among contemporary instrumental hit makers. His signature style of playing and songwriting has a Grammy nod in 2003, Two SESAC "Songwriter of the Year" awards, a Canadian Country Music Award and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association. Jim's best-known compositions include the chart-toppers "Valentine," "The Gift," "Love of My Life," "Simple Things" and "Peace." In November 2005, he held the top three spots on Billboard's New Age chart for his albums The Disney Songbook, Grace and Greatest Hits. Jim has established a reputation for his collaborations with many gifted musical artists that include: Martina McBride, Gerald Levert, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Collin Raye, Pam Til...  (less)

("Good King Wenceslas"), the cartoonish malice of the black-hearted misanthropes Marley & Marley ("Marley & Marley"), and the hope-swollen harmonies of Tiny Tim and Family ("Bless Us All"), Muppeted here to hilariously humble effect. If, on the other hand, your interest in this disc has more to do with its inclusion in the way-narrow Christmas-record-for-kids category--if the spirit of the season doesn't extend, for you, to the magic of the Muppets--you may want to keep browsing, as it's a soundtrack first (overture, instrumentals, and all) and a Christmas CD second. That's not to suggest you're stuck with an un-fun disc should it land on your holiday stack without a prior screening, though. Miles Goodman's score sweeps and inspires, and certain...  (less)

brace of Carla's own pieces - "Jesus Maria" (first recorded by Jimmy Giuffre back in 1961), and, giving the devil his due, "Hell's Bells". Carla's Christmas Carols was recorded in La Buissonne Studios in the South of France after a whirlwind tour of Europe at the end of 2008, and folds in two pieces from that tour (recorded live in Berlin). The pleasure that the musicians find in the material is unmistakable and, perhaps particularly after a glass of mulled wine, contagious.  (less)

spirit. Charles Dickens’ classic tale still stirs the same feelings of repentance, love, and forgiveness that transformed Scrooge himself.  (less)

– Classics Today  (less)