Each year at Christmas we celebrate Emmanuel: God with us. This year, stand in the shoes of those who first heard the incredible news that Christ was coming! Imagine being present on the night Jesus was born--knowing that you were chosen to be part of delivering, witnessing and receiving the Good News. How would it feel to cast your eyes on a baby swaddled in a manger, and know that at this moment you are in the presence of God--that on this very night, everything's changed: God is among us!

The reality of this truth is the focus and inspiration for the powerful Christmas musical On This Very Night, from the best-selling creative team of Karla Worley and Lari Goss. Blending traditional carols with fresh musical expression and thought-provoking narration, On This Very Night reveals a heartfelt perspective and profound truth: that God came to real people, and His coming had real implications for their lives. We can relate to them because God comes to us every day, and His presence provokes a response. How we respond to God reveals the condition of our hearts. Sometimes, what is revealed is a surprise to us.

Songlist: Sing Noel, African Noel, This Baby Boy, Joy to the World!, Hallelujah Chorus, Who Would Imagine a King?, The Little Drummer Boy, Go Tell, Go, Tell It on the Mountain, Christmastime, Festival of Carols, Sing Noel

To celebrate their 40th anniversary the Kings Singers compiled a collection of their most-requested arrangements from the past 15 years since the release of the still best-selling 25th anniversary songbook. Some. like "Danny Boy", "All I Ask Of You" and "Blackbird" date from earlier in the group's history but are still performed regularly by the group and choirs all over the world. Others, such as "Down To The River To Pray", "Under The Sea" and "Africa" have already established themselves in the repertoire of many groups they come in contact with on their tours. Here, then, is a carefully selected mix of folk songs, pop songs and spirituals plus the exquisite Victorian parlor song "The Long Day Closes".

Songlist: Africa, All I Ask Of You, Blackbird, Danny Boy, Down to The River to Pray, The Little Drummer Boy, The Long Day Closes, Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel), Penny Lane, Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Under The Sea, The Water Is Wide

This exciting collection of popular holiday solos includes 10 festive songs that are frequently featured in movies, television programs, radio broadcasts, and professional concerts. These contemporary selections are ideal for seasonal programs, concerts, productions, and recitals. Perform the polished arrangements with our stylish piano accompaniments or with the fully-orchestrated, professionally recorded CD. This is an outstanding seasonal solo collection that will be useful year after year! Titles: I'll Be Home for Christmas * Last Christmas * The Little Drummer Boy * Mele Kalikimaka * Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas * On with the Snow! * Perfect Christmas Night * Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town * Yes, Virginia (There's a Santa Claus) * 'Zat You, Santa Claus?

Songlist: I'll Be Home for Christmas, Sleigh Ride (with Lyrics), Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (Vocal Version), 'Zat You, Santa Claus?, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas (from "Home Alone 2"), Last Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, The Little Drummer Boy, Perfect Christmas Night (from "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas"), Yes Virginia (There's a Santa Claus)

This exciting collection of popular holiday solos includes 10 festive songs that are frequently featured in movies, television programs, radio broadcasts, and professional concerts. These contemporary selections are ideal for seasonal programs, concerts, productions, and recitals. Perform the polished arrangements with our stylish piano accompaniments or with the fully-orchestrated, professionally recorded CD. This is an outstanding seasonal solo collection that will be useful year after year! Titles: I'll Be Home for Christmas * Last Christmas * The Little Drummer Boy * Mele Kalikimaka * Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas * On with the Snow! * Perfect Christmas Night * Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town * Yes, Virginia (There's a Santa Claus) * 'Zat You, Santa Claus?

Songlist: Sleigh Ride (with Lyrics), I'll Be Home for Christmas, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (Vocal Version), 'Zat You, Santa Claus?, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas (from "Home Alone 2"), Last Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Winter Wonderland, The Little Drummer Boy, Yes Virginia (There's a Santa Claus), Perfect Christmas Night (from "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas")

21 holiday songs from this timeless standards crooner and one who's probably best-loved for his Christmas recordings and TV shows. The songs are presented in vocal arrangements in the original keys as sung by Williams.

Songlist: The Bells Of St. Mary's, Blue Christmas, Christmas Bells, The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, The First Noel, Happy Holiday, The Holiday Season, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells, Mary's Little Boy Child, My Favorite Things, O Holy Night, Silver Bells, Sleigh Ride, The Little Drummer Boy, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Village Of St. Bernadette, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland

Christmas in the Heart is the 47th album from Bob Dylan and his first ever Christmas collection. It features such favorites as: Here Comes Santa Claus - Winter Wonderland - Little Drummer Boy - Must Be Santa - and more.

