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Displaying 1-22 of 22 items.
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Mary, Did You Know?
Review: How do you create a Sweet Adelines Supergroup? Take Nancy and Jeannine from Gold medalists City Lights, Karen of Gold winner Jubilation and Debbie, wearing her Showtime Gold, add a cool motto: 'Four Parts, One Voice,' pick an ultra-cool name, stir vigorously and turn up the heat in top-drawer competition in Indianapolis in 2004. Wow judges, who name you 2005 Queens of Harmony, then continue to stir audiences and make hot recordings! 'Jingle BUZZ' is a 12-song Christmas Album, some of our favorites would include standards 'Jingle Bells,' 'I'll Be Home For Christmas,' 'Mary Did You Know,' 'I Wonder As I Wander' (featuring a wonderful guest lead from Jim Henry), 'Merry Christmas, Darling,' 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,' and 'What Child Is This.' Surprise winners are the rarely recorded Swing tune, 'Everybody's Waiting for the Man with the Bag' and the very funny 'Diddly Squat,' in which a 'naughty' girl bemoans her letter's response from Santa. Classic leads and harmonies, well-chosen tunes, ringing, angelic chords-this is holiday cheer from the first cut to the last. 'Jingle BUZZ' is great entertainment by one of Sweet Adelines' true Supergroups, sure to bring a welcome buzz to your house!
Songlist: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, A Quartet Christmas, Mary, Did You Know?, Fa-La-La, I Wonder As I Wander, Everybody's Waiting For The Man With The Bag, Mary Had A Baby, Diddly Squat, Merry Christmas Darling, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa, What Child Is This?
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Mustang Santa
Review: Brian, Nate, Brad, Nathaniel, Mike and Nate are five-man a cappella band from Branson, MO who entered the national spotlight in 2005 when they placed in the top 10 while performing their Oreo Cookie Jingle for Randy Jackson. Since then they have been touring the world, and now perform over 200 shows per year in Branson and throughout the U.S. They have been seen on multiple TV shows, cruise ships and performing arts centers around the world, and were recently picked to compete on NBC's The Sing-Off! 'PurrfectÉ' is the group's first Christmas CD of 12 tunes. Favorites are a crazed, manic, very fun 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,' a very silly 'The Chipmunk Song' with perfect imitations of Alvin, Simon and Theodore; a jazzy, chord-bending, very Motown arrangement of 'Silver Bells;' a mellow 'White Christmas, Part 1 and jazzy, finger-popping, doo-woppy 'White Christmas, Part 2; a powerful, sweet take on 'Mary Did You Know,' 'Mustang Santa' is a big fun, soulful romp, and, after that, the incongruous but hauntingly lovely 'In the Bleak Mid Winter' features guest tenor George Dyer. We love a cappella groups who become great entertainers, and Cat's Pajamas is one of the best. Don't miss this one!
Songlist: Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, O Holy Night, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch, The Chipmunk Song, Silver Bells, White Christmas, Part 1, White Christmas, Part 2, Mary Did You Know, Mustang Santa, In The Bleak Mid Winter, Silent Night
Review: A new festive release from the Choir of Jesus College Cambridge under their director Mark Williams Ð with additional performances from organists Robert Dixon and Timothy Lambourn, and trumpeter Rebecca Crawshaw. The programme is drawn from pieces for the festivals of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas: Of the annual Christian seasons, it is surely that from Advent to Epiphany which inspires believer and non-believer alike the most: the believer celebrates Christ's birth whilst the non-believer considers hopes for rebirth and renewal as a New Year approaches É If aspirations surrounding the arrival of a new born child are universal, the Christmas music chosen here reflects the season's inspiration through quite recent compositions, alongside music from the early part of the 20th century. -Mark Williams
Songlist: Jesus Christ the apple tree, We wait for thy loving kindness, I sing of a maiden, Advent Prose, There is no rose, Hymn to the virgin, Bright star carol, In the bleak midwinter, Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day, The shepherds carol, I Saw Three Ships, The little road to Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Sir Christemas, The Lamb, Paean on Divinum Mysterium , Epiphany, Here is the little door, Bethlehem Down, Nunc dimittis, Hymn to the Creator of Light
Review: The 2011 Christmas Concert was the 85th annual and is one of the nation's most dramatic choral Christmas celebrations.
