Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Title: Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases
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Date Posted：08/03/2016 12:30:15Copy HTML

This is another Yule Log.com exclusive: I have announced the complete list of the upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD releases and their corresponding street (release) dates in my "Chip's Tips" Edition #16: Click Here.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/02/2016 07:41:55Copy HTML

Hello Chip,

A huge congratulations and deepest thank you for the absolutely stellar line-up of Real Gone Music releases for 2016 that you help make happen for us Christmas music lovers around the world.  I have to tell you I know that getting 11 CD releases with a total of 17 albums remastered and back into circulation must have been no small feat. Of course several of these albums have never been released on CD including the spectacular Jack Jones Christmas album that I am totally thrilled about hopefully with that original album art that was available only the first year of release.  His interpretation of Sleigh Ride is unsurpassed in my opinion.

Wow, and I cannot thank you enough, Chip, for getting one of the Holy Grails of Christmas instrumental music back into print, the majestic and absolutely beautiful Christmas Carols album by Mantovani whom's album ranks so deservedly high at number three on your Top 500 list.  I was lucky enough to secure an expensive version on Mr. Gordon Anderson's old Collectors Choice label, but this will not stop me from buying a newly remastered version on his outstanding Real Gone label, but i've got to say I do not know how they could improve on the remastering of that sonically magnificent release.  In fact I plan to buy several copies for my family and friends.

I am also extremely excited about the Norman Luboff Choir double album release which is also one of the greatest choir with orchestra albums ever released. I really appreciated their stellar harmonies and arrangements on the incomparable John Gary Christmas album that you got Real Gone Music to release last year. That splendid album is one of the three or four greatest vocal Christmas albums ever released in my humble opinion.

I am also looking forward to Christmas With Eddy Arnold Complete RCA as well as the Ventures Christmas album which is long sought by collectors for its novelty of blending contemporary rock n roll songs of the time with Christmas classics.  It's an absolute gas and actually features some amazing musicianship.

Again, Chip, you would have made our 2016 Christmas just by getting the Mantovani album rereleased on cd again or the great Jack Jones Christmas album out on cd for the first time.  Instead you out did yourself and come at us with 11 spectacular releases of 17 different albums.  You and Mr. Gordon Anderson should be considered national treasures as far as I am concerned.  Music is very important in my life and my family's and Christmas music particularly gives us great joy and happiness during these crazy times.  Thanks again for your tireless efforts in adding to that joy greatly every Christmas season.

Best Regards,

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/03/2016 12:19:57Copy HTML

Thanks for the great post, Steve. I'm glad to hear how much Christmas Music means to you and your family. 

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/03/2016 02:31:32Copy HTML

Chip - This list of upcoming releases is FANTASTIC !!!! I plan 
on getting every one.

I'll pick up the Mantovani even though I have the Collector's 
Choice CD -- anything new on this one?

Ray Conniff !!!!! Wow !!! I often wondered if you talked to 
Real Gone about doing a complete set but I figured since all three CD's were in 
print you may not have. Will this deluxe release include "My Favorite Things" ? 

Norman Luboff and Robert Shaw !! Great !! Same for Sammy Kaye 
and Eddy Arnold ! The Ventures and The Supremes !!

Anything extra on the Mitch Miller set ?

And of course the Jack Jones Christmas Album !! Can't wait to 
have this remastered !

Thanks for the info ! Can't wait for November 
!

Rich

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/03/2016 04:46:21Copy HTML

Rich,

The Mantovani CD is pretty much a straight re-release of the original CCM reissue. I very much wanted to add Monty's brilliant original Holiday song "Christmas 
Bells" as a lone bonus track; however, UMG's minimum 
price for one bonus track is exorbitant. Adding just one bonus track increases 
the guarantee by 70%. So we had to pass.

And yes, "My Favorite Things" is a bonus track on the Ray Conniff collection. This song, for anyone that doesn't know, was from Ray's 1965 Columbia Records LP, Music From Mary Poppins.

Also yes, that there are extras on both the Mitch Miller and Eddy Arnold CDs: the Mitch has eight bonus tracks; and the Eddy has a total of fourteen.

Glad to hear how excited you are about the new releases. 

*[Edited 08/08/16 to correct typo]

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/03/2016 07:42:05Copy HTML

A very impressive line-up of releases Chip...I hope my wallet can handle it! 

In the email you sent to me, you mentioned that "The 
      Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians Decca Records Christmas albums will 
      hopefully be secured for release next year in 
      2017."  Is the hold-up possibly due to finding usable elements because of the Universal Music Group vault fire in 2008?

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/03/2016 08:35:17Copy HTML

I'm excited most for the Ventures release - it's one of my favorite Xmas lps. Will it have the stereo and mono mixes, Chip?

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/03/2016 08:49:09Copy HTML

Mighty impressive lineup this year, Chip! Thanks, as always, to you and Gordon Anderson for making all this wonderful music readily available again.

Re. Mantovani and "Christmas Bells": Was there ever discussion between you and Gordon of reissuing the complete Christmas Greetings album as well, perhaps at some future date? Was a Complete Christmas Recordings set ever considered? I know about the Vocalion CD of the later album (under its UK title, A Song for Christmas) from a few years back, but that one is (I believe) out of print now, and suffers from heavy-handed noise reduction that ruins its sonics in any case.

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/04/2016 03:52:15Copy HTML

Christopher:

No, the hold-up on the Fred Waring is not at all due to the UMG vault fire, but rather something worse: UMG's utter shortcomings as a company. The request to secure legal copyright clearance on the albums will be submitted again next year.

Ben:

The Ventures CD will by all stereo.

Mike:

No, it was not considered because of Oliver Lomax's Dutton-Vocalion reissue CD, which is still in print.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/04/2016 06:34:00Copy HTML

Thanks for the info Chip; another great line-up this year from our friends at Real-Gone Records.
I look forward to the Ray Conniff Singers (RCS) compilation - I might add that when they issued the two 1980's RCS compilation CD's in the very first days of CD's, it included all the music from the 3 LPs on the 2 CD's EXCEPT, they left out "Christmas Bride" and had another track twice. 
(The Late?) Mike Berniker did a great job re-mastering the 1984 CD "Christmas Caroling" - in fact, it was the FIRST CD that I ever purchased- didn't even own a CD player yet, but knew that I had to have that CD.  I'll be happy to have this new RCS set with all 3 LP's brought together into one set.  In addition to the 3 original Columbia RCS Xmas CD's, he also recorded one in the digital realm in LA around 1999- but I could only find a copy of it in Brazil!  About $50 and two months later it showed-up: "Ray Conniff-'S Christmas, which was mostly new digital versions of the classics already released, some speeded-up a bit too much, and a few new songs, but it was sterile- it didn't have the super-wide stereo separation and reverb and analog warmth of the original- so I doubt any of these recordings will be added?
Some LP's on CD have such great singles on them that you really need the whole LP/CD.  "Christmas Can't Be Far Away" by Eddy Arnold is an example of one of those 'One of a kind' songs that make the whole LP.  (Jim Reeves' "Mary's Boy Child" is a similar song).
I look forward to the Living Strings releases as there are some great arrangements on the 'Green LP' from about 1970/71 if I recall correctly.  I believe this is post Johnny Douglas days, but still nice music.
I still kick myself for selling my Ventures Christmas LP when I did a vinyl purge to CD swap in the late 80's- regrets, "I've had a few..."
Great lineup Chip- thank Gordon for his continued 'service to the music community'.
Now the day he gets a properly mastered "Music of Christmas" by the master Percy Faith, I'll ring every churchbell in town, buy 20 copies and give them to all my friends and relatives as Christmas gifts!
Happy Christmas in August everyone!
Johnny
  

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/05/2016 03:18:24Copy HTML

Johnny,

Ray's 1999 Christmas album, 'S Christmas, was released by Abril Records and was a Brazilian release only. However, it was indeed recorded in L.A. In fact, it was recorded in the city of Burbank in late July of 1999 at the O'Henry Sound Studios. This album resides in the "Bubbling Under" section of my Top 500, coming in at #373. The music on this album is far inferior to Ray's earlier 1950s/1960s Christmas recordings. And for this reason, as well as the fact that the new release is dedicated to his classic Columbia Christmas recordings, none of the tracks from this album are included in the new Real Gone Music Conniff Christmas collection.