Songlist: O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Christmas Island, The First Noel, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, The Little Drummer Boy, The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire), Do You Hear What I Hear, The Christmas Blues, Must Be Santa, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), I'll Be Home For Christmas, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland

Enjoy 16 classic Christmas songs as well as as Gaelic rendition of "The Night in Bethlehem" with Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration. This Christmas songbook is perfect for those nights the family is gathered and eager for some holiday music.

Songlist: Christmas Song the (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, White Christmas, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, O Holy Night, Away in a Manger, Ding Dong Merrily on High, Silent Night, Panis Angelicus, Don Oiche Ud I Mbeithil (That Night in Bethlehem), O Come, All Ye Faithful, Wexford Carol, Green the Whole Year 'Round, Carol of the Bells (with Lyrics), Christmas Pipes

Gather around the piano for an old-fashioned sing-along - or download the online sing-along backing tracks to your mobile device for caroling in the neighborhood. All that's missing are your vocals! The music in this book includes the lyrics, vocal lines, piano accompaniments, and guitar chords for 40 seasonal favorites. Reproducible lyrics sheets make it fun and easy for everyone to join in the singing. Songs include: Away in a Manger - Christmas Time Is Here - Feliz Navidad - Happy Holiday - Jingle Bells - Mary, Did You Know? - O Come, All Ye Faithful - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Silent Night - White Christmas - and more. The price of this book includes a unique code that provides access to audio tracks online, for download or streaming. The tracks include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right - available exclusively from Hal Leonard.

Songlist: Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Mary, Did You Know?, Angels We Have Heard On High, Joy To The World, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, What Child Is This?, O Holy Night, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Away In A Manger, Auld Lang Syne, The First Noel, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, O Come, All Ye Faithful, We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Feliz Navidad, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Deck The Hall, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, The Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Time Is Here, The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, Sleigh Ride, Frosty The Snow Man, Happy Holiday, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), and more

Enjoy singing 8 Christmas favorites all arranged for male voice. The Ultimate Sing-Along books give you everything you need to sing with your favorite Christmas songs. Each book has the lyrics, music notation and chords with lyrics-only pages included. There are two versions of every song on the CD: a full performance track with a sound-alike recording, and a professional accompaniment track so you can sing along. When you play the CD on your computer (Mac or Windows) you can easily change the tempo and key to individualize the playback for just your voice and style.

Songlist: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Sleigh Ride, Feliz Navidad, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, The Little Drummer Boy, The Gift, You're A Mean One, Mr.Grinch

It wouldn't be the holidays without a sing-along! This unique Christmas collection features 20 songs with eight pull-out sets of lyrics so that everyone can sing along. Includes: All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth - Blue Christmas - Christmas Time Is Here - Feliz Navidad - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - It's Beginning to Look like Christmas - The Little Drummer Boy - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Sleigh Ride - White Christmas - Winter Wonderland - and more.

Songlist: All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth, Feliz Navidad, Little Saint Nick, Snowfall, Blue Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Christmas Time Is Here, Wonderful Christmastime, Christmas Auld Lang Syne, Christmas In Killarney, The Christmas Waltz, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas, A Marshmallow World, We Need A Little Christmas, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, You're All I Want For Christmas

Pride of St. Charles, MO, 160-strong Ambassadors of Harmony, who won SPEBSQSA International Chorus Gold in July, 2004 in Louisville, KY, bring us a richly-textured, powerful Christmas collection, joined by '04 Collegiate Quartet winners Vocal Spectrum and AOH offshoot Gas House Gang. The really top-drawer barbershop groups have the great arrangements to go with the ringing harmonies, and "Holidays" earns high marks in this department. "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "Do You Hear What I Hear," "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," "Hanukkah Medley," "The Little Drummer Boy," "Mary Had A Baby," the Nigerian Christmas Song "Betelehemu" and Handel's magnificent "Hallelujah Chorus' - each song is a flawless gem. What could be better for the holidays?

Songlist: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Do You Hear What I Hear, Toyland, You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Hanukkah Medley, Carol Of The Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, Mary Had A Baby, O Holy Night, Betelehemu (Nigerian Christmas Song)

The Blenders : Nog

Hurry, quick! Look at what the Santa's little helpers have been up to this year! It's hard to believe that these four young men from Minnesota have transfused these familiar holiday chestnuts with such inspiration and wonder, but indeed they have. "Let It Snow" takes as it's initial premise a Polynesian tiki lounge rhythm - already different - and then takes the cheery melody headlong into a ninth chord resolution! This CD is trimmed with so many gorgeous decorations that it improves the more one hears it, revealing subtleties that delight upon discovery. The creativity just saturates every song, whether as a distinctive rhythmic variation or unexpected countermelody, but always integrated into the whole (by the way, the group produced and arranged "Nog" themselves). In terms of intonation and blend, the Blenders (coinciding with their choice of name), are the best in the business: listen to "Do You Hear What I Hear" as just one excellent example. It's perfectly calibrated, the senses reveling in the purity of sound. Contemporary a cappella at its best.

