Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/26/2009 02:30:52Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/26/2009 02:36:52Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/26/2009 11:22:10Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/27/2009 03:22:14Copy HTML

Justin:

Thanks and enjoy the CD!


Frank: 

The reason why Percy Faith re-recorded Music Of Christmas in 1959 was two-fold: first and foremost, it was because the album was a huge seller and Columbia Records wanted to take advantage of the new Stereo technology; second, and equally important, Percy had just recorded his second Christmas album, Hallelujah (aka Music Of Christmas, Vol. 2), the year before in 1958 in Stereo, so Columbia felt it was only appropriate that he go back into the studio and re-record his first Christmas album in Stereo as well.


Tommy:

I'm so glad that you will now be able to hear Monty's first Christmas album in its entirety; believe me, you won't be disappointed. 

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/28/2009 03:10:56Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/28/2009 08:35:24Copy HTML

Thanks Johnny, this gives me the perfect opportunity to ask everyone to please send Gordon Anderson a quick thank-you email for releasing this great LP on CD. As I have said before, I believe in positive reinforcement; so I implore all of you to show him how much you appreciate his efforts!

Here is his email address: [email protected]

By the way, I would consider it a personal favor to me if everyone heeded my advice on this. Thank you.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/29/2009 03:08:12Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/29/2009 04:58:59Copy HTML

Graig,

Let me start off by asking you to please read the last part of my initial post on this thread, which was an excerpt from a post that I had previously filed on the message board. If you have already read it, then I advise you to read it yet again, because you clearly did not comprehend in the least what I had to say. Please pay special attention to the first paragraph of this excerpt where I talk about the spurious Mantovani music out there by the "The Mantovani Orchestra" with a totally different conductor and orchestra and recorded long after Monty was dead. 

Those who have any true knowledge of Mantovani's Christmas music know full well that he recorded only 2 Christmas albums for London Records with a combined total of 26 tracks. This 2-CD set from YesterMusic that you posted a link for on my message board has a total of 49 tracks -- 23 more tracks than Monty ever recorded. Any guess as to what that suggests? Well, if you haven't guessed it already, that means that a good portion -- if not all -- of this CD compilation is not genuine Mantovani recorded music. Another sure sign that this CD is suspect is that it doesn't even include Monty's great original composition, Christmas Bells. Let me repeat: this 2-CD set has 49 tracks and yet it doesn't even have Christmas Bells! Pasted below is an excerpt from yet another post that I had previously filed on the message board about bogus Mantovani compilations: 
 
One quick way to tell whether a compilation CD you have, or would like to buy, is genuine Mantovani material, is whether it has "Christmas Bells" on it. If it does, you can rest assured that you have genuine Mantovani Christmas music. Also, for those who are not aware of it, Monty wrote that song himself, and it premiered on his 1963 album "Christmas Greetings From MantovanI". It's a spectacular song, and of course, part of the Yule Log presentation.

Let me tell you something, YesterMusic might be able to fool some people, but those who truly know Mantovani's music are most assuredly not fooled, and it's up to people like me to educate others so they don't get swindled. Unfortunately, however, there will still be many folks who will unknowingly buy this CD from YesterMuisc and get shafted. 

Finally Graig, now that you have been enlightened, please do not continue to bemoan the "plethora" of Mantovani Christmas music out there, as most of it, as you now clearly know, is not legitimate.

It goes without saying that my advice to everyone out there is not to waste your money buying this bogus YesterMusic CD and to stick with the real McCoy.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/29/2009 10:09:04Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/29/2009 10:45:03Copy HTML

I recall growing up that we had the original 1953 Mantovani Christmas Carols LP in our home.  We played it every Christmas.  We didn't get stereo until 1963 and unfortunately never got around to getting the 1958 stereo edition.  I think my uncle had it.  He converted his hi-fi to stereo upon the new technology's arrival in 1958.

It may have taken a long time, but this year I'll finally have a copy of the beloved 1958 Christmas classic in full stereo. 

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/30/2009 04:04:49Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：09/30/2009 08:21:56Copy HTML

Mike:

That is ideally what I had wanted; a double CD with both of Monty's Christmas albums on it. 

