is a fine one, and I highly recommend it. December 18, 2000
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