Songlist: Nimrod from Enigma Variations, In the Beginning, God, Thou Who Wast God, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Magnum Mysterium, A Child Is Born, The Coventry Carol, The First Noel, Today Heaven Sings!, Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Let Our Gladness Have No End, The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy, Once In Royal David's City, Past Three A Clock, Away In A Manger, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Shout The Glad Tidings, Patapan, Our Father, It Is Well With My Soul, Compline
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Do You Hear What I Hear?
Review: Of course you know Face's record, placing 2nd at both the 2005 and 2007 Harmony Sweeps Finals, and making the Finals in 2008's The Sing-Off, its first smash year. Well, we hold in our hands 'I Hear the Bells,' this elite Denver, CO-based all-male sextet's freshly-released first Christmas album, and it's wonderful! There are nine finely-crafted tunes here, the tone is set with the title tune, an original by Face tenor Stephen Ross, a rich, complex, rhythmic anthem with depth and power; another original, 'If I Think,' by Face baritone Ben Lunstad, a deeply touching hymn to peace and personal change with hypnotic African rhythms, which asks and answers a very important question: 'Am I a child of this world, can I change my ways?;' a surprising medley that seamlessly blends 'We Three Kings' and 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.' Lunstad & Ross also lend marvelous arrangements that transform 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' 'O Holy Night,' 'Little Drummer Boy,' 'Silent Night/The River Runs Slow' and 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel/On the Turning Away' medleys, and an incongruously juicy manic, live rendition of 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.' Each of these cuts is very special, 'I Hear the Bells' needs to be savored a number of times to fully appreciate them. The members of Face, reflecting on their 10 years together: 'each of us is humbled. A magic was created that we still can't explain-we simply enjoy it and nurture it.' We can only add, 'one of the best Christmas albums we have heard!'
Songlist: I Hear The Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear?, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Holy Night, If I Think, O Come O Come Emmanuel, On The Turning Away, Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night / River Runs Slow, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch
Review: Formed over 30 years ago and one of the very early contemporary a cappella The Flying Pickets are still going strong today and continue to tour extensively across Europe. The group members have changed over the years but the level of excellence has stayed consistent and it easy to tell listening to this fine recording why they have remained popular for all these years. Each one of these Christmas tunes is creatively arranged along with the strong voices makes for a delightful holiday treat. This recording deserves to be in your collection.
Songlist: 2000 Miles, Ding Ding Merrily On High, Shine, Little Drummer Boy, I Believe In Father Christmas, Christmas Present, Very Good King, In The Bleak Mid Winter, Christmas Lullaby, Alleujah, Silent Night, Frosty The Snowman, Only You
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Pat-a-pan
Review: Bettys tenor Joan, lead Lynda, baritone Heather and bass Cori placed 7th at the 2004 Sweet Adelines Internationals in Indianapolis, 3rd in Detroit in 2005, 2nd in Las Vegas in 2006 and finally won Gold in 2007 in Alberta, Canada! 'Betty Holidays' is a generous Christmas collection of 17 tunes, including three nice Hanukkah songs, 'Eight Candles,' 'Hanukkah Medley' and 'Chanukah, O Chanukah.' There's a lot of favorite carols here, 'Joy to the World,' 'Coventry Carol,' 'Carol of the Bells,' 'Carol Medley,' 'Pat-a-pan' and 'Go Tell it on the Mountain.' Pop favorites include 'Winter Wonderland,' 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' 'Jingle Bell Rock' and 'Peace on Earth/Drummer Boy Medley.' The Bettys are all about sweet harmonies and great entertainment, and there's something on 'Betty Holidays' for everyone - enjoy!