And I agree about Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves. In fact, Jim's magnificent version of "Mary's Boy Child" is one of the 22 songs that I chose for the new 5th Hour of the Yule Log that I produced and proposed to WPIX for broadcast for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the program. Another Jim Reeves song that I chose for the new 5th Hour is "Senor Santa Claus." I featured both songs in my In The Spotlight tribute to Jim back in August of 2009; click here.

As far as the Living Strings album The Sound Of Christmas is concerned, it was from 1970. However, it wasn't post Johnny Douglas days for the Living Strings, as producer Ethel Gabriel hired Johnny to arrange and conduct the very last "Living" Christmas album: 1974's A Christmas Songbook, which featured both the Living Strings and the Living Voices. For the 1970 Christmas album, Ethel, by design, elected to hire Geraldo to arrange and conduct the LP -- and boy, he did a brilliant job. She told me she did this because she wanted a different musical approach for the 1970 Christmas album as a way to diversify the Christmas output for the Living Strings orchestra that she created.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/05/2016 01:21:28Copy HTML

Hi Chip, and fellow fans of the best music ever recorded,
That was a stroke of genius by Ethel Gabriel to freshen-up and provide more variety of the 'Living Strings' sound by having a different conductor/arranger -Geraldo- for this release as even the opening notes of some songs are really dynamic. I never could get a good copy from my LP, especially on the really quiet tracks- and there was great dynamic range from the soft notes to the grand flourishes- and that's what made that release so grand- and a welcome CD release.
Regards,
John

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Yes, Ethel was a remarkable producer, A&R guru and businesswoman. I've been working to get the remaining out-of-print "Living" Christmas albums back in print for some time now and wanted so much to do it while she was still alive. So now with last year's release of the two Living Voices albums The Living Voices Sing Christmas Music and The Little Drummer Boy, and now this year's release of the Living Stings album The Sound Of Christmas and the Living Guitars album The Joy Of Christmas, the job is nearly complete. Ethel is thrilled and I'm so glad that I could give her this gift in the twilight of her life. All that remains now is The Living Trio's album, I'll Be Home For Christmas.

With all the success of the "Living" franchise of albums -- especially the Christmas albums, she now regrets not releasing a Christmas album from her other five "Living" groups: The Living Brass, The Living Marimbas, The Living Jazz, The Living Percussion and The Living Organ. Oh well, we can't complain considering what we did get. 

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Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/07/2016 11:08:43Copy HTML

Chip, this year's lineup is again exemplary, in no small part because of your input.  I'm especially excited to finally see the complete Jack Jones album on CD. 

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/08/2016 05:41:42Copy HTML

What is the bonus material on the Mitch Miller Christmas album (other than the three missing tracks from the current-ugh-cd release)?

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/08/2016 02:25:02Copy HTML

FYI, here's the cover of my very 1st CD, the 1984/85 Ray Conniff - Christmas Caroling - and IIRC, they also released an abridged LP with the same cover:
It will be great to have all 3 of the Conniff LP's remastered in one 2-disc set.  Great stereo separation and all. Hope they don't leave "Christmas Bride" out of this new release like they did the first two CD's.  Looking forward to it.
I also notified a gentleman about the Living Strings release and he about 'fell of his chair' as he didn't read about it in the Real Gone website and he thought I was just messing with him, but I reassured him that was coming-up too!
Have a good day everyone! John

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/09/2016 03:40:36Copy HTML

James:

Here is the complete track list for the Mitch, including the eight bonus tracks:

1. Season’s Greetings
2. Joy to the World
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
4. What Child is This
5. We Three Kings of Orient Are
6. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
7. Silent Night, Holy Night
8. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. O Come All Ye Faithful
11. The First Noel
12.  The Coventry Carol
13. Away in a Manger
14. O Little Town of Bethlehem
15. Must Be Santa
16. Christmas Spirit
17. Be a Santa
18. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Away in a Manger
19. Whispering Hope
20. Pine Cones and Holly Berries
21. Auld Lang Syne
Tracks 1 & 21 from the 1959 LP Seasons Greetings (A Christmas Festival of Stars) (catalog #CS-8189)
Tracks 2-14 from the 1958 LP Christmas Sing-Along with Mitch (catalog #CS-8027)
Tracks 15-16 from a 1960 Columbia single (catalog #4-41814)
Track 17 from a 1961 Columbia single (catalog #4-42240)
Track 18 from the 1963 LP The Great Songs of Christmas: Album Three (catalog CSP-117)
Tracks 19-20 from a 1963 Columbia single (catalog #4-42914)



Johnny:

No worries, as "Christmas Bride" will definitely not
 be left off this release. I have carefully checked what Sony has sent 
and it is indeed the complete masters for all three of Ray's Christmas 
albums, plus the "My Favorite Things" bonus track.


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Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/09/2016 04:38:43Copy HTML

Chip- thanks for checking on the Sony listing for the RCS- good deal.
rsteven/Steve: thanks for sharing how many of us visitors of The Yule Log feel about the power of music!
Regards to all,
John

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/11/2016 02:15:23Copy HTML

Chip, thank you for the track listing for the upcoming Mitch Miller Christmas release. It is most definitely (along with the Norman Luboff and Sammy Kaye Christmas releases) going on my Amazon cart :) 

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/12/2016 03:37:01Copy HTML

Chip - Is the single version of "Must Be Santa" the same recording that's on the Holiday Sing-Along with Mitch album?

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Yes Mike, it is the exact same recording. This is one of the songs that I added to the Yule Log telecast via my new 4th Hour that I produced in 2009.

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Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/23/2016 09:32:24Copy HTML

Update: Once
 again an original album cover artwork cannot be found in the record 
company vaults for a classic Christmas LP. This time it's for the 1964 
Jack Jones LP.

The original cover artwork was only in print for one year, so it's quite rare and is probably the main reason why UMG cannot locate it in their archives.

But
 no worries, as I have sent the prime copy of the album in my collection
 to Hollywood, so the artwork can be made for the new CD. 

As soon as I have an update on the street dates for the new 2016 CD releases, I'll post it on this thread. 

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/23/2016 05:18:17Copy HTML

Hello Chip,

I am thrilled to hear that Real Gone Music is going to be able to use that original iconic cover for the release of that splendid Jack Jones Christmas album thanks to you having a pristine copy of the vinyl cover.

I was a little worried that they might try to use the updated cover with the candles that they used for the following years and although it's a decent cover by comparison to some awful choices these record companies usually come up with, its no match for that nostalgic and iconic Christmas tree artwork with green and red (or is it orange) and Jack's picture in the middle.

What a thrill to get this album on CD for the very first time with its iconic cover and remastered in pristine quality as Real Gone always manages to do with all their releases.

Thanks for saving the day once again!

