The holiday season always brings out the best in people, and Alexis Cole's "The Greatest Gift" is no exception. An effort to raise funds for the World Bicycle Relief, an organization that helps provide healthcare, education, and economic development in impoverished nations, "The Greatest Gift" might be one of the more thoughtful presents you could give this season.

All the classics are included in the album, and Cole's soulful voice resonates long after the album has played it's final notes. Her take on "What Child is This?" left me with chills. I hadn't heard a rendition of that song so flawlessly done since I watched Charlotte Church perform it a few years back.

Those blessed with the chance to have a forum to help others seem to produce greatness in their work. Alexis Cole, with her family & friends, truly produced an album that will stand the test of time. It isn't just a beautifully made holiday record; it is so much more than that. It is the tireless work of caring individuals who are using the most of their gifts while motivated to truly make a difference in the world.

This album was not only a pleasure to review, it is my honor to introduce it to the masses and encourage anyone with a heart to pick up a copy today. In doing so, people a world away, who can only dream of the blessings we have, just night get a break tonight.


Christopher Llewellyn Adams    

Original music during holiday shopping isn't always easy to find. Audrey Malone & Michael Evans have a hit on their hands with "A Holiday to Remember", destined to be one of the most successful original holiday albums released this year.

From the opening title track, Malone and Evans display their skills with a master's touch, offering well produced songs with lyrics penned by artists who have their audience's heart in mind. It would not surprise me one bit to hear future artists covering some of the tracks on this release.

"This Christmas" would be my choice for top track on the album. With piano by Jen Gunderman and sax played by Johnny Heinrich, this may well become a fast riser on the holiday charts. An exceptionally well crafted song that can't miss.

Every now and again, a holiday album transcends the genre, and is playable throughout the year. I have a feeling that I might still be spinning this album next summer on my way to Fenway with Tammy & Bee. Give "A Holiday to Remember" a listen today; you'll be glad you did.


Christopher Llewellyn Adams    

I've never really needed a good reason to buy a new album from Bob Dylan. There are those who say that Bob Dylan is the best American song writer of all time, and there are those who disagree. Well, those who disagree are simply wrong, but even they would see clear to picking up a copy of Dylan's holiday work for the nation's hungry, "Christmas In The Heart". With all proceeds going to the country's food banks during these tough times, it's honestly hard to find a reason not to buy this album.

Dylan's singular raspiness lends new weight to old favorites like "Must Be Santa" and "Winter Wonderland." Nobody will mistake these tracks for anyone else, and that is why Bob Dylan exists, to eliminate the preconceived notions of what qualifies as a typical holiday album, and to get down to the business of feeding the hungry.

My top song choice for "Christmas" has got to be "I'll Be Home For Christmas". It is perfect for all those families that are unfortunately separated during the holiday season due to work or other issues. It will have your loved ones counting down the days until you make it home, and just might help that time go by a little faster.

From his first notes at Gerde's Folk City, Bob Dylan has stood head and shoulders above the music world. The Beatles transformed themselves into free thinking songwriting legends just to keep up with Dylan's twin 1965 releases, "Bringing It All Back Home," and "Highway 61 Revisited". Inspiring everything that follows you is one thing. Dylan has managed not only to do that, but his current work remains on par with all of his best from the last four decades.

Every community has people with little or nothing to eat tonight. Do your heart a favor and give some of your neighbors a hand. Pick up "Christmas In The Heart". God Bless.


Christopher Llewellyn Adams    

The holidays are here, and there is no such thing as a bad holiday album. With that in mind, it is my pleasure to let you know how much I enjoyed "Gingerbread and Eggnog" by Jessica Martin & Mark Steyn. If you're experiencing a down time this season, consider this an emotional stimulus package.

Of all the tracks on this release, "A Marshmallow World" is the far and away gold medalist. The cute lyrics and stellar performance makes it a winner all year round. The world needs smiles, and there'll be no day of the year that this song will fail to deliver.

I like to see the sights and hear the sounds of the season. Wintertime is the season I look forward to the most. I'm guessing I'm not the only one in that department, and I can imagine "Gingerbread & Eggnog" will put smiles on folks' faces just like mine.


Christopher Llewellyn Adams    

Sounding like a cross between B.J Thomas, Gary Puckett (Union Gap), Dennis Yost (Classics IV) comes Michael Peace with a special holiday album, PEACE OF CHRISTMAS, an album that brings meaning back to the words "warmth” and "tradition". Envision yourself gathered around a crackling fireplace, with family and friends, as the snowflakes spiral downwards, just outside your window, listening to the strains of music that recapture the spirit and essence of a holiday season as it used to be, as it ought to be, and it still can be.

Have a listen to Michael's reworking of a classic: LITTLE DRUMMER BOY. This is a "rendering" that gives the song a "new", more contemporary, "sound” without losing it's traditional essence and flavor. From first note to last, the song is delivered with warmth, the kind of warmth that has been so hard to find in recent times. You can't go wrong with this one.