Songlist: Joy To The World / O Come All Ye Faithful, Winter Wonderland, Coventry Carol, Eight Candles, Carol of The Bells, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Merry Christmas Darling, Jingle Bell Rock, Veni, Veni Emmanuel, Hanukkah Medley, Carol Medley, Chanukah, O Chanukah, Peace on Earth / Drummer Boy, Pat-a-pan, CHRISTmas, Christmas Chopsticks, Go Tell It On The Mountain
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The Christmas Song
Review: We will never forget the way these two men and two women from Australia, members of Vocal Jazz group The Idea of North, whose reputation as the best a cappella group in Australia preceded them, strode onto the stage of the 2003 Harmony Sweeps National Finals in San Rafael. They would be the very last to perform a 12-minute set, and the regional winners from around the country, many of whom had performed to standing ovations by the sold-out audience, had set the bar incredibly high. But their first sweet notes were a revelation, and after ION's own roaring standing O, it was obvious to all who the audience favorite and National Champions were. There are 12 tunes here, some of our favorites are a bluesy, finger-popping take on 'The Christmas Song,' 'Christmas Medley,' which blends 'Once in Royal David's City,' 'God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' with innovative arrangements; a gentle lullaby new to our ears, 'The Silver Stars are In the Sky' touched and moved us; 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, a big-band accompanied celebration; two Salsa band-accompanied versions of 'Mary's Boy Child,' one featuring James Morrison, and a pair of lovely, soaring, orchestra-accompanied songs, 'Candlelight Carol' and 'A Child is Born.' The Pop-flavored title tune is also new to us, a joyous, Jazz band-accompanied greeting to the season. The a cappella 'Angel' with its powerful 'in the arms of the angel' chorus underscores the probable meanness of the nativity. We hold The Idea of North in a special place in our hearts and relate to 'This Christmas' as a gift from this extraordinary quartet!
Songlist: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Song, Candlelight Carol, Mary's Boy Child, This Christmas, Angel, The Silver Stars are in the Sky, Once in Royal David's City, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, A Child Is Born, Poverty, I'll Be Home For Christmas
Review: Mesa, AZ's own all-male sextet MC6 brings us a sweet and upbeat Doo-Wop holiday CD of 11 songs, entitled 'Christmas.' 'Away in a Manger' is reinvented as a finger-popping Doo-Wop standard with soaring leads, 'Candlesong' is a romantic holiday torch tune perfect for slow dancing, and 'Feliz Navidad' and 'Sleigh Ride' are spirited, richly harmonic covers. Other favorites are 'White Christmas,' which channels Bing Crosby's droll, chocolaty baritone and sparkling tenor backup, 'Let It Snow' is as bright and romantic as a yule log on the fire, and we hardly recognized, but enjoyed the new arrangement of 'Silent Night.' 'Away in a Manger' is richly harmonic and traditionally beautiful, 'Mary Did You Know' is nicely arranged and thought-provoking, and 'He is Born' closes the collection with an inspiring, harmonic gem. If you love authentic Doo-Wop and Christmas, don't miss this one!
