Track Listing

1. Christmas Song
2. Ave Maria
3. Winter Wonderland
4. First Noel
5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
6. Hallelujah
7. I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
9. Santa Clause Is Coming to Town
10. Silent Night
11. Little Drummer Boy
12. O Little Town of Bethlehem
13. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #550 in Music
• Brand: Columbia
• Released on: 2006-10-10
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.com
With his GQ looks and warm, seductive brass tone, trumpet player Chris Botti has what it takes to command attention. This lovely recording will appeal to deeper jazz fans as much as to easy-listening and fusion aficionados. Botti and his various ensembles deliver 13 tracks of comfort and joy, plus a taste of fleeting, seasonal melancholy that recalls Chet Baker. The more somber moods are brightened, however, by such merry fare as the Brazilian arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and the swinging "Winter Wonderland." You probably won't hear a more romantic (or ironic) version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and when was the last time a Leonard Cohen tune ("Hallelujah") appeared on any Christmas disc? December is tasty throughout and highly recommended. --Martin Keller (This text refers to a previous edition of this disc.)

Customer Reviews

Be prepared for a relaxing and blissful Christmas
Chris Botti's sound is nothing short of amazing. His pure and warm tone produces a delectably soothing feeling. Yes, I know that this cd is basically just a remake of his last Christmas album but they have added two fantastic pieces of music to this album. They are Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas (featuring Eric Benét)".

First, "Ave Maria" is performed with a wonderful arrangement. You know how during Christmas you go into cathedrals or traditional churches and you hear the choir singing beautiful hymns, which are so touching and heartfelt? Well, this is what this arrangement is like. Chris Botti is backed up by a wonderful choir (St. Jon's Choir) and the London Session Orchestra. Truly, the feeling is transcendent as the choir sings warmly in the background and the trumpet voice just soars in the graceful melodic lines (by soar, I mean a beautiful melody coming out, not blasting high notes). This performance is simply gorgeous.

"I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas" is another beautiful tune. The vocals are a nice addition and Chris just seems to be able to play so well with another musician. This is a very gentle song and draws out the feelings in my heart. I believe that this song will truly touch the hearts of listeners because the song is expressing our desire to be with our loved ones. This song allows us to slow down in the midst of our busy year and really reflect and realize that we should cherish being with our loved ones.

All the other tracks are amazing and Chris Botti produces a splendid and lush atmosphere with his moving playing. There is variety in the style as there are faster, lighthearted arrangements alongside slow, lush arrangements. Personally, I am a classical lover and I love the glory that brass instruments attain during Christmas with playing in the brilliant high register. Amazingly, Chris Botti still moves me without having to play such brilliant, high notes. His beautiful tone is already more than enough.

Good for More than Just December Holiday parties....
Because I can't stand the inane chatter of morning radio DJ's, I'll put on a CD as I'm getting ready to go to work. I teach at a high school for troubled teens, so the CD's I listen to are very particular--they can't be filled with words (because my day is filled with non-stop chattering, cursing teens), can't have the kind of beat that gets stuck in your mind all day, nothing sleepy and finally nothing that will encourage depression. To find a beautiful, instrumental recording that meets all these tough criteria plus is just gorgeous, warm music is a treasure. This great recording has tunes arranged smartly enough that it wouldn't feel unwelcome or off-season any time during the winter months.

A nice addition to one's Christmas cd rotation!
This re-isssue of Botti's 2002 offering, is a nice contribution to the Christmas celebration. In this 2006 version, Botti has removed "Perfect Day" (along with his imperfect vocals) and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing".
Replacing these with "Ave Maria" and "I Really Don't Want Much For Christmas".

Of particular note, "Ave Maria" is simply beautiful!