Even though Dutton-Vocalian did a great job with their reissue of Monty's second Christmas album, the problem is just what you said; they used the original (British) Decca artwork, not the original (American) London Records artwork. I think the reason that Gordon decided not to reissue the second LP had to do with the added costs from Universal Music, as well as the fact that it is still currently available as an import CD from Dutton-Vocalian Records.

Also, thanks for sending a thank-you to Gordon, I do appreciate it.


Frank:

That's similar to our family. We didn't get our first stereo until 1966; a Sylvania console. Up to that point, we had a Webcor Hi-Fi. Thanks for sharing.


Graig:

Consider these facts...

In the first paragraph of your previous post you acknowledged it yourself when you said, "Original Mantovani is a very grand and skilled sound whereas the Mantovani Orchestra has a simpler, more budgeted sound." In saying that, you clearly established that the "new" Mantovani Orchestra does not live up to the standards of the great maestro himself.

I find that peculiar, because then, in the second paragraph, you have the temerity to say, "I don't see the need for you to degrade the Yestermusic Company as if they were out to fool people." Uh, Graig, when a record company knowingly markets a product with the name of the artist, the likeness of the artist and/or the image of the artist -- and it's not completely or entirely by that artist, then guess what? -- That's exactly what they are trying to do. And all the arguments that you can possibly make to the contrary won't change that one inherent fact. So the discussion ends here. It is this kind of lax attitude that causes millions of people to be duped out of their preciously earned money each and every day, and I for one will not have it.

This whole subject is especially irritating to me because this is also the same exact phenomenon that is happening with the “new” Percy Faith Orchestra; marketing music that gives the distinct impression that it is by none other than the maestro himself; again, even going as far as to post an actual picture of him on the front cover. Frankly, that’s bull, and I’m fed up with it. In addition to all this, it is also happening with the Yule Log itself, and false claims by manufacturers that their video is of "the original" Yule Log fireplace, which, of course, it can't be because WPIX/Tribune has never released the Original WPIX Yule Log on home video. If you can’t see what’s wrong with all of this, I feel sorry for you… I really do.

It's really remarkable, because you say emphatically that you didn't want to insult anyone with your comments in your post of September 28, but yet the whole breadth and scope of that post was to minimalize the great news of this new Mantovani release -- even going so far as to counter it with a link to a CD that you yourself, sir, have acknowledged was not all genuine Mantovani material -- I mean you have really got to be kidding. I shall not continue to dignify any further the comments that you have made here already, but I will leave you with this: after all the hard work that I do on behalf of the Yule Log, Christmas music, the website and the message board, I tell you, sir, that I take great umbrage to the remarks you made in the last paragraph of your previous post.   

 

To All:

I really don’t think it is necessary for me to say this because no one has ever done this on my message board before, but here goes:  

After reading this post, if anybody is still unclear here, then let me state it now in absolutely no uncertain terms: if anyone posts a link to an LP or CD on this message board that they are fully aware in advance is not genuine material by the artist in question, then you are to clearly note that in your post, otherwise you will have to answer to me.

Of course, naturally, if anyone unwittingly and unknowingly does this, I will completely understand; however, I will then ask you to edit your post to add a disclaimer.  

Lastly, let me just say that anyone who knows me, especially my longtime members, know that I can be tough, but that I am always fair. I’m an outspoken man who doesn’t mince his words and who doesn't play games. Others on this board can judge for themselves after considering the import of what has been said here about the subject at hand if my actions can in any way can be characterized in the manner that Graig described in the last paragraph of his previous post -- a post, by the way, that as owner of the message board I could have edited or deleted entirely, but chose not to. On the contrary, I want it to be seen, as the words are a reflection of the person who wrote them. 

Thank you.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/01/2009 08:50:37Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/02/2009 02:41:33Copy HTML

Just got the October 2009 CCM catalog and the only Christmas CD's it contains are closeouts, a few of which look appealing.  The announcement of the Mantovani reissue was too late for this catalog.  I'm quite sure the November catalog will contain the long-awaited Mantovani reissue and all the other Christmas albums CCM will offer this year.

