An Acapella Christmas | 
 enlarge | Artist: Manhattan Transfer
Label: Rhino / Wea
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy New: $9.80
You Save: $9.18 (48%)
New (28) Used (8) from $9.80
Rating:  20 reviews
Sales Rank: 7038
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 74739
UPC: 081227473921
EAN: 0081227473921
ASIN: B000I0QJH0
Release Date: October 3, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Tracks:
| • | Jingle Bells | | • | White Christmas | | • | Christmas Time Is Here | | • | Good King Wenceslas | | • | Toyland | | • | My Grown-Up Christmas List | | • | Merry Christmas Baby | | • | I'll Be Home For Christmas | | • | Christmas Is Coming (The Goose Is Getting Fat) | | • | Winter Wonderland |
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
These sophisticated jazz singers prove just how much their vocal versatility has always embraced pop, doo-wop, rounds, and a cappella music when the foursome explores 10 Christmas songs on a disc that previously was available only in Japan. The group transports "Jingle Bells" to the '40s in a sweeping nostalgic turn and do a knockout take on Charles Brown's low-down "Merry Christmas Baby" that showcases how elegantly funky they can be. An Acapella Christmas balances the more sophisticated harmony singing the group is known for alongside straightforward versions of "Christmas Is Coming," "Good King Wenceslas" (complete with kid voices), and an otherwise forgettable blatant play for radio on "My Grown-Up Christmas List." But with can't-miss readings of "Christmas Time Is Here," "White Christmas," and a totally magical exploration of "Toyland," the Manhattan Transfer delivers the kind of holiday record certain to please first time listeners while satisfying longtime fans. --Martin Keller
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Lush Acapella from The Transfer December 16, 2008
M. Harris (Winter Haven, Florida)
Of my two-dozen or so Christmas CD's, the first Christmas CD the Manhattan Transfer released several years ago is my favorite. The new "An Acapella Christmas" is a fine partner to that one now. Although I still prefer the first CD for it's big band sound and song selection, this new CD still moves near the top of my Christmas season play list. Favorite songs: "Toyland", with very unusual and almost haunting background vocals, and "Christmas Time Is Here" -- a beautiful rendition of the well-known Peanuts song. Least favorite song: "Good King Wenceslas", where the Transfer's kids get involved and almost hit the right notes. Might make Grandma smile, though.
I struck gold!!! December 15, 2008
G. G WRIGHT (ANCHORAGE, AK USA)
Now see, my tastes are the absolute opposite of Richard Roland's (earlier commentator) who didn't like musical surprises or layering. He's a purist, and I can appreciate his take, but I am always seeking lush, experimental arrangements that take you on a journey - gets my imagination and heart revved. If rich harmony and adventurous arrangements appeal to you, this is your album. The one track Toyland is worth the entire album. Innovative... amazing!
Other Christmas favs that I'd group with this are Take 6: He Is Christmas and First Call: Evening In December. The Christmas Album is also among my favs. So, just discovered An Acapella Christmas and The Christmas Album and struck gold which will expand and enhance my Christmas collection. Indispensable!
Ageless January 13, 2008
clubikon (Hong Kong)
Decades ago, I purchased this Christmas Album when I was in college and misplaced it. Recently, I got another copy from Amazon. This album is one of the best Christmas albums ever. The vocals of each song were so meticulously arranged that reminded us how great the MT were, at the top of their game in the eighties. The music is ethereal and the album is ageless.
The most pleasing holiday album I've ever heard. December 28, 2007
Thomas Stafford (San Francisco, CA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been a long-time fan of The Manhattan Transfer, but there have been some disappointing moments for me by them in the past. Sometimes I only like one or two songs on an album (Vibrate), or I will see the artistry in an album, but not be able to get through it all because it is too cerebral and perfect (Vocalese). This, their second holiday album, is probably one of the best recordings I have ever heard from them. There are imperfections like when the kids sing but, hey, they're kids and that's great. The harmony and the precise tone and dynamics of the quartet are spot on and it makes for pure pleasure. Alan Paul's arrangement of Jingle Bells is one of the best arrangements I have ever heard of this song and the Transfer sound as if they're really enjoying singing it. However, as one listens, it's easy to tell that this is no walk in the park musically. Tight harmonies and complex rhythms make the piece soar to new heights. If you buy only one holiday album, buy this one. You'll be glad you did.
 An Accapella Christmas December 24, 2007
Barb (Tomah, WI)
This CD is nice, but not as compelling as other Manhattan Transfer albums I own.
|
|
|