Best regards,

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/23/2016 09:18:30Copy HTML

Yes, it was a pretty decent cover for a reissue, Steve; but also yes, that no comparison to the original.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/24/2016 10:48:39Copy HTML

Looking forward to the reissue of Mantovani. Although i have the collectors choice cd, i will definitely buy the new one. Curious if this new release will have some extra new artwork design or liner notes.
Although its a detail my collectors choice disc spelled Mantovanni and it bugs me haha.

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/24/2016 08:16:21Copy HTML

Yes Rick, to both questions: there will be additional photos; and the typo will be corrected on the disc itself. 

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/24/2016 11:05:51Copy HTML

So, I sent a PM to the folks at Real Gone Music about the Ventures lp the other day. They replied earlier today confirming the stereo mix being the only one on it. But just about an hour or so ago, they wrote back and decided to include the mono mix after thinking about it! Woo hoo! :D

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/24/2016 11:17:21Copy HTML

Fantastic! Really looking forward to that. Is it silly that i played christmas carols today? I am a christmas nut...

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/26/2016 07:22:10Copy HTML

Ben:

Yes, the Ventures CD will now be a 2-fer disc with both the mono and stereo mixes. 

Rick:

No, you're not silly, as many folks on this board play Christmas music all year! Click here.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/27/2016 08:35:32Copy HTML

Once again the record company vaults have come up short on original album artwork. This time it was for Robert Shaw's classic 1958 LP, Christmas Hymns And Carols, Volume 1. The only thing that Sony could find in the vaults was the reissue artwork that was without the iconic "Living Stereo" logo at the top.

Since we have a deadline of Monday, I had to ship Fed Ex overnight the pristine copy 
of the LP that I have in my archives out to Hollywood. It cost me over $60, but 
it was absolutely essential as it would have been an utter tragedy if the CD 
wasn't released with that classic and iconic "Living Stereo" logo at the top.

This great Robert Shaw Christmas album was one of the very first stereo albums that RCA ever issued and was part of RCA's legendary "Living Stereo" series of LP releases; and that famous logo at the top denotes it as such. It always gives me a warm feeling when I see 
it.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/27/2016 08:31:30Copy HTML

Hello Chip,

Well you already know how much I love those iconic signature label graphics that Columbia used with Percy Faith and Johnny Mathis's legendary Christmas albums and I feel equally strong about those great Living Stereo labels that RCA used during the same time. Wow, and could that Robert Shaw album cover be more beautiful with that picture of the kids caroling and their snow hats. It makes me think of the movie It's A Wonderful Life with the great Jimmy Stewart for some reason which is my favorite Christmas movie to watch during the season.

I feel that these iconic album covers are almost as important as the music that resides within these beautiful packages.  Thanks for making sure that these releases have been done right without compromise or shortcuts.

Best regards.

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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That's absolutely correct, Steve. These great album cover artworks are as classic and legendary as the magnificent music that lies within.

And the greatest cover artwork of them all, by virtue of the artist who created it, was for Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians' 1955 expanded 12" LP, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, which I hope to get clearance from UMG (Universal Music Group) to release next year.

This famous cover sported the great American artist Norman Rockwell's sweet and poignant "Caught Napping" drawing, which was a rendering of Santa and his elves discovering two small children asleep in a chair on Christmas Eve. It just doesn't get any more classic than that. By the way, this legendary album not only resides in the 1st Tier of my Top 500, but in my Ultra Top 10, coming in at #5.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/28/2016 07:32:53Copy HTML

Hello again Chip,

Oh yes that Fred Waring album cover for 'Twas The Night Before is absolutely priceless.  How do you top a Norman Rockwell picture with santa, elves and children asleep in a chair.  You simply can't.  What a treat it would be for us Christmas music lovers if you get that magnificent album and its iconic cover released on CD next year by Real Gone Music.  That Fred Waring album cover is definitely the one that all others have tried to match in both its simplicity and yet timeless splendor. Easier said than done to capture the spirit of Christmas and the holidays in one magnificent picture.

Another one of my very favorite album covers from the iconic RCA Living Stereo series is John Klein's A Christmas Sound Spectacular LP that feature over 1,400 distinct bells with beautiful orchestration.  The cover features an awesome shot of a santa claus behind a shiny red curtain with presents.  Of course the search for this album led me to the Yule Log as I mentioned in a previous column to you.

Its just so great to get these treasures back in their original glory with all the original artwork, but with highly improved remastering and sound.  What a treat you and Real Gone have managed to pull off in spades for us all!

Best Regards,

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/29/2016 07:32:37Copy HTML

Yes, and it's too bad that they didn't use the "Living Stereo" logo for the 2002 John Klein reissue CD.

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/29/2016 01:06:56Copy HTML

Chip,
RCA did a Christmas CD release 15yrs or so ago of various artists with the "Living Stereo" releases.  It detailed how they rebuilt a vacuum tube reel to reel deck and mixing console to get the warm analog sound of the original.  It would be something if that hardware is still around and could be used to retrieve the RCA Living Stereo for this release?  My guess is, that since Sony/Columbia acquired RCA Records, that many of these wonderful items might no longer be readily available.  Just food for thought.
Regards to all.
John

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：08/29/2016 07:08:00Copy HTML

Hello Chip,

Yes, it's funny when you helped me track down that great John Klein Christmas album I found out the only place I could get a CD version was at the Schulmerich Bells factory in Sellersville, PA as I refuse to buy any digital downloads of albums as a matter of principle and taste.  The lady that I talked to over the phone said she's amazed how many calls they get every year about that album.

Unfortunately, when they negotiated the copyrights for that magnificent album they got the mono version only when they remastered that beauty and not the glorious stereo version which really shows off that glorious Carrillon Bell system and the rather stellar orchestral accompaniment.  As I'm sure you know, Chip, but some of your board members may not, the Carrillon that produced the 1,400 distinct bells was so huge that RCA had to bring the New York recording equipment to the factory in Sellersville, PA instead of the other way around.

As you know from a previous post I was hoping you and Real Gone Music would come to the rescue and get that glorious Living Stereo version of John Klein's A Christmas Sound Spectacular released one day, but I know there our other priorities that need to be dealt with first.  But maybe one day in the future this beauty will get its due.

Best Regards,

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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The Living Stereo version of John Klein's A Christmas Sound Spectacular is indeed spectacular! I, too, have the official CD reissue and bemoan its mono sound every time I listen to it. While mono can be recorded well, with depth and clarity of instruments, this isn't a good mono recording. Or else, the remastering is muddy on this CD. Comparing the mono CD to the stereo LP, there's no question about which is better and how this album should always be heard; the stereo LP is a REVELATION!

Regarding the Ray Conniff Singers Real Gone Music reissue... If I'm remembering correctly, the original Columbia CD reissue of Christmas With Conniff reordered the tracks from it's vinyl counterpart, right? Hopefully this new edition will restore the original tracklisting and song sequencing for this classic of classic Christmas albums! I mention it only because of the error made with The Andy Williams Christmas Album track sequencing from Real Gone Music's Complete Christmas Recordings 2-CD set. Thankfully, Real Gone Music did correct the mistake but I'd hate for something similar to happen with the Ray Conniff Singers reissue.

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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John:

All of the albums in the "Living Stereo" series are available for release on CD from Sony (Christmas and otherwise); and Battery Studios here in New York has all of that sophisticated remastering equipment to reproduce that warm analog sound of the originals. In fact, in the last few years, Sony has issued two huge 60-CD sets of the RCA "Living Stereo" classical music releases. Click here and here.