Then there's the original "SNOWFLAKES" that, as Mike puts it, "makes your soul want to sing", as you walk through the freshly fallen snow in anticipation of this special time of the year.

"HUSH HUSH", another original, one of my favorites, pulls you in with a classical feeling that really does make it seem as though it's been around for a decade or two, or three.

"IF WE DON"T SEE YOU SOON" gets a top rating, a truly top notch song, on the basis that it is "one of those songs" that you'll find yourself wanting to listen to again and again and again. Another personal favorite.

When it comes to being cheerful, "CHRISTAMS IS COMING" fits the bill. Catchy, the kind of song you may very well find yourself wanting to sing along.

Tender is the word that best describes "SOFTLY FROM HEAVEN". Wonderful piano accompaniment and plucked guitar, words by Jackie Bartels.

"A SILENT NIGHT" is another favorite that begins with a dialogue, a dramatic retelling of a story, the story of a Christmas spent in the trenches during World War 1, a story of friend and foe coming together, for one brief moment, to set aside differences, for one brief moment, to embrace peace, for one brief moment, to show, for one brief moment, that even in the worst of times, we can come to our senses long enough to express good will even towards those whom we may be in conflict with, albeit, a small step towards peace, but a step worth taking, and Michael tells it well...a must listen.

All in all, an excellent album akin, in spirit, to Bing Crosby's "WHITE CHRISTAMS", with a unique spirit all it's own. The songs are memorable, well written, and the performance is warm, sincere, genuine, satisfying. Michael, noted for his smooth vocal style, respected by peers and associates, brings meaning back to the word "tradition". A PEACE OF CHRSITMAS is obviously a labor of love and it shows in one gem after another. "A SILENT NIGHT" is, in my opinion, the "piece de resistance", but the entire album is a "must have".

Hear CD Snippets
Brian Anthony - Wickman Music Canada    

The holiday season is upon us, and there is no better way to spend a cold winter night with the family than listening to beautiful music played by amazing artists. Mystic Harmony's "Mystic Christmas" will satisfy both sides of that equation perfectly.

As far as holiday music goes, Celtic songs are some of my favorites. Mystic Harmony are flawless in their delivery, bringing all the best aspects of European music traditions home with some of the finest instrumental performances I've heard in years.

The songs of faith and hope offered in "Mystic Christmas" are surefire hits in homes around the world. The authentic sounds of harp, played enchantingly by Mary Anne Brundage, are sure to remind long time Celtic fans of the timeless music of generations past.

The holidays are a time for gathering close and celebrating the gifts of the season, while hoping for a safe new year to come. Give "Mystic Christmas" a listen at your holiday gathering this year.


Christopher Llewellyn Adams    

From the land where angels' voices bloom comes Sylvia Bennett. The holiday season isn't complete without beautiful music, and "It's Christmas Time with Sylvia Bennett" is destined for a place of honor on your album collection soon. She shares her gifts without effort, and her natural love of music and the season is conveyed in every note.

Her take on "Silent Night" is one of the best renditions I have ever heard. Her remarkable sound has the power to lift all clouds near her audiences' blue skies, and keep them away for quite a while. The St. Rose of Lima School offers background vocals for "A Rainbow Christmas" is a special arrangement, sure to be appreciated by the young and young at heart alike.

Give "It's Christmas Time with Sylvia Bennett" a spin today. You'll be glad you did, and so will the ones you love.


Christopher Llewellyn Adams    

I Love Christmas (Sneak Preview EP) 4 song EP. This is Tommy James & the original Shondells back together after 38 years and it's like nothing has changed except maybe they have improved like fine wine over the years. Tommy said when they all got back together in the studio it was nothing less than magic.

The Sneak Preview aspect is that this is a pre-release CD with only four songs this year as a prelude of the 2008 Christmas full length album release. Thise year's is only available from the www.TommyJames.com Official web site. It is a limited release so it could become a nice collectors item in the future.

I have to admit that one of my favorites is Tommy and Jimmy Wisner's I Love Christmas. I predict that this one will stand the test of time to become a Christmas classic and favorite for everyone. It’s a memory of when he was three visiting Santa in the department store and then quickly returning to the present to include a medley of a dozen other Christmas classics. Ya gotta love it. It's Christmas Again is just the prettiest little original Christmas song that I have heard in a long time. The production is strong and solid with a continuous build starting with Tommy's a cappella voice then adding an acoustic guitar until all the instruments are combined to the mix. Under the music is the story of two lovers that fall out of love but are constantly pulled toward each other every Christmas. Born On the First Christmas Day tells the story of the very first Christmas in a very up-tempo shuffle beat with a choir of angel singers to make it a really big production sound. Winter Wonderland closes out the EP with a jazzy rendition of the classic old favorite. I have to say that Tommy’s Christmas originals stand out as my favorites while this old standard is one of the thousand different versions that are ultimately performed by as many performers. This EP will be a great addition to this year’s catalog of great Christmas songs and one that you will be glad to have in your possession.

Arranged and produced by TOMMY JAMES AND JIMMY 'WIZ' WISNER