FDF Volume 3 Issue 289 - Andy Williams - Christmas Album

Album – The Christmas Album

Artist – Andy Williams
Key Players – Andy Williams - vocals
Produced By - Robert Mersey

Release Date – October 14, 1963

What caused me to blow off the dust? - It is Christmas...damn it.

Overview – This was the first Christmas album (of 8) that would be released by singer Andy Williams. The label would push “White Christmas” as the big single, but over time “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” would gain popularity. In 2009 it was voted the 5^th most popular Christmas song of all time. The album would reach #1 around the holidays upon initial release a few years after. There might be others, but this is the must have Christmas album.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - The album kicks off with the soothing and classic standard “White Christmas”. There is a light chorus that joins him, but it is one of the real staples. “Happy Holidays/The Holiday Season” to me is the best one two punch of the Christmas tunes. If you don't like this tune you hate everyone and everything. It is that simple. We got back to some simple tunes with the crooning on “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire) but “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, you can hear his smile in this track. It really is the most wonderful time.  “A Song and a Christmas Tree (the 12 days of Christmas)”. Williams has a different spin on the lyrics using “good friends” instead of “true love”. The version you are used to hearing is not here, but its still is a fun version. “Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells” this is a fast and swinging versions. I am surprised this seems to be missing from radio play during the season. Maybe it is because Streisand has the stock taken in the “fast” versions...but I think Andy needs a fair shake on this..and he holds a great note at the end. “The First Noel” is a pretty standard version, as is “O Holy Night”. Williams treats these versions with much respect and they are very enjoyable versions. He keeps the mood with “Away in a Manger” and that continues in to the soothing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”. I don't ever think I've heard this song elsewhere, or ever. “The Little Drummer Boy” he uses some higher voices to accompany and he keeps the tempo on the speedier side, rather than plodding it along. The collection closes out with a spot on version of the classic “Silent Night, Holy Night”. A really solid closer.

Where are they now? - Andy passed away on September 25, 2012 after battling bladder cancer.

FDF Personal Comments (aka the Live experience) – Never saw Andy Williams live.

FDF Overall Take – I have always been “meh” on Christmas music, but I actually bought this about 2-3 years ago..just because I needed it. You need it too. Get it.

Links

Official Site

Curious? Check out some MUSIC!

 

Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season

Jingle Bells  (from TV..Live..its so worth your time)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

If you don't have it...go get it now...right here

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