'Hooray for Christmas' (2004)

featuring
JANET SEIDEL - vocals/piano
CHUCK MORGAN - guitar
DAVID SEIDEL - double bass
BOB JEFFERY - saxes/flute
BILLY ROSS - drums

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I'll Be Home for Christmas
Holly and the Ivy
Hooray for Christmas
What Child is This?
White Xmas/(Noel Blanche)
Jingle-Bell Rock
The Silver Stars are in the Sky
Love Never Fails
Old fashioned Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Dear Heart
Mary Did You Know?
Christmas Song
Be Thou My Vision

CD REVIEW - 'Hooray for Christmas'
Bruce Crowther

As for the 2004 release of Christmas songs, do not be misled into thinking that this is a CD for playing only during the holiday season. By no means is this so; you will find yourself playing it whatever the time of year. Janet is without question, a singer for all seasons.

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CD REVIEW - 'Hooray for Christmas'
Carol Swanson - Christmas Review USA

Australian Janet Seidel's smooth Hooray for Christmas is an easy-listening treat for the holidays. She's a Down Under Wonder with understated jazz vocals floating over an excellent ensemble (Chuck Morgan on guitars, brother David Seidel on double bass, Bob Jeffery on saxes and flute, Billy Ross on drums, and Janet herself on piano). This is low-key, cabaret-style jazz presented with soft sophistication.

Hooray for Christmas contains 14 cuts, largely contemporary holiday classics. The special surprises here include the terrific title track "Hooray for Christmas" (by Don Sebesky), the sweet Australian Christmas carol "The Silver Stars Are in the Sky," the melancholy "Dear Heart" (by Henry Mancini and others), and "White Xmas/(Noel Blanche)" providing Irving Berlin's classic in both English and French. The album closes with the most beautiful gem, the traditional Celtic hymn "Be Thou My Vision."

During the most harried moments of the holidays, an album like Hooray for Christmas can offer a sublime window of calm. Leave behind the havoc; Janet Seidel's pure vocals can transport you to a simpler, more elegant, place. Thank you, Janet, for these very cool cabaret carols!

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