Songlist: The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, Let It Snow, The First Noel, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, Angels We Have Heard On High, Christmas Time Is Here, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Silent Night

Founder Pamela Cook directs Cantamus, based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK, her 40 hand picked singers, girls age 13 to 19, in a generous, finely-crafted Christmas collection of 19 songs. Just a quick listen to John Rutter's "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," and accompanist Michael Neaum's arrangements of "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Do You Hear What I Hear," and we know what a treat "Noel" is going to be! Mostly accompanied by piano, flute and other instruments, there are few sounds as joyous and welcoming at Christmas than these soaring, spirited young voices singing favorites like "Patapan," "Stille Nacht," "White Christmas," "Riu, Riu Chiu" and "Away in a Manger;" and lesser-known tunes like "I Sing of a Maiden," "Lullay Myn Lyking," "Midwinter" and "Pastorcito Santo." Treat yourself and your loved ones to "Noel," a true musical Christmas gift!

Songlist: Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, The Little Drummer Boy, Do You Hear What I Hear?, I Sing of a Maiden, A Maiden Most Gentle, Patapan, Midwinter, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Pastorcito Santo, Shepherd's Pipe Carol, What Child is This?, The Lily and the Rose, Sussex Carol, Stille Nacht, Mary's Lullaby, Lullay Myn Lyking, Away in a Manger, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, White Christmas

Founded in 1965, the Cincinnati Boychoir is divided into three groups; the Training Choir, Resident Choir, and the elite Touring Choir. Their Christmas CD, "Gift," is exactly that! Beginning with Josef Rheinburger's "Messe in A, Op. 125 and Benjamin Britten's 12-part "Ceremony of Carols," we proceed to 5 Christmas Carols, including "Joy to the World," the Sicilian hymn "O Sanctissima," and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Then we have 4 "Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir," "Riu, Riu, Chiu," "Children's Song of the Nativity," "Nino Querido" and "Ding, Dong, Merrily on High; followed by 6 "Holiday Favorites," which include the German tune "Kling, Clockchen," "The Little Drummer Boy," "Toyland" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." All songs are accompanied by piano, harp and other instruments. As Christmas is about one special child, we particularly love beautiful Christmas music sung by a fine, well-directed children's choir like the Cincinnati Boychoir - it's a Gift!

Songlist: Messe in A, Op. 125, Gloria, A Ceremony of Carols, Processional, Wolcum, Yule!, There Is No Rose, That Yonge Child, Balulalow, As Dew in Aprille, The Little Babe, Interlude, Spring Carol, Deo Gracias, Recessional, Christmas Carols:, Joy the the World, O Sanctissima, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, O come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Holiday Songs with the Resident Choir, Riu, Riu, Chiu, Children's Song of the Nativity, Nino Querido, Ding, Dong, Merrily On High, Holiday Favorites, Kling, Glockchen, The Little Drummer Boy, Toyland, We Need a Little Christmas, and more

Denver A Cappella Project : Please Have Snow   

Founded in 1999, this excellent Colorado mixed vocal jazz octet jumps right into a bright, bouncing "Let It Snow," and doesn't let up until the final note of cut 13, the best "Little Drummer Boy" we've heard since M-Pact's on "Carol Commission." A very cool "Jingle Bells" cover, a crisp, ringing "Pat-A-Pan," a wonderfully sexy, upbeat "Baby, It's Cold Outside," some amazingly complex chords on "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Silent Night," a brash, scatty "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," a nice caroler's medley of "Deck the Halls/I Saw Three Ships/We Wish You a Merry Christmas/Holly and the Ivy," a moving new song, "Christmas in the Trenches" and others. "Please Have Snow" is one of the best Christmas vocal jazz collections we've heard in a long time!