Songlist: Away In A Manger, Candlesong, Feliz Navidad, Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, Let It Snow, Silent Night, Away In A Manger (traditional), Mary Did You Know, He Is Born
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This Christmas
Review: Groundbreaking southern California winners of NBC's The Sing-Off, season 3, mixed (1 woman, 4 men) quintet Pentatonix has re-addressed the a cappella envelope with their transformation of pop hits and innovative arrangements. Just in time for the season, the group ducked into the recording studio and left this brightly-wrapped all a cappella 6-song EP under our tree, and we have to say, PTX has re-invented the Christmas album! Cut 1 is a stunning, beatboxed, hip-hopped, driving version of 'Angels We Have Heard On High' that is unlike any carol we've ever heard; #2, 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' is a powerfully dramatic, rhythmic arrangement with roaring wind effects; #3 'Carol Of The Bells' drives and soars like Santa after a few drinks on the Interstate, #4 'The Christmas Song' is a bluesy finger-popper with a sweet tenor lead and even some faux trombone; #5 'O Holy Night' is more traditional, harmonic, soaring and sweet, and #6 'This Christmas' is a romantic, driving pop hit that promises big changes in the relationship this season. Pentatonix clearly has the vocal chops, arranging talent and the (circular Christmas tree ornaments) to use them. Watch out, Santa!
Songlist: Angels We Have Heard on High, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Carol of the Bells, The Christmas Song, O Holy Night, This Christmas
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Let It Snow
Review: A sublime present from one of our favorite groups of all time, Sweden's veteran, groundbreaking mixed-voice Vocal Jazz quintet the Real Group. 'The World for Christmas' is their second holiday album since the critically acclaimed and heavily awarded 'En Riktig Jul.' What we particularly love about this CD is that they've divided the 13 tunes into two parts, 'a relaxed part and an upbeat part, so you can easily choose the Christmas feeling you want to experience! Many of the songs have a little of both, like Mel Torme's 'The Christmas Song' and the sexy, funny, jazzy 'Santa Baby' with some lovely faux horns. Other favorites are, in the relaxed group, Joni Mitchell's sweet, poignant 'River,' group stalwart Anders Edenroth's wonderful, thought-provoking title tune, 'Silent Night' and beautiful Swedish Christmas songs 'Nu Tandas Tusen Juleljus' and 'Glans Over Sjo Och Strand.' Favorites in the upbeat section are a marvelous arrangement of Sammy Cahn's 'Let It Snow,' a bluenote, laid back rendition of 'Sleigh Ride,' the traditional Swedish carol 'Drang-Stalle,' bright, sweet 'Julen Ar Har,' and 'Fina Paket,' all arranged by Anders, and the ringing, infectious round,'Julfemman.' with extensive, colorful liner notes with shapshots showing the group members celebrating Christmas as children and finally together as a group. 'The World for Christmas' is like 13 gifts in a single jewel box-simply give the box to your loved ones, and join them for any number of Christmases opening and marveling at each gift at your leisure!
Songlist: Nu Tandas Tusen Juleljus, The Christmas Song, River, Silent Night, The World For Christmas, Glans Over Sjo Och Strand, Santa Baby, Let It Snow, Drang-Stalle, Sleigh Ride, Julen Ar Har, Julfemman, Fina Paket
Review: A leading light in the world of youth choral music, the Rodolfus Choir is made up of choristers from ages 16-25 who are past and present participants of the Eton Choral Courses, begun by the choir's director Ralph Allwood in 1980. This new Christmas programme mixes the familiar with pieces not usually heard in carol services Ð such as Tomas Luis de Victoria's stunning eight-part 'Ave Maria' (from an edition prepared by John Rutter), and more recent works like Chris Chivers' 'Ecce Puer' and Eric Whitacre's 'Lux Aurumque'. Such a programme is well-suited to a group with the versatility and enthusiasm of the Rodolfus choir.