Steve:

Yes, I forgot that they reissued the mono version. It's a shame that they went through all that trouble only to release the mono version. 

Peter:

Yes, the Columbia CD reissue of Christmas With Conniff did indeed have the incorrect track sequence, with the Side 2 songs playing first; and the Side 1 songs playing second. However, we have now corrected that with the new Real Gone Music release.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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<iframe width="425" height="355" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ruSTttG19cs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

I had totally forgot about the Norman Luboff Choir's version of "Still Still Still" until I just saw it mentioned on another website tonight -- was this ever under consideration as a bonus track on the upcoming Christmas set?

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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No it wasn't, as the Luboff release will be a 2-fer CD and no bonus tracks.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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I like the Ray Conniff cover, but I was thinking that maybe they would have made a new one combining the 1st and 2nd LP covers with an Photoshopped Ray Conniff in the middle somehow? Hopefully the CD booklet will show the 3 original LP covers, but the 3rd had a different LP cover when rereleased, if I recall correctly?  Looking forward to the release. Regards to all,
John

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Since the Conniff 2-CD set is a complete
 Columbia Christmas recordings collection that encompasses all three of 
Ray's Columbia Christmas LPs, putting the original album cover artworks 
on the front of the jewel case was not possible. However, all
 three are included in the CD booklet. And I made sure that the artwork 
for the third album from 1965 is indeed the original, and not the later 
1969 reissue artwork.


      

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Hello Chip,

Well I am thrilled by these upcoming Real Gone album covers that I have seen so far.  I love the fact that Mantovani's Christmas Carols upcoming re-release has the original London iconic labels at the top with the original gold colored Christmas bulb instead of the red one Collectors Choice used when they put the cd out in 2009.

I also love the Eddy Arnold alternate picture on the Complete Christmas Collection as well.  The cover work looks more brilliant and the alternate photo is great.  The Ray Connif Christmas Collection cover looks great and nostalgic and it will be great to have all those original album covers in the package.

Looking forward to what Real Gone does with the Norman Luboff Christmas cover as well as Mitch Miller's Christmas cover.

I just really appreciate the effort to preserve these original album covers when appropriate and coming up with something vintage looking when they are putting together an entire artist's collective Christmas work in one package.

Best regards to all,

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

Date Posted：09/12/2016 11:10:43Copy HTML

Where is the new Mantovani cover?

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Hello Rick,

The new Mantovani Christmas Carols CD cover can be found on Amazon.com and is available for pre order with a release date of November 4th as Chip mentioned in his original announcement about this gem.

Best regards,

Steve

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Thanks Steve! 

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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I am responding to xmaslover1's post of 9/17/16 on this thread, but I am unable to locate it, so I will re-type it:

Sure hope the Two Different Mario Lanza Christmas Lp's will be issued by Real Gone in the future as a Two Fer CD, with the 1956 Lp first, then the 1959 Living Stereo Version after that! That would be Awesome!

I agree with you, xmaslover1, but with a twist. I think I would leave the 1959 Living Stereo Lanza Sings Christmas Carols album as it is, meaning as a stand-alone release. There are a couple of reasons for this. Unfortunately, Mario Lanza was ill when he recorded the 1959 album, and it is evident in the final product. In addition to Mario's vocal performance not being up to his usual standard, many of the instrumental arrangements are inferior to the previous, earlier recordings. Frankly, some tend to drag. I don't think this is the case with all of the arrangements - I do like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "I Saw Three Ships", and "Joy To The World" -  but, overall, I think the earlier versions are superior. I believe that grouping the earlier recordings with the later recordings would, first, be too repetitive, and, second, invite an unwanted comparison between the two different recordings.

Sadly, Mario Lanza only recorded about eighteen Christmas carols (and all of those aren't purely "Christmas" songs), but what a catalogue it is! I believe Mario's Christmas music, recorded between 1950 and 1956, is among the most spiritual and inspiration Christmas music ever recorded. And, those are the songs I would love to hear remastered and ultimately released by Real Gone Music. In reading several Christmas music articles, blogs, and message boards, I often see Mario Lanza's Christmas albums mentioned, so there appears to be sufficient interest in a new Mario Lanza Christmas compilation. As I alluded to, there are barely enough Lanza Christmas songs to fill up an entire CD, but I think a twenty song compilation would be very fulfilling. I comprised my own personal compilation, adding two spiritual/non-Christmas songs ("You'll Never Walk Alone" and "I'll Walk With God") to make it an even twenty songs, and sequenced it in some order that would flow nicely. Now, I hope Real Gone Music is reading this!

The Mario Lanza Christmas Collection

01  Deck The Halls (1956)
02  O Christmas Tree (1956)
03  You'll Never Walk Alone (1956)
04  O Holy Night (1950)
05  It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (1956)
06  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (1956)
07  The First Noel (1951)
08  O Come, All Ye Faithful (1951)
09  Ave Maria (1950)
10  The Virgin's Slumber Song (1950)
11  Away In A Manger (1951)
12  We Three Kings (1951)
13  Silent Night (1951)
14  O Little Town Of Bethlehem (1951)
15  God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1956)
16  Guardian Angels (1951) 
17  I Saw Three Ships (1956)
18  Joy To The World (1956)
19  The Lord's Prayer (1950)
20  I'll Walk With God (1950) 

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Yes, I am reading this, but no on a Lanza release right now; too many other priorities far ahead of it.

Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster | The Yule Log.com

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Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases

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Does anyone know who has mastered the Mantovani Christmas Carols disc?In the blurbs for the new christmas releases from Real Gone Music they usually credit the mastering engineer.
Yet for the Mantovani no credits, also on the 2009 disc no credits to who mastered it.
Sounds great! Just curious....