Songlist: Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, O Magnum Mysterium, Pat-A-Pan, Baby, It's Cold Outside, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Boar's Head Carol, Silent Night, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, Carol Medley, Jesu Parvule, Belleau Wood, The Little Drummer Boy

Ditchfield Family Singers : A Cappella Christmas   

Sarasota, Florida's Ditchfields, inspired by Austria's famous Von Trapps, are actually all members of one family, led by parents Stephen and Bernice, son Nathaneal and his wife Regina, daughter Stephanie, teenage sons Michael and David, and 3 little grandsons, Andrew, Christopher and Joshua. Over the past 14 years the Family has performed the popular music of the '30s, '40s and '50s, show stoppers from Broadway, and the best loved traditional standards. "A Cappella Christmas" comes from their very popular annual Christmas concerts. Thirteen of our favorite carols and hymns: "Carol of the Bells," "Good King Wenceslas," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "The Little Drummer Boy," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "What Child Is This," "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "Silent Night." The arrangements are dramatic and powerful, yet simple and sincere. "A Cappella Christmas" will be a welcome, uplifting addition to your family's holiday celebrations.

Songlist: Carol of the Bells, Good King Wenceslas, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Come All Ye Faithful, In the Bleak Midwinter, I Wonder as I Wander, The Little Drummer Boy, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, We Three Kings, What Child is This (Greensleeves), Caroling, Caroling, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Silent Night

Having just finished raving about Minneapolis-based Four Shadow's "Live" CD, we were pleased to receive the ir third recording ("Where Have You Been" was the excellent first), a Christmas CD called simply "Flake." We needed only to listen to"Christmas Soup," which begins innocently as "12 Days of Christmas" and morphs into a surprising musical sampler of a dozen tunes, to know that these 4 young guys have the talent and arrangements to sing with anyone in Contemporary a cappella. 10 songs, from a very funky "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and a wonderfully slimy "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," to traditional covers of "O Holy Night," "The Christmas Song," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and a fine classical rendition of the sacred song "Ave Maria." Other standouts are a sweet original, "That Time of Year," where you'll swear you're listening to Rockapella, "Blue Christmas," with funny, desperate mumbling by "Elvis," and amazing, driving vocal percussion on "The Little Drummer Boy." The guys toss little treats like unexpected samples and vocal horns into our bulging stockings. "Flake," another impressive effort by Four Shadow, is a Christmas winner!

Songlist: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch, O Holy Night, That Time of Year, The Christmas Song, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Blue Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, Ave Maria

The Gas House Gang : Some Children See Him...   

TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING!!! Perfection achieved!! Enough hyperbole already, you think to yourself? Not a chance...where's the thesaurus. Ok, we'll rein in our enthusiasm and resort to merely telling you about a Christmas album sung by one of the greatest barbershop quartets of our time. On this recording we listen to a quartet who achieves the tightest harmonies humanly possible apply those talents to traditional Christmas music. It's funny but as they aren't specifically singing barbershop chording, it is only occasionally that we remember just what tradition this fabulous singing springs from. Touches of jazz, elements of gospel reverence, and moments of almost operatic virtuosity abound throughout and all come together with vocal percussionist Jeff Thatcher of Rockapella adding his talents on "Go Tell It On the Mountain." We were also struck momentarily speechless when we found that, for the first time in quite a while, we actually enjoyed "The Little Drummer Boy" once more. The Gang rescues that song from the Christmas cul-de-sac of fruit-cake jokes with a beautiful rendition. What a tenor lead! You'll hear a fabulous Gregorianesque intro to "O Come Emanuel" which sounds as though it is emerging from a heavenly cathedral. The song list meanders through all of the Christmas spirit to arrive at the title track, "Some Children See Him." This is a wonderful message on which to leave, each child who sees Christ, sees Him in their own image...

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, The Little Drummer Boy, Merry Christmas, Darling, Mary, Did You Know?, Pat-A-Pan, O Come Emmanuel, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Carol Of The Bells, White Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Go Tell It To The Mountain, Some Children See Him, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

The Glasgow Phoenix Choir was founded in 1951 and since then has been at the forefront of popular choral music in Scotland and Beyond. "Caledonian Christmas" is the choir's second recording on the Scotdisc label and follows on from the highly successful "Highland Cathedral". The content is a mixture of seasonal Music old and new, Scottish favorites and other items in a diverse collection of songs which should evoke romantic, and wistful thoughts of Scotland at Christmas wherever you are.

Songlist: Jingle Bells, The Very Best Time of Year, Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Song, Silent Night, Iona, Highland Cathedral, Caledonia, The Way Old Friends Do, Scotland, My Song, Medley: A Merry Little Christmas, Deck the Halls, Child in a Manger, Good King Wenceslas, Merry Christmas Jazz, The Little Drummer Boy, Farewell my Love, My Ain Folk, Auld Lang Syne

King Family : Christmas With The King Family   

The King Family's Christmas specials were an annual family television event, and their Christmas album was repackaged a staggering 8 times-nevertheless, Christmas with the King Family has been out of print since 1977! It's simply a classic of the genre, and we've added 11 mostly unreleased tracks pulled from various specials and TV appearances to the original album's 12 tracks to form a holiday album that we suspect will be a Christmas evergreen.