Some of the more appealing holiday titles on CCMs close-out list are "The Coolest Yule...Ever", a compilation with songs by Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Peggy Lee; "Christmas With The Stars", a 3-CD compilation and the 1965 Motown classic "Merry Christmas" by Diana Ross & The Supremes.  They did a bouncy, uptempo rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" which I'm pretty sure is on this album.  I have it on another compilation.    

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/02/2009 09:09:17Copy HTML

Michael:

You bet, buddy.


Frank:

Yes, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town was indeed on the Supremes original 1965 Christmas LP, Merry Christmas. 

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/02/2009 06:21:26Copy HTML

Just netted another copy of Monty's "Christmas Carols" in the Stereo mode on Lp..I got it for 25 Cents at my local Library here in Pasco County..Great looking Lp,too,worth every penny I'd paid and then some! But,I'm still looking forward to that CD,nevertheless! Michael Boyce (P.S. It's the ORIGINAL FFSS Issue of 1958!)


10/02/09 @ 16:02:23 PM
Follow-up to above message:

I hope Gordon's considering reissuing Monty's "Christmas Greetings",too..I guess we'll have to wait a little longer for that...I hope not! These Lp's probably  getting a pretty penny on the Collector's markets! (ESPECIALLY The Original Monos!) Michael Boyce



 *Message edited by the Yule Log.com Message Board Administrator on 10/02/09 to combine two consecutive reply posts by the same member. Also, double-post was deleted.

**Click here to review my post regarding same-day double-posting.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/03/2009 03:06:22Copy HTML

Michael,

Glad you picked up the original vinyl LP, at least you'll have it for posterity.

By the way, this is something that I don't think that I've ever mentioned on the message board before, but this gives me the perfect opportunity to do so now.

As everyone already knows by now as a result of my posts on the message board, in 1958 Mantovani re-recorded his 1953 Christmas Carols LP in Stereo. And as everyone also knows as a result of my posts, the main difference between the 1953 and 1958 LPs is the change of sequence for the songs Adeste Fideles and The First Noel. (Adeste Fideles was switched from song #7 to song #1, and The First Noel was switched from song #1 to song #7.)   

But what most people don't know is that, unfortunately, London Records forever created confusion between these two LPs because in 1958 when they released the new Stereo disc, they never changed the song sequence on the album jacket artwork -- front or back! However, they did change the label on the record itself. Mantovani music aficionados are well aware of this anomaly, but most folks aren't. By the way, that anomaly continued up to the very time the LP went out of print in the 1970s. I have never understood why London Records never updated the album jacket; but then again, I'm not even sure they realized it!

This anomaly also created confusion for Gordon Anderson at Collectors' Choice Music: after I told him that he will know for sure if he got the correct Stereo master from Universal Music if the 1st song is Adeste Fideles and the 7th song is The First Noel, he came back to me and said that the copy of the Stereo LP they had in their possession showed the same song sequence as the original Mono LP. I had to tell him to physically pull the LP out of the jacket and look at the record label itself; after he did, he exclaimed, "you are correct, sir!"

By the way, it was very important to me for the Stereo song sequence to remain the same on the new CD, with Adeste Fideles as the opening song. The song's opening passage sets the whole tone for not only the rest of the song, but the entire album to follow. This opening passage for Adeste Fideles (which closes the song as well) is an extremely poignant and wistful arrangement of Monty's trademark "tumbling violins," and it is absolutely beautiful. This brilliant passage and the equally brilliant and heart-wrenching arrangement of the song itself just seem to encapsulate all the emotions of the entire season. I never fail to become emotionally moved by it when I hear it; in fact, as soon as I hear those first opening notes, I get a little choked up.

To be able to evoke such emotion to this degree with their music is what sets Mantovani and Percy Faith apart from anybody else and puts them in a class all by themselves.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/05/2009 02:56:08Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/06/2009 12:45:33Copy HTML

Michael,

I agree with you wholeheartedly -- we are in total sync. I'm glad to know that there are others out there who appreciate and are moved by Monty's music in the same way that I am.

