[.ca] Just in Time for Christmas

Still the Best:
This is still my favorite Christmas recording ever made. Nancy LaMott's voice, the terrific Chris Marlowe arrangements, and the song choice are all wonderful. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" has never been sung more effectively, "Just in Time For Christmas" and "All those Christmas Cliches" are touching and lovely. Unusual choices like "A Child is Born" and "Earth and Sky" reflect Nancy's originality and humanity perfectly. If you like Christmas music, this CD is essential for your collection. You'll find yourself listening to it repeatedly!

Nothing Like Her:
When I learned this album was on the way, I had already bought all of Nancy's earlier recordings. I was already so in love her voice but, though my hopes were high for her Christmas album, I wondered if she could bring anything new to holiday songs that had been done and done and done. When I heard "Just in Time for Christmas," I was bowled over by the new life she breathed into all the old songs. "I Saw Three Ships/Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella", "Some Children See Him", "I'll Be Home for Christmas" -- just three tracks that I believe are now the definitive recordings of those tunes. And the title track, "Just in Time for Christmas," is classic Nancy La Mott -- she starts out on the quiet side, grabs your attention in small ways, and then builds up to an emotional peak that's almost too much to take. Thoughtful song choices, brilliant Chris Marlowe arrangements, and of course that singular voice -- what an amazing combination. Every year when I open the box of Christmas music and see this album waiting for me again, I feel that strange and wonderful blend of joy and sadness that Nancy La Mott and her music brought us for the all-too-short time she was here.

My Favorite Christmas Album:
Admittedly I'm a huge fan. Having seen her numerous times live, I'm pre-disposed to love this album. That said, I this is a very special album. It is a great mix of songs, including a knockout "All Those Christmas Cliches" and the title song. The whole thing is tasteful and of course with Nancy LaMott, beautifully performed. The arrangements are great ("Santa Claus is coming to Town" is great fun) and perfect for her. Happily after a few years moratorium, her albums will be available again soon. Put this at the top of your list!

Grab this used or anyway you can:
I agree with everything said by every other reviewer. "All Those Christmas Cliches" can move me to tears -- through my smiles -- in August. Not to be missed.

Give This CD To Your Friends For Xmas:
Five stars could easily be raised to the tenth power for this singer who's phrasing of I SAW THREE SHIPS offers a range of dynamics and tempo other singers will not attempt. That's just the start. This is an Xmas recording for people who don't want yet another traditional song and performance offering. Give this recording as a gift and friends will hear a new sound for the season by a voice they will never forget. Had Nancy made volume two and three I would have been in line to purchase those as well.

• Some Children See Him
• I Saw Three Ships /Bring A Torch,Jeannette, Isabella
• Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
• I'll Be Home for Christmas
• (Christmas) Stay With Me
• Earth & Sky
• All Those Christmas Cliches
• What Child Is This?/I Wonder As I Wander
• A Child Is Born
• Just In Time For Christmas
• Baby It's Cold Outside
• A Song For Christmas
• The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)