Songlist: Lully, lulla, The Oxen, Lullaby, my sweet little baby, The Lamb, Ecce puer, O magnum mysterium, The truth sent from above, Lux Aurumque, Lullay my liking, O magnum mysterium, O, Do not move, Alma redemptoris mater, Welcome, Yule!, Remember, O thou man, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, Ave Maria, The Crown of Roses, Bethlehem Down, Today the Virgin
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Jul, Jul
Review: Veteran all-women septet, and one of our favorite World/Folk groups, we watched Solstice do the Bay Area proud by winning the Regional and placing 3rd in the 2007 National Finals. Urged by their friends and families to release a Holiday CD, the group finally and happily fulfilled this longtime dream, and Becca, Emily, Kim, Krista, Lark, Mari & Sara did it wonderfully! Choosing little-known, difficult classical tunes like Cortland Bender's lovely 'Rosa Mystica,' Francisco Guerrero's 'A Un Nino Llorando Al Hielo' and Thomas Weelkes' 'To Shorten Winter's Sadness,' from the 15th and 16th centuries; beautifully arranged traditional carols like Bernard de la Monnoye's 'Patapan,' 'Deck the Hall,' and Franz Gruber's 'Silent Night;' and popular Christmas songs like Vince Guaraldi's 'Christmas Time is Here,' Tommie Connor's 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' and Alfred Burt's 'Caroling, Caroling;' along with the rich traditional Hebrew song 'S'Vivon' and other favorites, make 'Winter Solstice' a very special 15-cut collection that is sure to brighten your holiday for years to come!
Songlist: Nowell, Nowell, Out of Your Sleep, Deck the Hall, S'Vivon, Rosa Mystica, Corpus Christi Carol, Patapan, Nova, Nova, Ave Fit Ex Eva, Christmas Time is Here, Tyrley, Tyrlow!, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, A Un Nino Llorando Al Hielo, Caroling, Caroling, Jul, Jul, To Shorten Winter's Sadness, Silent Night
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Bollywood Jingle Bells
Review: Pride of Orlando, FL since their beginnings there as a barbershop act, and close friends of Mickey 'The Mouse,' all-male quintet VoicePlay, formerly calling themselves 42Five, brings us 'Peppermint Winter,' their joyous new Christmas CD! There are 17 songs here, with a handful of standards such as 'Deck The Halls,' 'I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas,' 'Santa Clause Is Coming To Town,' a hip, swingin' 'Here Comes Santa Claus,' 'Christmas Island,' 'Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,' 'The Christmas Song,' 'Silent Night' and 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.' All these are made to sound new by innovative arrangements and 'altered' lyrics, such as 'Fat Man's Comin', Fat Man's Comin'...,' and faux horns & whistles on 'Christmas Island,' for instance. Other songs are new to us, 'Holiday Road,' the bouncy 'Season's Greetings,' the manic, silly 'Bollywood Jingle Bells,' the title tune, 'Somewhere In My Memory' 'Santa and I Know It,' ''Zat You, Santa Claus' and a Hanukkah tune, 'Left to Right.' VoicePlay knows all about thrilling audiences and bringing holiday cheer, so pick up 'Peppermint Winter,' a happy gift to yourself and your whole family!
Songlist: Deck The Halls, Holiday Road, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming To Town, Christmas Island, Season's Greetings, Here Comes Santa Claus, Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, Left To Right, Bollywood Jingle Bells, Peppermint Winter, The Christmas Song, Silent Night, Somewhere in My Memory, Santa And I Know It, 'Zat You, Santa Claus, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Review:
Songlist: A Festival of Carols in Two Minutes
Review: Noel 2 is an exciting collection of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany music for mixed voice choirs, from the easy to learn to the more challenging and unconventional. The contents range from the Renaissance to the present: from Bach and Sweelinck, familiar settings of traditional and lesser known carols through the ages to Howells and Leighton and works by today's composers include Richard Rodney Bennett, Eric Whitacre, John Tavener, Tarik O'Regan and Richard Allain. Among the 43 anthems, mixed voice choirs of all levels will find new arrangements of favorite carols, hymns with new descants, as well as stimulating original works for the Christmas season.
