Combine the most beloved, classic songs of the holiday season with the warm baritone of one of the most recognized voices in popular music, and fans will have reason to celebrate with James Taylor at Christmas. This 12-track collection features traditional and contemporary seasonal songs.
Looking for a smart, never-out-of-style singer who turns in a perfectly solid collection of Christmas songs, including a few surprises? J.T. is your man on James Taylor at Christmas, which is nicely balanced between pop and jazz selections, with more stately hymn-like fare and balladry. Always fine in his charmingly understated voice, Taylor and company try out the old gospel standard "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and the memorable "Some Children See Him." He smoothly cuts through "Winter Wonderland" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" with a bit of jazz flavor, and reprises Joni Mitchell's increasingly popular Christmas song (even though it's about getting away from the holiday), "River." One of the album's most satisfying delights is Taylor's funky version of "Jingle Bells," sung in a kind of barroom stomp with the most intriguing phrasing since Barbra Streisand sang it in the '60s. Soulful and bright and moody as well (when Taylor sings "In the Bleak Midwinter," you believe it's indeed rough), there's barely a clinker here. -- Martin Keller
James's Christmas Album
More from James Taylor
The Best of James Taylor
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
New Moon Shine
JT
James Taylor (Live)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
My favorite Christmas CD:
I have many Christmas CD's on my itunes at work but I find myself listening to this one every day. If you love James Taylor you will love this. 2 songs which I have never heard of before are now my favoites. In The Bleak Midwinter and Some See Him are typical soft and pretty James Taylor. His version of Auld Lang Syne is very nice as well. James Taylor's music is mood altering and this CD is no exception. When work gets stressful I listen to James and I feel better.
James Taylor Christmas:
This is an excellent collection of Christmas songs from JT. He's got the perfect voice for the season.
james is the best:
James Taylor at Christmas is Great I listen to his cd's almost everyday so having a Christmas cd is the best thing ever if you like James you will love this cd!!!!!!!!!!!
Read the song list people:
For those who complain about the song list being the same as the Hallmark release...DUH!!! Read the listing of songs and you will know it is the same. This does not take away from the quality of the CD or the recording. It's great and one of my faves.
Tracks:
Winter Wonderland featuring Chris Botti
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Jingle Bells
Baby, It's Cold Outside featuring Natalie Cole
River
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) Featuring Toots Theilemans
