"Ray Conniff," we were thinking as we opened "Christmas With," "elevator music." Then we played the CD, and found ourselves flooded with memories of what Christmas was like for us, growing up in the 50's and 60's. The smell of hot roasted nuts and fresh chocolates at the bustling five and dime as we stepped into the warmth out of a snowstorm, and what was playing in the background was Conniff's "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer." There are 12 delightful songs here, each lightly (and jazzily) accompanied, and each arranged by Mr. Conniff in his inimitable manner, using the voices as the main focus of the orchestral fabric, and gaining special inspiration from the cheery character that most of the songs have. Of course there are ballads like the classic "Silver Bells," the romantic "Christmas Song," "Greensleeves" and "White Christmas," but most of the songs, "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty The Snowman," "Sleigh Ride" and "Christmas Bride," are as bright, innocent and jolly as befits a Christmas dancing party. We loved every cut and bet you will too! |
