Search - Perry Como :: Perry Como Christmas

"Ave Maria" with The Robert Shaw Chorale in Living Stereo!

townsend@istar.ca | Nova Scotia, Canada | 12/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As his first full stereo Christmas album "Season's Greetings from Perry Como" was being released in October, 1959, Perry recorded two very special new versions of the "Ave Maria" and "The Lord's Prayer" as a guest of The Robert Shaw Chorale ( Male Voices ) which are two hallmark hymns of his entire recording career. Although these two hymns were released originally on a limited distribution stereo single, all subsequent re-releases were either monaural or fake stereo. The difference in the hearing of these two recordings re-mixed and remastered in REAL Living Stereo is so remarkable that one might consider them to be different versions. Perry's performance, coupled with the Male Voices of the Robert Shaw Chorale, in stereo to the left and to the right, are certain to send a chill up your spine. His singing is both assured and assuring and the sequencing of "Ave Maria" directly following his legendary "Story of the First Christmas", itself over ten minutes in length, is seemingly as it was meant to be. Both of these hymns are being re-released this month within another compilation "Perry Como Sings Songs of Faith and Inspiration" but this Christmas compilation is definitely highlighted by the inclusion of "Ave Maria" at it's closing. Also included within this compilation is a first release of Perry's "The Bells of St. Mary's" which was recorded during the 1962 sessions for one of Perry's hallmark albums "By Request" produced by Hugo and Luigi with Mitchell Ayres' Orchestra and the Ray Charles Singers. A beautiful song long buried within the RCA Victor Archives and now seeing the light of day for the first time ever! This compilation was not intended to be "just another Christmas record" as it's contents will reveal. These recordings are pure Perry Como and represent the songs Perry liked to sing and record during this very special time of year. With more than 75 minutes of music, there's something here for everyone, no matter how one celebrates Christmas, for people of all faiths. The recording quality is excellent."

Something for Everyone - NOT just a Christmas CD, but more.

townsend@istar.ca | 11/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you bought this for just 3 songs: 'Christmas Eve', 'All Through the Night' and 'Love In A Home' - you would be happy, as was I. This includes the unreleased 'Bells of St. Mary's'. But, there is something for everyone on this CD - and it is NOT just a Christmas CD, but has tons of songs about family, life, AND holidays. With the recent current events, an album like this is something to really make you think. The songs were personally selected by Perry's biggest historian, Mr. Townsend of Canada. There are several original 78 RPM versions of songs instead of the later stereo recordings; his 1974 song 'Christmas Dream' sounds crisper than ever digitally remastered. A neat and insightfull collection of a talented artist. Something for everyone to enjoy on this over 1-hour-long CD."

Best Xmas Compilation Of All Time

M. O Schmidt | Columbia Heights, Minnesota United States | 11/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I admit it: I'm prejudiced. I love Perry Como, and have, ever since I was old enough to know who he was, and what he did. Everyone loves a lover, and everyone should love a singer, if that singer is the fabulous Mr. Como. Part of the joys of Xmas, if you grew up in the 50's, 60's, or 70's, were the Xmas specials with Perry Como or Andy Williams. It's pretty hard to find any DVD's of Perry these days, but there are some very nice CD's available, and this is one of the best. I just got it today, and I have been playing it ever since I pulled it out of the box. Fall in love with life, love, and Christmas. You just can't help it with the mellow, fabulous voice of Perry Como playing in the background of your life. There are some non-Xmas songs on this, but since they include Turn Around, long a favorite of mine, that doesn't bother me one bit. It truly can be Xmas year round if you have this wonderful disc. Love you Perry C!"