Posted by Martin Rolls on December 24, 2024, 7:44 am
As soon as I saw Larry's post about the new Christmas CD we ordered it. I was given to believe I wouldn't received it in the UK until the New Year - but it arrived today!
Just caught my dear wife wrapping it up for me for tomorrow. What a treat!
Martin- Hope you enjoyed the Christmas CD! No one sings those Christmas tunes like Jim, and Larry's new overdubs give them a wonderful new sound. I could listen to these songs any time of the year because they're so good! Merry Christmas to you and a Very Happy New Year!...
Martin, I'm glad you received the CD in time for Christmas. FYI, there are some differences between the original version of the CD and the latest release. All of the tracks have been remastered -- and that really does mean "remastered." Too often that's just a buzzword labels use to make fans think something is different when it really isn't. But in this case it IS different.
In addition, "Mary's Boy Child" has a different opening, there is new music behind Jim's recitation of "A Christmas Star," and the bonus track is an a cappella version of Jim singing "Silent Night" alone with just the Anita Kerrs, and no instrumental backing. Fans have told me how beautiful they think this is, as it really shows off Reeves' voice.
Evidence shows that many people around the world think of Jim at Christmas, in addition to the stalwarts Bing Crosby, Perry Como and Frank Sinatra. That is very gratifying because Christmas is a time when it seems to me people are more in touch with their hearts, and are introspective -- taking time out to contemplate what's really important in life. Jim Reeves' music is important, and many fans especially remember him then.
I'm disappointed but not surprised that the 60th anniversary of Jim's passing came and went this past summer without Sony doing anything to commemorate it. I also saw no articles anywhere about this sad anniversary. I remember Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday was celebrated in 2015 with a variety of events, including a TV special, a documentary, and a limited-edition whiskey.
I don't think the present producers at Sony even know who Jim Reeves was.
I was glad I was able to work with an EU label to create "Jim Reeves His Country Roots" to at least in a small way pay tribute to Gentleman Jim this year.
Julie and I hope you all have a very Happy 2025 and keep posting on this message board. I admit we've neglected it but unlike Facebook and all the craziness that transpires there, THIS message board still has high standards. If you know any JR fans who would be interested, please give them a link to this site so we can welcome them to join us. -- Larry
It’s a lovely CD Larry! The fresh version of Mary’s Boy Child stands out, as does Jim’s beautiful light touch on Blue Christmas. Silent Night a cappella is not to be missed, and all the arrangements are just so good.
Yes it’s very regrettable that Jim’s memory was overlooked as it was. Much has been said in recent years in the UK about teenagers’ mental health issues. It’s nothing new. I was a teen back in the 60’s and had a very difficult time, but I was more than fortunate to find Jim’s music. As someone once said on a DVD about Jim “his voice soothes”, and it certainly helped me in my darkest moments.
I for one don’t intend to forget his memory.
All best wishes for the New Year to everyone via the Forum.
Thank you Larry for giving accreditation to the Fan Forum. We have all missed you lately.
I can, with all confidence, state that this Forum is one of the very few, if not the only public platform that has never been compromised. There is no one here with an attitude, mean spirited agenda, or just simply being a bully. I can not speak for Facebook since I am not a member and never will be. Wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. We are here simply to express our thoughts about Jim Reeves, his life and music, and ask questions with interesting and informative replies every time..
For many years I have read information and posted comments and questions here on the Forum. I could not ask for a better way to do this. We have a treasure here. We only have to continue posting, as in years gone by, and we will have many years ahead of us to enjoy connection and good conversation.
Thank you again Larry..Very encouraging to read your continued support. A very Happy New Year to you and Julie and everyone here on the Forum..
Roy, you said it all and very well. Not much I can add except I agree that this forum is very special and we need to keep it alive to honor Jim's memory and never let him be forgotten. He has left us a legacy of wonderful music and we need to show how much we appreciate him, and this is the perfect place to show that appreciation and share it with other fans...
on December 24, 2024, 7:44 am