Christmas Time Is Here

We've come to expect great Christmas albums from Canadian Brass, and this one delivers, as usual. It's not my favorite, I must admit (I have 5 of their Christmas records), but that's not a knock, they're all excellent. This one is a bit more sedate, in my opinion, being largely a re-recording of the entire Charlie Brown Christmas album, with a couple of exceptions. So it's not exactly raucous. However, peppy versions of Rudolf and Frosty the Snowman, You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch and other classics add the lively harmonies and imaginative arrangements that Canadian Brass is known for. A solid winner sure to satisfy any CB fan.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE by Canadian Brass has recently been released. Five fine brass musicians, each a virtuoso in his own right, form the long lived quintet. Since their 1970 founding , the group has earned an international reputation and the title "the world's most famous brass group." The group's membership, now consisting of its founder, Chuck Daellenbach , Achilles Liarmakopoulos , Christopher Coletti , Caleb Hudson and Eric Reed have together contributed their imagination and musicianship to elevate the art of the brass quintet.CHRISTMAS TIME features the music of Vince Guaraldi and Luther Henderson; it gives us some of the music from the well-loved television Christmas special A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, and some longtime popular seasonal favorites. "Frosty the Snowman," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "O Tannenbaum," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" all receive the jaunty brass treatment of this group. Many of the cuts have a nice smooth jazz styling. Vince Guaraldi's "What Child is This," as beautifully arranged by Brandon Ridenour, was a particular favorite of mine. Also, I was particularly stunned to hear a gorgeous version of Beethoven's lovely "Fuer Elise," originally written for piano - and I should know, as learning this piece was the goal in my long-ago piano lessons - and once I learned it I quit the lessons!Recently I had the privilege of seeing the group live, and enjoyed their concert immensely. They are fine musicians; they are also very entertaining, with their retro outfits and comic bits. If you ever get the chance to see them, I urge that you do. But meanwhile, here is this nifty new album. Get it if you can.

I got this as a gift for my husband. We love classical music, and this group of musician is fantastic. There are a lot of Charlie Brown songs on the album, as well. They are fun to listen to during the Christmas season. The sound quality is excellent.

This premiere brass quintet will amaze you with their skill and tickle you with humor! Chuck Daellenbach is a tuba legend. My son and I were quite pleased when we saw Canadian Brass in Dallas from the 2nd row and Dr. Chuck performed Frosty the Snowman to the point of reclining on the stage floor as Frosty melted. I am delighted to find that piece on this recording. Interjected whistling and singing, along with a few percussion additions, help to make this CD bright.

The Canadian Brass has been issuing brass quintet music for many years, more than any other brass group out there, each album being better than the last. This new Christmas album is no exception: they are still the reference point for any serious quintet out there. Their music is always fresh, yet still embodies the signature sound that almost any brass player recognizes. If you are a brass player, or simply enjoy brass music...this is for you!

This is now a Christmas classic in our house! The Canadian Brass are at their best on this album, and they really let Vince Guaraldi shine through. As a kid that grew up watching all of the Peanuts holiday specials, this really is a perfect way to feel the spirit of the season.

The Canadian Brass recordings are reliably excellent and this is no exception.

Having been a church organist for years, I have always loved the "Time of Christmas" and have tons of classical sheet music both for piano and pipe organ. To paraphrase "it's time for that special "That Special Time Of The Year" to love for the music.

Cb at their best

This is a delightful Christmas Album. The performances are light and bouncy, typical of CB. I will be listening to this one a lot. There are 18 tracks for a total of just over 51 minutes of play time.

Excellent purchase.