In my previous post, since I was only talking about his first Christmas album, I didn't mention the song Christmas Bells, which was the shining star on his second Christmas album. But now that you have (and I'm very happy that you did), let me just say that this great original composition, which the maestro wrote himself, is probably the single best Christmas song he ever did -- making it, of course, one of the best Christmas songs of all-time. We are so fortunate that, thanks to the impeccable taste of former WPIX general manager Fred Thrower, it was included on the Yule Log soundtrack (song #62).  

This one single song is the supreme and ultimate example of Mantovani's patented wistful and poignant "Cascading strings" arrangement technique, which creates that sweeping "fountains of thrilling sound" that he was so famous for.

This masterpiece of a song which he so brilliantly composed, Christmas Bells, along with his magnificent rendition of Adeste Fideles, just seems to encapsulate all the feelings and emotions of the entire Christmas season. It's truly remarkable.

I already posted this on my In The Spotlight thread for Mantovani, but since it was so relevant, I thought I'd post it here as well. This is an excerpt from the liner notes that were printed on the back of Monty's Christmas Carols LP:


Commanded by his baton, his orchestra moves through beautiful, exciting melodies; violins soar and cascade, creating fountains of thrilling sound; familiar themes become transformed into glittering, jeweled patterns. Yet however rich the setting he devises, however sensuous or colorful the harmonies, Mantovani's music is always filled with warmth and emotion. No wonder millions of people all over the world respond to its artistry and brilliance.

"If there were stars in the eyes of 10,000 persons last night," wrote a Canadian critic, "Blame it on Mantovani, who appears to have a touch of magic at the end of his slender baton." No conductor has become so linked with the music his orchestra creates. The soaring, tumbling violins are the most individual feature of Mantovani's scoring.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/06/2009 07:15:47Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/07/2009 03:34:58Copy HTML

Michael,

Thanks for your post and a sincere attempt to state some facts about Mantovani, but most of it is factually incorrect. I'll post below the correct info and timeline.

First: 1951 was the year that Monty and Ronnie's newly created "Cascading Strings" arrangement technique premiered on the single Charmaine. There was no LP released in this year.

Second: 1952 was the actual year that the full-length LP which premiered that new sound was released. And that album was not American Waltzes, but rather A Collection Of Favorite Waltzes (London catalog #LL-570; later retitled Greensleeves). Unfortunately, the liner notes printed on the back of the Christmas Carols LP give the distinct impression that the album, A Collection Of Favorite Waltzes, was released in 1951, but it wasn't. In addition, the liner notes incorrectly suggest that Charmaine was released on this album, and that clearly was not the case. The single Charmaine was not released on a full-length LP until 1955 -- and that LP was Waltz Time (London catalog #LL-1094; later retitled Charmaine). By the way, the publishing date on this LP shows 1954, but it was actually released in 1955.  

Third: The American Waltzes LP that you stated was released in 1951 was not released until 1962 (London catalog #LL-3260 for Mono & PS-248 for Stereo).

Don't worry buddy, despite the errors, I sincerely appreciate your love and enthusiasm for Monty's music.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/09/2009 06:48:18Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/09/2009 11:17:16Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/10/2009 07:15:32Copy HTML

Dave,

If you have had the LP you referred to for 25 years, then unfortunately, I have to tell you that for the past 25 years you have been cheated.

The Christmas Magic LP, which was originally released in 1980 by Holiday Records, is not authentic and genuine Mantovani Christmas music. It is by "The Mantovani Orchestra" with a totally different conductor and orchestra. Of the ten songs on the album, 5 are re-recorded versions of songs Monty previously did on his two authentic Christmas albums, and 5 are new Christmas songs that he had never recorded during his career.

Regrettably my friend, you are not alone. There are countless others out there who for years have been totally unaware that they do not have the real McCoy, and it's a damn shame. I'm confident, though, that this long-overdue new release will do something to begin to change that.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/10/2009 02:55:05Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/10/2009 07:26:26Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/11/2009 03:00:34Copy HTML

Dave,

The new release is still scheduled for late November. Gordon will let me know next week when it will be posted to their website for preorder. As soon as he gives me the date, I'll post it on this thread.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/11/2009 05:01:58Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/12/2009 06:31:10Copy HTML

Dave,

I just noticed that you edited your last post and added a question. 