Songlist: Caroling Caroling/Come Dear Children, White Christmas, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy to the World, The Holiday of Love, Silent Night, Hear the Sledges with the Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, The Star Carol/O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This?, Some Children See Him, Jolly Old LoveSt. Nicholas/Jingle Bells, The First Noel, Auld Lang Syne, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Holiday of Love, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas/Santa Clause is Comin' to Town, The Christmas Song/The Christmas Waltz, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Carol of the Bells, We'll Dress the House, Some Children See Him, A Soalin'/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Sleigh Ride, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Do You Hear What I Hear, and more

The first new Christmas CD from the King's Singers since their popular 2004 release "Christmas", this new disc sets an eclectic assortment of modern Christmas classics with special arrangements of some much loved favourites. "Precise intonation, instinctive articulation, a downy, luxuriant tone, all captured in an excitingly lifelike recording" - International Record Review. "The King's Singers' style is beautifully detailed, and even the most familiar carols sound fresh." - Classic FM Magazine

Songlist: Rise up, shepherd, and follow, Gabriel's message, Noel nouvelet, What child is this?, The crown of roses, O little one sweet, Lullay my liking, Stille Nacht, The quiet heart, There is a flower, Joy to the world, Serenade d'hiver, The twelve days of Christmas, Gaudete, God rest you merry gentlemen, The little drummer boy, Jingle bells, Deck the hall with boughs of holly

Christmas with The King's Singers New music, old music, music from the Renaissance and Baroque, spirituals, folksongs, jazz and pop... The Beatles, David Bowie, swing, classical avantgarde, waltzes by Strauss, and musical theatre songs. Which genre of music are the King's Singers actually yet to interpret? Which style have they not yet captured within their unique global reach and within their transparent and intimate six-voiced sound world? One thing is for sure - when the King's Singers came together at the end of the 1960s in Cambridge, no one would have believed the success story that lay ahead of them. Some musical experts were scathing: a male-only vocal sextet was most likely to be found in the pop sector. But trained voices are surely better suited to a professional career either in the opera world or in mixed professional choirs. After all, the founding members came from the famous King's College Choir - one of the oldest surviving vocal institutions with nearly 500 years of history to it's name. It is with this tradition behind them that the King's Singers display the typical British musical virtues in which seriousness and humour, self-discipline, and a dash of satire all mix together so wonderfully. This is especially evident in their Christmas repertoire. Christmas carols are a special national treasure for Brits and are therefore the focus of festivities. The six voices' festive destinations also include the continent, such as Spain and Germany. "Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen" by the German early Baroque master composer Michael Praetorius has become a Christmas standard. The world famous carol "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" ("Silent Night") comes from the German-speaking world too, written for Christmas Eve in a village near Salzburg in 1818. The simple, classical melody radiates a little of the spirit of Mozart, who was born in Salzburg. What a pity there is no musical contribution to these Christmas festivities from Mozart, the King's Singers may have thought! Perhaps that's how they came up with the idea for an amusing and cheeky Christmas medley of melodies from the great classical composer, reinforced by the harpsichord playing of English conductor Richard Hickox and the singing of guest star Kiri Te Kanawa. © Oliver Buslau, 2017 Translation: texthouse

Songlist: Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen, Here We Come a Wassailing, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The Little Drummer Boy, I Wonder As I Wander, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht, O Little Town of Bethlehem, A Little Christmas Music (Medley Ë la Mozart), Coventry Carol, The Boar's Head Carol, Gaudete, Joy to the World, Riu Riu Chiu, El Nino Querido, Nit de Vetlla, Deck the Hall, He Wexford Carol, The Gift, Patapan and Farandole

Recorded in 1959 this is the Sister's first Christmas recording and one they have fond memories of. The lovely cover photo of the fresh-faced teens in velvet red dresses is of the age of when "Little Janet" singing "I Saw Mama Kissin Santa Claus" was a highlight of the legendary Lawrence Welk Christmas shows. "Winter Wonderland" was one of the very first songs the girls sang for Welk at a charity event and which led to their later frequent appearances on his show. This reissue is a classic and adds a wonderful touch of nostaligia to the season.

Songlist: Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Island, Adeste Fideles, I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Silent Night, White Christmas, Jingle Bells, Away In A Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Winter Wonderland, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Joy To The World, I'll Be Home For Christmas

Luther College Nordic Choir : Unto Us A Child Is Born   

Singing is a very big part of the campus of Luther College by being alive with the sound of its seven choirs. Music is considered to be an integral part of the community of faith and learning at the College and ever since it's founding Christmas has always been a very special time of year. The Christmas concerts are legendary and in 2006 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the combined musical ensembles including the Nordic Choir, Cantorei, the Norsemen and the Symphony Orchestra.

