Christmas Album

"Singin' and Swingin' and Getting' Merry Like Christmas", so says author Maya Angelou celebrating in her 3^rd book. So to this gift-wrapped season of evergreen favourites; from their festive sleigh ride, stalwart Nat 'King' Cole and Dean Martin in a welcome reissue of their much cherished Christmas Album (EMI Gold).

Nat with Mel Tonne's super holiday attraction: The Christmas Song; Dean ringing into Let It Snow! Both with a raft of musical chestnuts. Then, by the fireside, a musical must Matt Monro Memorables and Matt at the Movies (EMI Gold). Matt's warm wonderful voice welcome at any season. There are three newly unreleased tracks and movie musts such as Jule Styne's watchful Time After Time and David Raksin's still breathtaking Laura. Fun and Games aplenty alongside tub-thumping, toe-tapping Bonzo Dog Band (EMI), get party spirited with I Love to Bumpity Bump, and with Christmas lunch in preparation guffaws, gigglers and bobbles from several, it appears, unsuspecting Turkeys. What a treat!

Keep celebrating a 50th anniversary of one-time inseparable pair Michael Flanders and Donald Swann, Hat Trick (EMI) a generous 4CD Collectors Edition. Find for your party for adults only Nursery Rhymes; A Gnu, live in Geneva; Hippopotamus with a French chorus; Song of the Weather (bloody January again!), and Donald Swann's exquisite and touching The Youth of the Heart. Celebration four fold.

A superlative set of Christmas Boxes to hand including a brand new Love... the Album (all from EMI) reviving standards coming up fresh: It's All in the Game; True Love Ways and When I Need You.

Year 2007 belongs to much-loved Cliff who celebrates 50 years in the business, find in the package Cliff in Japan, duets, and at the happy atmosphere of London's one-time Talk of the Town including Ain't Nothin' But a House Party from the man who gave us Mistletoe and Wine this really is Cliffs Christmas!

May it also be yours, peaceful and pleasurable; Blessings to you all and remember whatever the season:

Let There Be Music!

Nell Stevens