No, I don't recommend that CD of the original 1953 Mono Christmas Carols recording as it is inferior to the later 1958 Stereo recording both artistically and especially, technologically. In addition, the 1953 version had the original song sequence, before that stroke-of-genius change that moved Adeste Fideles to song #1 and The First Noel to song #7.
 
By the way, Gordon advised me today that the new 1958 Christmas Carols CD release will be posted on their website for preorders by early November.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/12/2009 10:43:56Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/13/2009 01:27:48Copy HTML

Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Dave.

I went to the CCM website and sure enough I did indeed find that listing you referred to; catalog #WWCCM20852. It looked very peculiar because there was no image displayed for the CD and no track listing available as well -- in fact, there is nothing listed but the title, price, catalog number and UPC number.

I then called Gordon to check on this and spoke to Jenn, his secretary. She checked with Gordon and he said that yes, even though that is the official listing for the new CD, they are not promoting it yet because it won't be completed with the artwork image and track listing until early November. I told Jenn that I had absolutely no problem with that; my only problem is that Gordon did not make that clear in his email to me earlier today.

Oy vey...

Anyway, since the CD is not scheduled to be released until late November, my advice to everyone is NOT to pre-order the CD until the artwork image and track listing are displayed on the listing, which, again, should be by early November. As soon as the listing has been updated with that pertinent info, I'll post it on this thread.

By the way, complicating things ever further is that CCM also carries the Dutch import CD of the original 1953 Mono recording of Christmas Carols. I've already received several emails from folks who thought that this was the listing for the new CD release of the 1958 Stereo recording. I spoke to Gordon about this last week and told him that it was in their interest to remove that listing from their website as it will certainly cause even more confusion in the weeks and months ahead as the holiday approaches. Whether or not they will heed my advice on this remains to be seen; but if they don't, they are going to have their hands full with folks wanting to return the CD in exchange for the correct one.

**So, for everyone out there, let me now make if unequivocally clear which CD to buy:

>This is the CORRECT CD to buy: Click here.

>This is the CD NOT to buy: Click here.

 

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/13/2009 02:49:34Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/13/2009 04:07:19Copy HTML

Dave,

Since you have already placed your order for the CD, I would just let it stand for now. If anything changes later, you can always cancel and re-order.

However, for everyone else, I would strongly recommend that you wait to pre-order the new CD until after the Collectors' Choice listing is complete -- just to make absolutely sure that what you are ordering is the correct thing. Right now, except for the artist name and title, there is nothing in this initial listing that's up on their website to indicate that it is the 1958 Stereo recording. And given all the confusion there has been thus far between the 1953 and 1958 recordings, I think it is better right now to err on the side of caution. As I said in my previous post, as soon as the listing is completed, I'll post it on this thread. 

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/25/2009 09:10:52Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/26/2009 11:57:52Copy HTML

The Collectors' Choice listing now includes the artwork! Click here.

It is also now listed on Amazon as well! Click here.

You can go ahead and start to place your pre-orders!!

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/27/2009 01:53:01Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/27/2009 03:43:01Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/28/2009 01:42:20Copy HTML

Dave,

Since Amazon's list price for the CD is only $1 cheaper than Collectors' Choice price, I surmise that the comparison you are making is the total that includes the $6.95 shipping with CCM as opposed to the free 'Super Saving Shipping' you get with Amazon if your order is over $25.

If you can get you order total up to $25 with Amazon, it definitely behooves you to order the CD from them. However, even if you don't have minimum order of $25, it still behooves you to order the CD from Amazon because their standard shipping charge is $4 cheaper than CCM's ($2.98 vs. $6.95). And when you combine that $4 shipping savings with the $1 you're saving on the CD itself, you're total saved with Amazon is $5.

Since the CD will not be released until November 24th, there is plenty of time for you to cancel your existing order with CCM and re-order it from Amazon. However, it can't be done online; what you need to do is call the CCM customer service department (800-993-6344) and have a representative do it for you.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/28/2009 01:53:04Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/29/2009 03:27:53Copy HTML

I've placed my order with Amazon!  With what I saved on shipping costs, I also bought the Hollyridge Strings CD.  I might be back for a few more before this season's over!  Delivery is expected between Dec 1st and 3rd.  A couple of days late for my Thanksgiving weekend tree trim, but that's OK!