Songlist: Ubers Gebirg Maria Geht , Adam Lay Y-Bounden, Angelus Ad Virginem , Away In A Manger, Bethlehem Down , Coventry Carol, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come , Gallery Carol, Gaudete!, Gloria, Dei Sir Gesungen, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing , Hodie Christus Natus Est, I Wonder As I Wander, I Wonder As I Wander, In Dulci Jubilo , Jesus Christ The Apple Tree, Lasset Uns Frohlocken, Long, Long Ago, Love Came Down At Christmas, Lullay My Liking, Lux Aurumque, 'O' Antiphon, O Come, All Ye Faithful , O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, O Jesulein , Of A Rose , Once In Royal David's City , Puer Nobis , Resonet In Laudibus, Riu, Riu, Chiu , Rocking , Silent Night, Holy Night, St. Joseph's Carol , The Christ-Child Lay, The First Nowell , The Swallow And The Bells, This I Have Done For My True Love, Threshold Of Night, Torches, Venite, Gaudete!, What Sweeter Music , While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
Review: This Christmas carol, commissioned by the Finnish broadcasting company Yle and first performed in Helsinki by Helsinki Chamber Choir, conducted by Nils Schweckendiek, is based on three texts, two by William Shakespeare and one by George Wither. The largely homophonic textures combine with Rautavaara's characteristically rich and often chromatic harmonies to form a very effective and satisfying work, a bit different from the usual Christmas offering.
Songlist: Our Joyful'st Feast
Review: Ola Gjeilo is a rising star in modern choral music and has already established a stellar reputation for original and creative work. This is a second collection of his a cappella Christmas arrangements. The superb, fresh setting of 'The Holly and the Ivy' will bring out the very best in your choir. Accessible ranges and simple divisi makes this joyous arrangement suitable for high school level and beyond. The familiar melody of 'Away in a Manger' is introduced by a soprano solo, sung by either adult or child. The choir joins with smooth, deep textures that set this exquisite arrangement apart. At the same time innocent and sophisticated, it is equally suitable for school or church. Not to be missed in your holiday program.
Songlist: The Holly and the Ivy, Away in a manger, Coventry Carol, The First Nowell
Review: Beautiful the Sky is a collection of beloved Scandinavian Christmas anthems by Paul J. Christiansen, edited by his son Erik Christiansen. These gorgeous settings evoke a sense of their homeland and would stand as beautiful additions to your church's Christmas worship service or concert program. The texts are presented in both English and the original language.
Songlist: Christmas Comes Again, This Happy Christmas, Joyous Christmas Song, Oh, How Beautiful the Sky
Review: Eight Reproducible Choral Works for the Emerging TB Chorus. Like its namesake predecessor, 'Just for the Guys at Christmas' presents eight exceptional and best-selling titles not previously available in a TB voicing--this time featuring holiday repertoire--in a cost-saving reproducible format. For just over $5 per title, your purchase includes the non-transferable right to make a personal copy of the music for each singer, no matter how big your choir--both now and for years to come--plus a helpful accompaniment CD. The featured titles include the music some of today's best educational choral composers, making this unique collection both practical and a great resource for TB holiday repertoire.
Songlist: Cantate Hodie! (Sing Today), Noel, Noel , Whatcha Gonna Call That Baby?, Beautiful December, African Noel, A La Nanita Nana , Riu, Riu, Chiu, Have a Merry One!
Review: Rapidly gaining a solid reputation in a cappella circles the arrangements of Patrick Rose are original, creative and fun to sing. These are the arrangements as sung by Eclipse on their popular holiday CD release of the same name. Freshen up your male ensemble's Christmas repertoire!
Songlist: Shake Up Christmas, I Saw Three Ships, Come All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Need a Little Christmas
Review: Rapidly gaining a solid reputation in a cappella circles the arrangements of Patrick Rose are original, creative and fun to sing. These are the arrangements as sung by Eclipse on their popular holiday CD release of the same name. Freshen up your male ensemble's Christmas repertoire!
Songlist: Christmas as a Child, Do Your Hear What I Hear?, Christmastime, Let It Snow, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
New Releases:- All | New Vocal Jazz | New Contemporary | New Barbershop | New Choral | New Arrangements | New Instructional