Christmas Music Guru
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Date Posted：08/03/2016 12:30:15Copy HTML This is another Yule Log.com exclusive: I have announced the complete list of the upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD releases and their corresponding street (release) dates in my "Chip's Tips" Edition #16: Click Here. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
rsteven	Share to: #1
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/02/2016 07:41:55Copy HTML Hello Chip, A huge congratulations and deepest thank you for the absolutely stellar line-up of Real Gone Music releases for 2016 that you help make happen for us Christmas music lovers around the world. I have to tell you I know that getting 11 CD releases with a total of 17 albums remastered and back into circulation must have been no small feat. Of course several of these albums have never been released on CD including the spectacular Jack Jones Christmas album that I am totally thrilled about hopefully with that original album art that was available only the first year of release. His interpretation of Sleigh Ride is unsurpassed in my opinion. Wow, and I cannot thank you enough, Chip, for getting one of the Holy Grails of Christmas instrumental music back into print, the majestic and absolutely beautiful Christmas Carols album by Mantovani whom's album ranks so deservedly high at number three on your Top 500 list. I was lucky enough to secure an expensive version on Mr. Gordon Anderson's old Collectors Choice label, but this will not stop me from buying a newly remastered version on his outstanding Real Gone label, but i've got to say I do not know how they could improve on the remastering of that sonically magnificent release. In fact I plan to buy several copies for my family and friends. I am also extremely excited about the Norman Luboff Choir double album release which is also one of the greatest choir with orchestra albums ever released. I really appreciated their stellar harmonies and arrangements on the incomparable John Gary Christmas album that you got Real Gone Music to release last year. That splendid album is one of the three or four greatest vocal Christmas albums ever released in my humble opinion. I am also looking forward to Christmas With Eddy Arnold Complete RCA as well as the Ventures Christmas album which is long sought by collectors for its novelty of blending contemporary rock n roll songs of the time with Christmas classics. It's an absolute gas and actually features some amazing musicianship. Again, Chip, you would have made our 2016 Christmas just by getting the Mantovani album rereleased on cd again or the great Jack Jones Christmas album out on cd for the first time. Instead you out did yourself and come at us with 11 spectacular releases of 17 different albums. You and Mr. Gordon Anderson should be considered national treasures as far as I am concerned. Music is very important in my life and my family's and Christmas music particularly gives us great joy and happiness during these crazy times. Thanks again for your tireless efforts in adding to that joy greatly every Christmas season. Best Regards, Steve
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #2
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/03/2016 12:19:57Copy HTML Thanks for the great post, Steve. I'm glad to hear how much Christmas Music means to you and your family. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
RichD	Share to: #3
Rank：Gold Posts：104 From：USA Register：11/08/2010 01:53:51	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/03/2016 02:31:32Copy HTML *Chip - This list of upcoming releases is FANTASTIC !!!! I plan on getting every one.* *I'll pick up the Mantovani even though I have the Collector's Choice CD -- anything new on this one?* Ray Conniff !!!!! Wow !!! I often wondered if you talked to Real Gone about doing a complete set but I figured since all three CD's were in print you may not have. Will this deluxe release include "My Favorite Things" ? *Norman Luboff and Robert Shaw !! Great !! Same for Sammy Kaye and Eddy Arnold ! The Ventures and The Supremes !!* *Anything extra on the Mitch Miller set ?* *And of course the Jack Jones Christmas Album !! Can't wait to have this remastered !* *Thanks for the info ! Can't wait for November !* *Rich*
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #4
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/03/2016 04:46:21Copy HTML Rich, The Mantovani CD is pretty much a straight re-release of the original CCM reissue. I very much wanted to add Monty's brilliant original Holiday song "Christmas Bells" as a lone bonus track; however, UMG's minimum price for one bonus track is exorbitant. Adding just one bonus track increases the guarantee by 70%. So we had to pass. And yes, "My Favorite Things" is a bonus track on the Ray Conniff collection. This song, for anyone that doesn't know, was from Ray's 1965 Columbia Records LP, Music From Mary Poppins. Also yes, that there are extras on both the Mitch Miller and Eddy Arnold CDs: the Mitch has eight bonus tracks; and the Eddy has a total of fourteen. Glad to hear how excited you are about the new releases. *[Edited 08/08/16 to correct typo] Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
rmos	Share to: #5
Rank：Bronze Posts：15 From：USA Register：06/11/2015 01:26:58	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/03/2016 07:42:05Copy HTML A very impressive line-up of releases Chip...I hope my wallet can handle it! In the email you sent to me, you mentioned that "The Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians Decca Records Christmas albums will hopefully be secured for release next year in 2017." Is the hold-up possibly due to finding usable elements because of the Universal Music Group vault fire in 2008?
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Rank：Silver Posts：87 From：Unknown Register：12/19/2007 12:12:59	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/03/2016 08:35:17Copy HTML I'm excited most for the Ventures release - it's one of my favorite Xmas lps. Will it have the stereo and mono mixes, Chip?
Motown Mike	Share to: #7
Rank：Platinum Posts：281 From：USA Register：08/25/2005 02:05:40	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/03/2016 08:49:09Copy HTML Mighty impressive lineup this year, Chip! Thanks, as always, to you and Gordon Anderson for making all this wonderful music readily available again. Re. Mantovani and "Christmas Bells": Was there ever discussion between you and Gordon of reissuing the complete Christmas Greetings album as well, perhaps at some future date? Was a Complete Christmas Recordings set ever considered? I know about the Vocalion CD of the later album (under its UK title, A Song for Christmas) from a few years back, but that one is (I believe) out of print now, and suffers from heavy-handed noise reduction that ruins its sonics in any case.
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Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/04/2016 03:52:15Copy HTML Christopher: No, the hold-up on the Fred Waring is not at all due to the UMG vault fire, but rather something worse: UMG's utter shortcomings as a company. The request to secure legal copyright clearance on the albums will be submitted again next year. Ben: The Ventures CD will by all stereo. Mike: No, it was not considered because of Oliver Lomax's Dutton-Vocalion reissue CD, which is still in print. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
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Rank：Gold Posts：199 From：USA Register：11/17/2008 07:33:50	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/04/2016 06:34:00Copy HTML Thanks for the info Chip; another great line-up this year from our friends at Real-Gone Records. I look forward to the Ray Conniff Singers (RCS) compilation - I might add that when they issued the two 1980's RCS compilation CD's in the very first days of CD's, it included all the music from the 3 LPs on the 2 CD's EXCEPT, they left out "Christmas Bride" and had another track twice. (The Late?) Mike Berniker did a great job re-mastering the 1984 CD "Christmas Caroling" - in fact, it was the FIRST CD that I ever purchased- didn't even own a CD player yet, but knew that I had to have that CD. I'll be happy to have this new RCS set with all 3 LP's brought together into one set. In addition to the 3 original Columbia RCS Xmas CD's, he also recorded one in the digital realm in LA around 1999- but I could only find a copy of it in Brazil! About $50 and two months later it showed-up: "Ray Conniff-'S Christmas, which was mostly new digital versions of the classics already released, some speeded-up a bit too much, and a few new songs, but it was sterile- it didn't have the super-wide stereo separation and reverb and analog warmth of the original- so I doubt any of these recordings will be added? Some LP's on CD have such great singles on them that you really need the whole LP/CD. "Christmas Can't Be Far Away" by Eddy Arnold is an example of one of those 'One of a kind' songs that make the whole LP. (Jim Reeves' "Mary's Boy Child" is a similar song). I look forward to the Living Strings releases as there are some great arrangements on the 'Green LP' from about 1970/71 if I recall correctly. I believe this is post Johnny Douglas days, but still nice music. I still kick myself for selling my Ventures Christmas LP when I did a vinyl purge to CD swap in the late 80's- regrets, "I've had a few..." Great lineup Chip- thank Gordon for his continued 'service to the music community'. Now the day he gets a properly mastered "Music of Christmas" by the master Percy Faith, I'll ring every churchbell in town, buy 20 copies and give them to all my friends and relatives as Christmas gifts! Happy Christmas in August everyone! Johnny
