WRUV Reviews

Works by Bach, Britten, Bernstein and Paulus, all commissioned, commemorating hope in the future, and thankfulness for the past.

File: Christmas/classical collections

“The band, consisting of actress Zooey Deschanel and guitarist Matt Ward (aka M. Ward), release their holiday album “A Very She & Him Christmas”. After releasing two indie albums, the duo took their unique style to create a spin on classic holiday jingles. Songs such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” are traditional favorites that Deschanel’s unique voice gives a modern the album an alternative twist, without sacrificing the songs’ holiday feel. Deschanel’s voice is the most memorable part of the whole album. It’s is a combination of contemporary indie and sixties female vocals.” -the Patriot

PLAY: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10
RIYL: M. WARD, 50′S/60′S SOUND
She & Him - The Christmas Waltz by MergeRecords

Singer (soprano) Jennifer Graf covers early music from England, Ireland and Germany. Try 8,10,15.

File: Xmas/Classical: Graf

Xmas music beautifully performed by Angele Dubeau and La Pieta, from the traditions of Italy, France, Germany, Mexico ( Dave Brubeck’s La Fiesta de la Posada), Scandinavia and a Huron Carol. Interesting instrumental works.

File: Xmas/Classical collections: Dubeau

Actually a lot of fine tunes here. Mostly Xmas standards, done in styles that include Reggae, Latin, Brazilian, & more, and featuring a lot of top bands & performers (e.g., Jacob Miller, Poncho Sanchez, Maria De Barros, Ed Calle & Arturo Sandoval… see booklet).

This may be the best recording of christmas music that I have heard in a real long time & I despise the holiday. Songs are still recognizable even in the jazz idiom & did you catch the tongue-in-cheek name of the ensemble?

Lyric driven release w/musicians & vocalists from Washington. Some well known Xmas songs & some not so well known gems.

Merrill Collins’ versions of Xmas pieces with piano and bells, best described as “new age Christmas instrumental” as indicated on the CD, but not excessively, and works are melodic.

Filed in : Christmas section

Bach and Vivaldi works performed by the American choir founded in 1898 in Pennsylvania, with orchestra. Beautiful performances.

Carla Bley’s instrumental arrangements for brass quintet of traditional Xmas songs, and two of her own compositions. Mostly jazzy, up-tempo, some atonality.

Try tracks 2, 3, 5, 6,, 8, 9