Two Christmas classics are coming home this year!

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/29/2009 07:37:48Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/29/2009 09:07:20Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：10/30/2009 05:05:09Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/12/2009 11:29:44Copy HTML

Well sadly, I was one of the naive purchasers of the Mantovani Orchestra Christmas Albums. It was the double-album that came out in the early 90's - and I purchased it then too. One CD had their Christmas Magic, and the other had songs from the Christmas Carols LP - or so I thought. With me already owning that Mantovani Christmas Carols classic on LP, I thought I'd get a better version of it on CD. Boy, was I disappointed. I could clearly tell that it wasn't the same conductor or sound. With me being very familiar with that album on vinyl, I could pick out parts of each songs that were done a different way - and not as well done.

With the Christmas Magic part of the album, I thought at least the CD quality would be an improvement over the cassette I purchased in the 80's (I know - whoops again). Again, wrong. If that album was recorded in 1980 (I think that's what was said), they sure didn't know what the heck they were doing. Although I think the arrangements are done well (for Mantovani Orchestra standards), the album sounds like it was recorded in a closet. I've been waiting for over 15 years for this original copy to be released on CD. Thanks for pushing for this.

Another thing I've noticed is that on iTunes there are a couple of "Ultimate Relaxation Christmas" albums out there. One has the Christmas Bells song on it, plus a bunch of titles which occur on the "Christmas Greetings" 2nd album. Does that in any way make the Christmas Bells entry (or any of the others) an original Mantovani recording? I thought you said that the imitation albums out there never included that song because Mantovani composed that song himself (maybe because of copyrights?). I just want to be clear on this because I want the original recordings of his second album, but don't want to be duped like I have in the past. I would love to just have his second album on CD without paying through the nose for it as an import. 

Maybe next year, Chip? 

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/13/2009 01:59:06Copy HTML

Michael,

All of the 14 Mantovani tracks on the Ultimate Relaxation Christmas Albums I & II are from the original 1958 and 1963 LPs.

These compilation CDs are on the Decca Record label, which is a subsidiary of UMG (Universal Music Group) and the owner of the masters of all of Monty's original London Records recordings.

Besides the appearance of the song Christmas Bells, the other way to tell whether a CD contains genuine Mantovani material is by the issuing record label.

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/19/2009 01:37:32Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/19/2009 08:01:45Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/19/2009 11:48:20Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/20/2009 12:17:58Copy HTML

Re：Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Date Posted：11/20/2009 12:47:29Copy HTML

This is what I received from CCMUSIC:

We are officially entering the crazy days of the 2009 holiday season and just in time to soundtrack your season we've got brand new Christmas releases on our own Collectors' Choice Music label! Petula Clark's new "This Is Christmas" collection features tracks culled from the '60s, the '70s and the '90s plus four brand new tracks! Our "Christmas With The King Family" CD expands the original 12-track 1977 album with a staggering 15 bonus tracks, and our King Family DVD brings together digitally remastered clips from all of the King Family's '60s and '70s holiday TV specials (plus the 1967 special in it's entirety)! Petula and the King Family titles are in stock now, and on December 1st we're bringing back to print one of the most famous Christmas albums of all time…Mantovani's 1958 holiday classic, "Christmas Carols." Appearing here on CD in stereo for the very first time! While we've got you in the holiday music mood, why not take a look back at our own label's history of reissuing holiday classics. Don Ho, Dean Martin and the Kingston Trio are just a few of the artists whose Christmas albums we've rescued from the vaults. All of our label's holiday releases are marked down and on sale now!

	Title: This Is Christmas Artist: Petula Clark Was $11.98 Now $10.98!

	Title: Christmas With The King Family Artist: The King Family Was $16.98 Now $14.98!

	Title: Christmas With The King Family (DVD) Artist: The King Family $14.98

Title: Christmas Carols (Release Date: 12/1) Artist: Mantovani