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Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/05/2016 03:18:24Copy HTML Johnny, Ray's 1999 Christmas album, 'S Christmas, was released by Abril Records and was a Brazilian release only. However, it was indeed recorded in L.A. In fact, it was recorded in the city of Burbank in late July of 1999 at the O'Henry Sound Studios. This album resides in the "Bubbling Under" section of my Top 500, coming in at #373. The music on this album is far inferior to Ray's earlier 1950s/1960s Christmas recordings. And for this reason, as well as the fact that the new release is dedicated to his classic Columbia Christmas recordings, none of the tracks from this album are included in the new Real Gone Music Conniff Christmas collection. And I agree about Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves. In fact, Jim's magnificent version of "Mary's Boy Child" is one of the 22 songs that I chose for the new 5th Hour of the Yule Log that I produced and proposed to WPIX for broadcast for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the program. Another Jim Reeves song that I chose for the new 5th Hour is "Senor Santa Claus." I featured both songs in my In The Spotlight tribute to Jim back in August of 2009; click here. As far as the Living Strings album The Sound Of Christmas is concerned, it was from 1970. However, it wasn't post Johnny Douglas days for the Living Strings, as producer Ethel Gabriel hired Johnny to arrange and conduct the very last "Living" Christmas album: 1974's A Christmas Songbook, which featured both the Living Strings and the Living Voices. For the 1970 Christmas album, Ethel, by design, elected to hire Geraldo to arrange and conduct the LP -- and boy, he did a brilliant job. She told me she did this because she wanted a different musical approach for the 1970 Christmas album as a way to diversify the Christmas output for the Living Strings orchestra that she created. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
johnnyelectron	Share to: #11
Rank：Gold Posts：199 From：USA Register：11/17/2008 07:33:50	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/05/2016 01:21:28Copy HTML Hi Chip, and fellow fans of the best music ever recorded, That was a stroke of genius by Ethel Gabriel to freshen-up and provide more variety of the 'Living Strings' sound by having a different conductor/arranger -Geraldo- for this release as even the opening notes of some songs are really dynamic. I never could get a good copy from my LP, especially on the really quiet tracks- and there was great dynamic range from the soft notes to the grand flourishes- and that's what made that release so grand- and a welcome CD release. Regards, John
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #12
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/06/2016 02:22:30Copy HTML Yes, Ethel was a remarkable producer, A&R guru and businesswoman. I've been working to get the remaining out-of-print "Living" Christmas albums back in print for some time now and wanted so much to do it while she was still alive. So now with last year's release of the two Living Voices albums The Living Voices Sing Christmas Music and The Little Drummer Boy, and now this year's release of the Living Stings album The Sound Of Christmas and the Living Guitars album The Joy Of Christmas, the job is nearly complete. Ethel is thrilled and I'm so glad that I could give her this gift in the twilight of her life. All that remains now is The Living Trio's album, I'll Be Home For Christmas. With all the success of the "Living" franchise of albums -- especially the Christmas albums, she now regrets not releasing a Christmas album from her other five "Living" groups: The Living Brass, The Living Marimbas, The Living Jazz, The Living Percussion and The Living Organ. Oh well, we can't complain considering what we did get. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jl3PJI4pR9E?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
PDMan	Share to: #13
Rank：Bronze Posts：18 From：USA Register：07/28/2007 02:13:11	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/07/2016 11:08:43Copy HTML Chip, this year's lineup is again exemplary, in no small part because of your input. I'm especially excited to finally see the complete Jack Jones album on CD.
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Rank：Bronze Posts：39 From：USA Register：11/05/2012 10:08:37	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/08/2016 05:41:42Copy HTML What is the bonus material on the Mitch Miller Christmas album (other than the three missing tracks from the current-ugh-cd release)?
johnnyelectron	Share to: #15
Rank：Gold Posts：199 From：USA Register：11/17/2008 07:33:50	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/08/2016 02:25:02Copy HTML FYI, here's the cover of my very 1st CD, the 1984/85 Ray Conniff - Christmas Caroling - and IIRC, they also released an abridged LP with the same cover: It will be great to have all 3 of the Conniff LP's remastered in one 2-disc set. Great stereo separation and all. Hope they don't leave "Christmas Bride" out of this new release like they did the first two CD's. Looking forward to it. I also notified a gentleman about the Living Strings release and he about 'fell of his chair' as he didn't read about it in the Real Gone website and he thought I was just messing with him, but I reassured him that was coming-up too! Have a good day everyone! John
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #16
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/09/2016 03:40:36Copy HTML James: Here is the complete track list for the Mitch, including the eight bonus tracks: 1. Season’s Greetings 2. Joy to the World 3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 4. What Child is This 5. We Three Kings of Orient Are 6. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 7. Silent Night, Holy Night 8. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly 9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 10. O Come All Ye Faithful 11. The First Noel 12. The Coventry Carol 13. Away in a Manger 14. O Little Town of Bethlehem 15. Must Be Santa 16. Christmas Spirit 17. Be a Santa 18. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Away in a Manger 19. Whispering Hope 20. Pine Cones and Holly Berries 21. Auld Lang Syne Tracks 1 & 21 from the 1959 LP Seasons Greetings (A Christmas Festival of Stars) (catalog #CS-8189) Tracks 2-14 from the 1958 LP Christmas Sing-Along with Mitch (catalog #CS-8027) Tracks 15-16 from a 1960 Columbia single (catalog #4-41814) Track 17 from a 1961 Columbia single (catalog #4-42240) Track 18 from the 1963 LP The Great Songs of Christmas: Album Three (catalog CSP-117) Tracks 19-20 from a 1963 Columbia single (catalog #4-42914) Johnny: No worries, as "Christmas Bride" will definitely not be left off this release. I have carefully checked what Sony has sent and it is indeed the complete masters for all three of Ray's Christmas albums, plus the "My Favorite Things" bonus track. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gHNitkKhTpc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
johnnyelectron	Share to: #17
Rank：Gold Posts：199 From：USA Register：11/17/2008 07:33:50	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/09/2016 04:38:43Copy HTML Chip- thanks for checking on the Sony listing for the RCS- good deal. rsteven/Steve: thanks for sharing how many of us visitors of The Yule Log feel about the power of music! Regards to all, John
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Rank：Bronze Posts：39 From：USA Register：11/05/2012 10:08:37	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/11/2016 02:15:23Copy HTML Chip, thank you for the track listing for the upcoming Mitch Miller Christmas release. It is most definitely (along with the Norman Luboff and Sammy Kaye Christmas releases) going on my Amazon cart :)
Motown Mike	Share to: #19
Rank：Platinum Posts：281 From：USA Register：08/25/2005 02:05:40	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/12/2016 03:37:01Copy HTML Chip - Is the single version of "Must Be Santa" the same recording that's on the Holiday Sing-Along with Mitch album?
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #20
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/12/2016 08:40:44Copy HTML Yes Mike, it is the exact same recording. This is one of the songs that I added to the Yule Log telecast via my new 4th Hour that I produced in 2009. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eJeOdBnQdaA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #21
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/23/2016 09:32:24Copy HTML Update: Once again an original album cover artwork cannot be found in the record company vaults for a classic Christmas LP. This time it's for the 1964 Jack Jones LP. The original cover artwork was only in print for one year, so it's quite rare and is probably the main reason why UMG cannot locate it in their archives. But no worries, as I have sent the prime copy of the album in my collection to Hollywood, so the artwork can be made for the new CD. As soon as I have an update on the street dates for the new 2016 CD releases, I'll post it on this thread. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
rsteven	Share to: #22
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/23/2016 05:18:17Copy HTML Hello Chip, I am thrilled to hear that Real Gone Music is going to be able to use that original iconic cover for the release of that splendid Jack Jones Christmas album thanks to you having a pristine copy of the vinyl cover. I was a little worried that they might try to use the updated cover with the candles that they used for the following years and although it's a decent cover by comparison to some awful choices these record companies usually come up with, its no match for that nostalgic and iconic Christmas tree artwork with green and red (or is it orange) and Jack's picture in the middle. What a thrill to get this album on CD for the very first time with its iconic cover and remastered in pristine quality as Real Gone always manages to do with all their releases. Thanks for saving the day once again! Best regards, Steve