Songlist: I Wonder as I Wander, Fantasia on "Greensleeves", Processional: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, Break forth, O beauteous, heavenly light (from the Christmas Oratorio), Glory Be to God, There is No Rose, Out of the Orient Crystal Skies, On Christmas Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Fanfare for a New Millennium, Quoniam tu solus sanctus (from Mass in C majjjor), Love Came Down at Christmas, A Child, My Choice, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, O Day Full of Grace, Silent Night, Carillon (from L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1), The Little Drummer Boy, Noel Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel), Noel: Votre Bonte Grand Dieu, Narration, The Many Moods of Christmas (Suite Three)

This multiple gold-medal award winning chorus is consistently delightful. Directed by Dr. Greg Lyne, their sound is immense, yet compact. With marvelous adaptations of favorites such as "Joy To The World" (where the use of dynamics, stepwise motion and rhythmic variation between voice-parts creates a surprising excitement), or the "Christmas Waltz Medley" (featuring "My Favorite Things"), the Masters of Harmony are never predictable. The "Gift Carol," a Catalonian folk carol with a delicate and exquisitely harmonized melody in 3/4, is a highlight.

Songlist: Caroling, Caroling, Joy to the World World-Adeste Fidelis, Gift Carol, O Holy Night, Christmas Waltz Medley, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, We Want to Wish You a Merry Christmas, Feast of Lights, Ring de Christmas Bells, Carol of the Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, The Christmas Song, Coventry Carol, Silver Bells, Silent Night, Auld Lang Syne

One of our favorite barbershop quartets of all time sing holiday classics in their own inimitable style. Christmas never sounded as good!

Songlist: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, The Little Drummer Boy, Once in Royal David's City, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, What Child Is This?, Silent Night, You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

In our misspent youth, we happened to be lucky enough to live within radio shot of WORJ (AM) in Detroit, home of Berry Gordy's Motown Records, which was the home of The Miracles. A stream of Miracles hits graced our car radio from 1959 to 1966, such as "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "The Tracks of My Tears" and "Going to a Go Go;" and "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage," "I Second That Emotion" and "The Tears of a Clown" with Smokey Robinson singing lead. Now, with "Jingle Bells," we are given 10 all-accompanied Christmas hits by one of the most influential and popular soul/pop groups of all time! Wonderfully arranged covers of "We Three Kings," "The Little Drummer Boy," "O Holy Night," "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," "Feliz Navidad," "My Favorite Time of Year," "Silent Night," "Frosty the Snowman," "Finally Christmas" and the title tune. This is a beautifully-recorded album of fun, funky, soulful and danceable Christmas music that will surprise and delight you this Christmas and for many more!

Songlist: We Three Kings, The Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Feliz Navidad, My Favorite Time of the Year, Silent Night, Frosty the Snowman, Finally Christmas, Jingle Bells

This internationally renowned boys choir performs Christmas music from around the world. Led by Ninel Kamburg, listeners are transported to far away places as the choir showcases classics. Featured on this disc are such favorites as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Jingle Bells" and their beautiful rendition of "Silent Night" plus moving classical standards as Bach/Gounod's "Ave Maria." This group will warm your hearts this holiday season.

Songlist: The Christmas Song, God Is With us, The Little Drummer Boy, O Tannenbaum, Carol of the Bagpipers, Masters In This Hall, Ave Maria, Le Bonne Nouvelle, Fum! Fum! Fum!, Maoz Tsur, Christmas In Killamey, Silent Night, Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bells, We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Traditional)

In our imaginary top drawer of a cappella ensembles who have shown us, again and again, sheer vocal talent, whimsical cutting edge arrangements, effortless harmonies, sublime leads and exquisitely crafted recordings, we search around, past several well-played Real Group CDs, to happily find a handful of albums by Finnish mixed-voice sextet Rajaton. One of the first ones to blow us away, despite its dearth of English lyrics, was "Joulu," the group's hugely successful Christmas album. Well, it's been a long wait, but we hold in our hot little mittens "Jouluyo," Rajaton's second holiday CD, with seven new and seven familiar Christmas songs, in both Finnish and English! Our favorites are of course the English selections, a joyous, surprising "Hark the herald angels sing," a moving, bluenote "The little drummer boy," and Soila Sariola's arrangements of Stephen Hatfield's haunting, magical "Lullay" and Howard Blake's "Walking on Air." But don't miss the songs with Finnish titles like Kurt Noack's "Tonttuparaati," Jussi Chydenius and Einari Vuorela's soaring "Kuu Hohtaa," Leri Leskinen and Timo Liiskinen's "Taivaanvalkea" and many others. "Oi jouluyo" gives Finnish lyrics to the classic "O Holy Night" and "Tuo armon valkokyyhky" is Michael Praetorius' "Lo, How a Rose e'er Blooming." "Tonttuparaati" is an amazing Finnish medley of several Christmas tunes, we picked out "Wooden Soldiers on Parade" and others whose titles escape us for the moment. We'll just say that "Jouluyo" is a magical collection that delights on so many levels-don't miss this one! Generous full-color liner notes have all lyrics and info.

