Alfred S. Burt died in February of 1954 at the age of 33, already a legend. The slender minister's son, the young jazz trumpeter who composed Christmas carols, was carrying on a tradition started in 1922 by his father, the Reverend Bates G. Burt, who began sending his own composed carols as Christmas messages to friends and family. Rev. Bates proudly saw his son take over music in 1941, while he supplied the lyrics. These are the only carols created in modern times that have obtained international acceptance in the music community, from local choirs to stars like Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, Nat "King" Cole, Frank Sinatra, The Lennon Sisters and many others have recorded Burt carols. So listen to these "mini-masterpieces," beautifully performed by the Columbia Choir with occasional light accompaniment by the Ralph Carmichael Brass Ensemble and organ. "Caroling, Caroling," "The Star Carol," "Christ in the Stranger's Guise," "Come Dear Children," "Some Children See Him," "All on a Christmas Morning," "O Hearken Ye." "Jesu Parvule," "Nigh Bethlehem," "This is Christmas," "Ah, Bleak and Chill" and "We'll Dress the House." At the end of the CD is a very nice instrumental medley of the carols. We have enjoyed these carols as particularly wonderful ones for years, never knowing the story of their gifted composer, now we see them with a new appreciation. Recommended!

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, The Star Carol, Christ in the Stranger's Guise, Come, Dear Children, Some Children See Him, All on a Christmas Morning, O, Hearken Ye, Jesu Parvule, Nigh Bethlehem, This is Christmas, Ah, Bleak and Chill, We'll Dress the House, Instrumental medlies:, Caroling, Caroling, All on a Christmas Morning, We'll Dress the House, The Star Carol, Some Children See Him, Come, Dear Children, Ah, Bleak and Chill, Jesu Parvule, O, Hearken Ye

Considered by some to be the finest recording of Christmas carols ever, these original compositions were written by Alfred and primary lyricists Wihla Hutson and Bates G. Burt (Alfred's father). In fact, the carols were initially sent as Christmas messages to Burt family members and friends! Alfred died in 1954 at the age of thirty three, but his legacy has brought joy to untold myriads of listeners ever since. Artists from Nat "King" Cole to the Boston Pops Orchestra and Chorus have popularized what conductor John Williams described as "mini-masterpieces." The sixteen voice a cappella choir directed by arranger Jimmy Joyce (who had worked with Alfred in the Alvino Rey Orchestra) is sprightly and surefooted in their performance, which was recorded in 1963. A sentimental and popular favorite.

Songlist: This Is Christmas, Christmas Cometh Caroling, Ah, Bleak And Chill The Wintry Wind, Come, Dear Children, Some Children See Him, Sleep, Baby Mine, All On A Christmas Morning, Caroling, Caroling, The Star Carol, We'll Dress The House, Christ In The Stranger's Guise, Nigh Bethlehem, What Are The Signs, Jesu Parvule, O Hearken Ye

Caroling Company : The Carols of Alfred S Burt   

Founded by Alfred Burt's daughter Diane, The Caroling Company makes everyday Christmas! This highly in-demand eight-voice a cappella ensemble has had numerous television appearances including ABC's "Good Morning America and "The Home Show" and will appear later this year in the Brian Setzer Big Band Christmas CD. With a reputation for excellence and creative arrangements of traditional favorites and jazz standards, they have an enthusiastic following and possess that indescribable quality that identifies them as The Carolling Company.

Songlist: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / I'll Be HOme for Christmas (Medley), Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, The Holly and the Ivy, What Child Is This?, I Saw Three, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, O Holy Night, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Silver Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Merry Christmas, Darling, Caroling, Caroling, We'll Dress the House, Some Children See Him, This Is Christmas, The Star Carol, Come, Dear Children, Jesu Parvule, O Hearken Ye, Silent Night