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #23
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/23/2016 09:18:30Copy HTML Yes, it was a pretty decent cover for a reissue, Steve; but also yes, that no comparison to the original. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
RickHolland	Share to: #24
Rank：Bronze Posts：21 From：USA Register：08/06/2016 11:19:18	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/24/2016 10:48:39Copy HTML Looking forward to the reissue of Mantovani. Although i have the collectors choice cd, i will definitely buy the new one. Curious if this new release will have some extra new artwork design or liner notes. Although its a detail my collectors choice disc spelled Mantovanni and it bugs me haha.
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #25
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/24/2016 08:16:21Copy HTML Yes Rick, to both questions: there will be additional photos; and the typo will be corrected on the disc itself. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
bgart	Share to: #26
Rank：Silver Posts：87 From：Unknown Register：12/19/2007 12:12:59	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/24/2016 11:05:51Copy HTML So, I sent a PM to the folks at Real Gone Music about the Ventures lp the other day. They replied earlier today confirming the stereo mix being the only one on it. But just about an hour or so ago, they wrote back and decided to include the mono mix after thinking about it! Woo hoo! :D
RickHolland	Share to: #27
Rank：Bronze Posts：21 From：USA Register：08/06/2016 11:19:18	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/24/2016 11:17:21Copy HTML Fantastic! Really looking forward to that. Is it silly that i played christmas carols today? I am a christmas nut...
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #28
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/26/2016 07:22:10Copy HTML Ben: Yes, the Ventures CD will now be a 2-fer disc with both the mono and stereo mixes. Rick: No, you're not silly, as many folks on this board play Christmas music all year! Click here. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #29
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/27/2016 08:35:32Copy HTML Once again the record company vaults have come up short on original album artwork. This time it was for Robert Shaw's classic 1958 LP, Christmas Hymns And Carols, Volume 1. The only thing that Sony could find in the vaults was the reissue artwork that was without the iconic "Living Stereo" logo at the top. Since we have a deadline of Monday, I had to ship Fed Ex overnight the pristine copy of the LP that I have in my archives out to Hollywood. It cost me over $60, but it was absolutely essential as it would have been an utter tragedy if the CD wasn't released with that classic and iconic "Living Stereo" logo at the top. This great Robert Shaw Christmas album was one of the very first stereo albums that RCA ever issued and was part of RCA's legendary "Living Stereo" series of LP releases; and that famous logo at the top denotes it as such. It always gives me a warm feeling when I see it. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
rsteven	Share to: #30
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/27/2016 08:31:30Copy HTML Hello Chip, Well you already know how much I love those iconic signature label graphics that Columbia used with Percy Faith and Johnny Mathis's legendary Christmas albums and I feel equally strong about those great Living Stereo labels that RCA used during the same time. Wow, and could that Robert Shaw album cover be more beautiful with that picture of the kids caroling and their snow hats. It makes me think of the movie It's A Wonderful Life with the great Jimmy Stewart for some reason which is my favorite Christmas movie to watch during the season. I feel that these iconic album covers are almost as important as the music that resides within these beautiful packages. Thanks for making sure that these releases have been done right without compromise or shortcuts. Best regards. Steve
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #31
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/28/2016 04:30:18Copy HTML That's absolutely correct, Steve. These great album cover artworks are as classic and legendary as the magnificent music that lies within. And the greatest cover artwork of them all, by virtue of the artist who created it, was for Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians' 1955 expanded 12" LP, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, which I hope to get clearance from UMG (Universal Music Group) to release next year. This famous cover sported the great American artist Norman Rockwell's sweet and poignant "Caught Napping" drawing, which was a rendering of Santa and his elves discovering two small children asleep in a chair on Christmas Eve. It just doesn't get any more classic than that. By the way, this legendary album not only resides in the 1st Tier of my Top 500, but in my Ultra Top 10, coming in at #5. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
rsteven	Share to: #32
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/28/2016 07:32:53Copy HTML Hello again Chip, Oh yes that Fred Waring album cover for 'Twas The Night Before is absolutely priceless. How do you top a Norman Rockwell picture with santa, elves and children asleep in a chair. You simply can't. What a treat it would be for us Christmas music lovers if you get that magnificent album and its iconic cover released on CD next year by Real Gone Music. That Fred Waring album cover is definitely the one that all others have tried to match in both its simplicity and yet timeless splendor. Easier said than done to capture the spirit of Christmas and the holidays in one magnificent picture. Another one of my very favorite album covers from the iconic RCA Living Stereo series is John Klein's A Christmas Sound Spectacular LP that feature over 1,400 distinct bells with beautiful orchestration. The cover features an awesome shot of a santa claus behind a shiny red curtain with presents. Of course the search for this album led me to the Yule Log as I mentioned in a previous column to you. Its just so great to get these treasures back in their original glory with all the original artwork, but with highly improved remastering and sound. What a treat you and Real Gone have managed to pull off in spades for us all! Best Regards, Steve
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #33
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/29/2016 07:32:37Copy HTML Yes, and it's too bad that they didn't use the "Living Stereo" logo for the 2002 John Klein reissue CD. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
johnnyelectron	Share to: #34
Rank：Gold Posts：199 From：USA Register：11/17/2008 07:33:50	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/29/2016 01:06:56Copy HTML Chip, RCA did a Christmas CD release 15yrs or so ago of various artists with the "Living Stereo" releases. It detailed how they rebuilt a vacuum tube reel to reel deck and mixing console to get the warm analog sound of the original. It would be something if that hardware is still around and could be used to retrieve the RCA Living Stereo for this release? My guess is, that since Sony/Columbia acquired RCA Records, that many of these wonderful items might no longer be readily available. Just food for thought. Regards to all. John
rsteven	Share to: #35
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/29/2016 07:08:00Copy HTML Hello Chip, Yes, it's funny when you helped me track down that great John Klein Christmas album I found out the only place I could get a CD version was at the Schulmerich Bells factory in Sellersville, PA as I refuse to buy any digital downloads of albums as a matter of principle and taste. The lady that I talked to over the phone said she's amazed how many calls they get every year about that album. Unfortunately, when they negotiated the copyrights for that magnificent album they got the mono version only when they remastered that beauty and not the glorious stereo version which really shows off that glorious Carrillon Bell system and the rather stellar orchestral accompaniment. As I'm sure you know, Chip, but some of your board members may not, the Carrillon that produced the 1,400 distinct bells was so huge that RCA had to bring the New York recording equipment to the factory in Sellersville, PA instead of the other way around. As you know from a previous post I was hoping you and Real Gone Music would come to the rescue and get that glorious Living Stereo version of John Klein's A Christmas Sound Spectacular released one day, but I know there our other priorities that need to be dealt with first. But maybe one day in the future this beauty will get its due. Best Regards, Steve
Get2Me	Share to: #36