Songlist: Tonttuparaati, Kuninkaat kulkevat, katsokaa!, The little drummer boy, Me kaymme joulun viettohon, Kirje Joulupukille, Lullay, Kuu hohtaa, Taivaanvalkea, Walking in the air, Oi jouluyo, Tuo armon valkokyyhky, Hiljainen jouluyo

Founded in 1989 by artistic director Kris Mason, the Seattle Children's Chorus brings us the choral sounds of 200 boys and girls, in four levels of choirs, raised in song. "Seasons of Song" is a wonderful holiday collection of 22 songs from the SCC's most beautiful live performances, many of them lightly piano and flute accompanied. The voices of the beginning younger children (Brio) shine on tunes such as "All That Is Good," "Une Poule Blanche" and Colligan's "Now I Walk In Beauty." The intermediate chorus, Intermezzo, shows their stuff on Nalan's "Al Shlosha D'Varim," Chilcott's "Sing You Now" and "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella;" and the advanced groups, Arioso and Camerata, easily handle more difficult, eclectic pieces like Pfautsch's "Consecrate the Place and Day," "Kyrie-Sanctus Benedictus from Mass No. 6" by Orban, the joyous a cappella "Sithi Jabula" by Nyberg, Nordqvist's "Wonderful Peace," Fissinger's "Make We Joy," Whitacre's "Lux Arumque" and Bach's "Prepare to Receive Him." These pieces are intermixed with more standard carols like "Ding Dong! Merrily on High," "Deck The Halls" and "The Little Drummer Boy" like treats in a holiday basket. "Seasons of Song" is a beautiful gift of sweet voices!

Songlist: Consecrate The Place And Day, Kyrie-Sanctus-Benedictus From Mass no. 6, All That Is Good, Sithi Jabula, Les Berceaux, Dirait-on, Une Poule Blanche, The Colorado Trail, Al Shlosha D'varim, Now I Walk In Beauty, Sing You Now, Wonderful Peace, Make We Joy, Prepare to Recieve Him, Christmastide, Kling, Glockchen Kling!, Deck The Halls, Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, The Little Drummer Boy, Lux Arumque, Sunny Bank

Founder and artistic director of the SCC Kris Mason directs her talented charges in a lovely, sumptuous holiday collection, "A Candlelight Christmas." Approximately 200 choristers are enrolled in the Chorus, which offers choral training on several different levels. These 16 live songs are performed by the Training Chorus ("O Come Little Children," "Once in Royal David's City," "Dormi, Dormi"); the Intermediate Chorus ("Little Red Bird," "Riu, Riu Chiu," "The Little Drummer Boy"); the Chamber Singers ("Hodie, Christus natus est," Clean as the Wind," "Rocking" and "Sussex Carol"), and the Combined Choruses ("Candlelight Carol," "Hallelu!," "The Lord Bless You and Keep You"). The other 13 songs are performed by the Performing Chorus. Some favorites are "A Ceremony of Carols," "Procession," "There is no Rose," "That yonge Child," "Balulalow," "This little Babe," "In Freezing Winter Night" and "Deo Gracias." What could be better than listening to the sweet voices of finely-trained young singers to celebrate the birth of the Christ child?

Songlist: A Ceremony of Carols, O Come, Little Children, Once in Royal David's City, Dormi, Dormi, Hodie, Christus natus est, Clean as the Wind, Rocking, Sussex Carol, Little Red Bird, Riu, Riu Chiu, The Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Lullaby, Song of the Crib, Candlelight Carol, Hallelu, The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Contemporary Christian group Take 6 are virtuoso singers with a flawless grasp of harmonic theory. This vocabulary enables them to create arrangements that are resplendent with original ideas, though built on an unassailable foundation. 'Silent Night' is a haunting mysterious dance with the familiar melody line, a departure point for the jazz chord voicings that are essential imagery of Take 6. The group's own 'Oh!, He Is Christmas' is a sophisticated soul didactic. 'Away In A Manger' is rooted in a repeating bass part - the breath of the tune - while the lead is freed up to explore every vocal contour. 'Amen' is a smooth gospel-go-round, joyous and bright. If you want uniquely brilliant interpretations of your Christmas favorites, this is the CD for you.

