Media Madness

Happy Holidays!

December’s breath of cold has settled in, but the Henrietta Public Library has much to offer with some wonderful music and DVDs to brighten your holidays. Christmas songs have always been a huge part in the spirit of the season and we have some new marvelous compilations for your listening enjoyment.

Kristin Chenoweth, the Grammy, Tony and Emmy winner has just released her first Christmas album. The album, A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas contains lovely renditions of “Silver Bells”, “Do You Hear What I Hear”, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Highlights on the album include a duet with John Pizzarelli on “Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow World”

Faith Hill’s Joy to the World is another “first” for the very talented country singing star. Her collection includes many traditional carols such as “Silent Night”, “Away in a Manger”, and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”. The final cut “A Baby Changes Everything” is a lovely anthem to the first Christmas.

Memories of a Winter’s Night by Dave Koz is a smooth jazzy album for the holidays. Koz’s sax sighs with bluesy melodies on “Memories of Winter Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and then swings with the help of soloist Brenda Russell in a rollicking “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”.

Enya’s newest recording, And Winter Came is the most non-traditional holiday album with this new age singer/composer providing original lyrics with beautiful ethereal tones which are her trademark. Her clear voice provides soothing songs perfect for relaxing from the busy activities of the holiday.

Finally, the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley gives us Christmas Duets.  Top country stars, such as Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Carrie Underwood and others, “join” Elvis in traditional carols. Gretchen Wilson’s “Merry Christmas Baby” duet is a sassy highlight. Bonus cuts include three remastered solos performed by Elvis.

All of us at the Henrietta Public Library wish all of you a very happy and safe holiday season!

Nancy Maxwell
Audio-Visual Librarian