Rank：Silver Posts：56 From：USA Register：10/04/2008 03:09:21	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/29/2016 07:47:40Copy HTML The Living Stereo version of John Klein's A Christmas Sound Spectacular is indeed spectacular! I, too, have the official CD reissue and bemoan its mono sound every time I listen to it. While mono can be recorded well, with depth and clarity of instruments, this isn't a good mono recording. Or else, the remastering is muddy on this CD. Comparing the mono CD to the stereo LP, there's no question about which is better and how this album should always be heard; the stereo LP is a REVELATION! Regarding the Ray Conniff Singers Real Gone Music reissue... If I'm remembering correctly, the original Columbia CD reissue of Christmas With Conniff reordered the tracks from it's vinyl counterpart, right? Hopefully this new edition will restore the original tracklisting and song sequencing for this classic of classic Christmas albums! I mention it only because of the error made with The Andy Williams Christmas Album track sequencing from Real Gone Music's Complete Christmas Recordings 2-CD set. Thankfully, Real Gone Music did correct the mistake but I'd hate for something similar to happen with the Ray Conniff Singers reissue.
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #37
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：08/29/2016 10:08:21Copy HTML John: All of the albums in the "Living Stereo" series are available for release on CD from Sony (Christmas and otherwise); and Battery Studios here in New York has all of that sophisticated remastering equipment to reproduce that warm analog sound of the originals. In fact, in the last few years, Sony has issued two huge 60-CD sets of the RCA "Living Stereo" classical music releases. Click here and here. Steve: Yes, I forgot that they reissued the mono version. It's a shame that they went through all that trouble only to release the mono version. Peter: Yes, the Columbia CD reissue of Christmas With Conniff did indeed have the incorrect track sequence, with the Side 2 songs playing first; and the Side 1 songs playing second. However, we have now corrected that with the new Real Gone Music release. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
RichD	Share to: #38
Rank：Gold Posts：104 From：USA Register：11/08/2010 01:53:51	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/07/2016 01:42:54Copy HTML <iframe width="425" height="355" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ruSTttG19cs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> I had totally forgot about the Norman Luboff Choir's version of "Still Still Still" until I just saw it mentioned on another website tonight -- was this ever under consideration as a bonus track on the upcoming Christmas set?
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #39
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/07/2016 04:17:52Copy HTML No it wasn't, as the Luboff release will be a 2-fer CD and no bonus tracks. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
RichD	Share to: #40
Rank：Gold Posts：104 From：USA Register：11/08/2010 01:53:51	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/11/2016 01:54:32Copy HTML
johnnyelectron	Share to: #41
Rank：Gold Posts：199 From：USA Register：11/17/2008 07:33:50	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/11/2016 05:27:37Copy HTML I like the Ray Conniff cover, but I was thinking that maybe they would have made a new one combining the 1st and 2nd LP covers with an Photoshopped Ray Conniff in the middle somehow? Hopefully the CD booklet will show the 3 original LP covers, but the 3rd had a different LP cover when rereleased, if I recall correctly? Looking forward to the release. Regards to all, John
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #42
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/11/2016 10:06:42Copy HTML Since the Conniff 2-CD set is a complete Columbia Christmas recordings collection that encompasses all three of Ray's Columbia Christmas LPs, putting the original album cover artworks on the front of the jewel case was not possible. However, all three are included in the CD booklet. And I made sure that the artwork for the third album from 1965 is indeed the original, and not the later 1969 reissue artwork. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
RichD	Share to: #43
Rank：Gold Posts：104 From：USA Register：11/08/2010 01:53:51	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/11/2016 05:16:21Copy HTML
rsteven	Share to: #44
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/12/2016 09:09:57Copy HTML Hello Chip, Well I am thrilled by these upcoming Real Gone album covers that I have seen so far. I love the fact that Mantovani's Christmas Carols upcoming re-release has the original London iconic labels at the top with the original gold colored Christmas bulb instead of the red one Collectors Choice used when they put the cd out in 2009. I also love the Eddy Arnold alternate picture on the Complete Christmas Collection as well. The cover work looks more brilliant and the alternate photo is great. The Ray Connif Christmas Collection cover looks great and nostalgic and it will be great to have all those original album covers in the package. Looking forward to what Real Gone does with the Norman Luboff Christmas cover as well as Mitch Miller's Christmas cover. I just really appreciate the effort to preserve these original album covers when appropriate and coming up with something vintage looking when they are putting together an entire artist's collective Christmas work in one package. Best regards to all, Steve
RickHolland	Share to: #45
Rank：Bronze Posts：21 From：USA Register：08/06/2016 11:19:18	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/12/2016 11:10:43Copy HTML Where is the new Mantovani cover?
rsteven	Share to: #46
Rank：Gold Posts：125 From：USA Register：07/05/2015 11:19:16	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/12/2016 11:50:47Copy HTML Hello Rick, The new Mantovani Christmas Carols CD cover can be found on Amazon.com and is available for pre order with a release date of November 4th as Chip mentioned in his original announcement about this gem. Best regards, Steve
RickHolland	Share to: #47
Rank：Bronze Posts：21 From：USA Register：08/06/2016 11:19:18	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：09/13/2016 01:26:11Copy HTML Thanks Steve!
Max_Cherry	Share to: #48
Rank：Bronze Posts：42 From：USA Register：12/27/2011 04:54:44	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：10/01/2016 01:47:53Copy HTML I am responding to xmaslover1's post of 9/17/16 on this thread, but I am unable to locate it, so I will re-type it: Sure hope the Two Different Mario Lanza Christmas Lp's will be issued by Real Gone in the future as a Two Fer CD, with the 1956 Lp first, then the 1959 Living Stereo Version after that! That would be Awesome! I agree with you, xmaslover1, but with a twist. I think I would leave the 1959 Living Stereo Lanza Sings Christmas Carols album as it is, meaning as a stand-alone release. There are a couple of reasons for this. Unfortunately, Mario Lanza was ill when he recorded the 1959 album, and it is evident in the final product. In addition to Mario's vocal performance not being up to his usual standard, many of the instrumental arrangements are inferior to the previous, earlier recordings. Frankly, some tend to drag. I don't think this is the case with all of the arrangements - I do like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "I Saw Three Ships", and "Joy To The World" - but, overall, I think the earlier versions are superior. I believe that grouping the earlier recordings with the later recordings would, first, be too repetitive, and, second, invite an unwanted comparison between the two different recordings. Sadly, Mario Lanza only recorded about eighteen Christmas carols (and all of those aren't purely "Christmas" songs), but what a catalogue it is! I believe Mario's Christmas music, recorded between 1950 and 1956, is among the most spiritual and inspiration Christmas music ever recorded. And, those are the songs I would love to hear remastered and ultimately released by Real Gone Music. In reading several Christmas music articles, blogs, and message boards, I often see Mario Lanza's Christmas albums mentioned, so there appears to be sufficient interest in a new Mario Lanza Christmas compilation. As I alluded to, there are barely enough Lanza Christmas songs to fill up an entire CD, but I think a twenty song compilation would be very fulfilling. I comprised my own personal compilation, adding two spiritual/non-Christmas songs ("You'll Never Walk Alone" and "I'll Walk With God") to make it an even twenty songs, and sequenced it in some order that would flow nicely. Now, I hope Real Gone Music is reading this! The Mario Lanza Christmas Collection 01 Deck The Halls (1956) 02 O Christmas Tree (1956) 03 You'll Never Walk Alone (1956) 04 O Holy Night (1950) 05 It Came Upon The Midnight Clear (1956) 06 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (1956) 07 The First Noel (1951) 08 O Come, All Ye Faithful (1951) 09 Ave Maria (1950) 10 The Virgin's Slumber Song (1950) 11 Away In A Manger (1951) 12 We Three Kings (1951) 13 Silent Night (1951) 14 O Little Town Of Bethlehem (1951) 15 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1956) 16 Guardian Angels (1951) 17 I Saw Three Ships (1956) 18 Joy To The World (1956) 19 The Lord's Prayer (1950) 20 I'll Walk With God (1950)
Christmas Music Guru	Share to: #49
Rank：Honorary Member Posts：3895 From：USA Register：09/07/2005 11:04:22	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：10/01/2016 03:58:23Copy HTML Yes, I am reading this, but no on a Lanza release right now; too many other priorities far ahead of it. Lawrence F. "Chip" Arcuri Owner/Webmaster \| The Yule Log.com
RickHolland	Share to: #50
Rank：Bronze Posts：21 From：USA Register：08/06/2016 11:19:18	Re：Upcoming 2016 Real Gone Music Christmas CD Releases Date Posted：10/07/2016 11:24:19Copy HTML Does anyone know who has mastered the Mantovani Christmas Carols disc? In the blurbs for the new christmas releases from Real Gone Music they usually credit the mastering engineer. Yet for the Mantovani no credits, also on the 2009 disc no credits to who mastered it. Sounds great! Just curious....