Songlist: Silent Night, Oh! He Is Christmas, Hark! The Herald The Angels Sing, Away In The Manger, Amen!, The Little Drummer Boy, 'Twas Da Nite, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Come All Ye Faithful

The hard working Contemporary male quartet Tonic Sol Fa brings us an envelope-pushing Christmas CD, "Sugarue." They took eight traditional carols, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Joy to the World," "Joseph's Song," "I Saw Three Ships," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "The First Noel," "Silent Night," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "The Little Drummer Boy," and added strong vocal percussion, jazzy arrangements and their own blend of butter-smooth harmonies. To this they added a pair of original Christmas songs, "Joseph's Song" and "Sno" written by group member Shaun Johnson. The result is as fresh as a new-fallen snow-but let there be no mistake, the feeling and love that is at the heart of all these carols is still abundantly there. Sugarue is a treat, and it has our early vote for best Christmas CD of the year!

Songlist: Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World, Joseph's Song, I Saw Three Ships, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, Silent Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, SNO, The Little Drummer Boy

A sextet from Utah, Voice Male performs all of the Christmas standards with aplomb, and as well as several idiosyncratic tracks that reveal a mischievious side to their natures. Two poems (?), one of which, "The Christmas Tree Was Green And Bright," mentions the Swedish bikini team (?) and dismisses any notion of predicatability coming from this group, gives way to a stellar "Angels We Have Heard On High"; "Homeless" comforts us with the true meaning of Christmas. The unexpected countermelodies of "O Holy Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" are just two examples of the creative flourishes that ornament these familiar carols, elevating them from the ordinary to the distinctive.

Songlist: Jingle Bell Rock, The Little Drummer Boy, The Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Winter Wonderland, Jamaican Noel, Silent Night, The Christmas Tree Was Green And Bright, Angels We Have Heard On High, Homeless, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer, Christmas Chopsticks, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, O Holy Night, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Throughout the '60s and '70s, Christmas just wasn't Christmas without the King Family's classic holiday TV specials. In celebration of the 45th anniversary of their television debut, join the Kings as they take a heartwarming and song-filled look back at their classic Christmas specials in this all-new holiday TV event. In clips unseen for nearly three decades (now digitally remastered), The Kings perform a cavalcade of classic showstoppers, while sharing personal, behind-the- scenes memories in contemporary interviews featuring King Sisters Yvonne King and Marilyn King, Tina Cole and King Cousins Cathy, Candy, Ric, Jamie & Xan along with Cam Clarke (anime star and voice of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' "Leonardo") and King Kids Laurette and Susannah. And as a special bonus, this DVD features the King Family's classic 1967 special in its entirety, which includes one of their best remembered TV moments-the surprise Vietnam- era, on- camera reunion of King Sister Alyce with her son Ric, who'd been away on military service. This holiday season make Christmas a family affair with this retro TV holiday delight-as seen on public television!

Songlist: Caroling Caroling/Come Dear Children, White Christmas, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Joy to the World, The Holiday of Love, Silent Night, Hear the Sledges with the Bells, The Little Drummer Boy, The Star Carol/O Little Town of Bethlehem, What Child is This?, Some Children See Him, Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Jingle Bells, The First Noel, Auld Lang Syne, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Holiday of Love, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas/Santa Clause is Comin' to Town, The Christmas Song/The Christmas Waltz, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Carol of the Bells, We'll Dress the House, Some Children See Him, A Soalin'/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Sleigh Ride, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Do You Hear What I Hear, and more

From The Opening "We Need A Little Christmas" to the ending song, "White Christmas", The Letterman present a heartfelt program of songs from Christmas past and present. Combining their close harmonies with traditional and updated arrangements this concert is abundant with holiday cheer. The audience seems to enjoy the recognizable songs, and the new ones and in several instances sings along. The first half of the show is given over to secular songs and the second to more religious minded themed carols. Whatever the song the Lettermen deliver them in a sound that has become identifiable with them over the years. This concert is family fare to be shared year after year.

Songlist: We Need A Little Christmas, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Sleigh Ride, Silver Ride, Silver Bells, Medley: We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Deck The Halls/Jingle, Winter Wonderland, Medley: Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Up On Top Of The House, Christmas Morning, Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful/ Joy To The World/Hark, The Herald Angels Sing, Away In A Manger, Silent Night, Mary's Boy Child, The Little Drummer Boy, One Solitary Life, O, Holy Night, It Feels Like Christmas, The Christmas Song, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, White Christmas