Posted by Garry Herring on November 15, 2014, 4:11 pm
While I think this has got to be the most beautiful Christmas album of all. I was rather dissapointed when there was a CD released a few years back called " The Christmas Songbook" On this release they mixed Jim's Christmas songs in with Gospel numbers. Even tracks like "Scarlet Ribbons". I think this was one of the weirdest collections out there.
The manufacturers have produced some strange compilations over the years regarding singers. A case of having no idea I suppose.
I would have prefered them to bring out a double Christmas CD of Jim's. The first disc being his "Twelve Songs Of Christmas" (with bonus tracks, i.e. "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reinder" and "Away In A Manger") and the second disc being his 1957 Christmas show. That would have made more sense than the strange "Christmas Songbook" offering.
How about it Larry? A good idea for next years release?
"The Great Jim Reeves" 8 CD set, just released, includes a CD devoted to new songs and Christmas, and it includes reworkings of his RCA studio masters so you hear Reeves with better clarity, and he is showcased with improved string sections, rhythm, etc.
Listen to "An Old Christmas Card" for example. There are also songs like "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" (my overdub of a song Jim never recorded for RCA); an alternate version of "White Christmas" with a different vocal by Jim than the RCA version (and a full orchestral sound); "A Christmas Star" from his radio show, etc.
You can hear samples from these Christmas songs at the link below...