Barry Manilow - Because It's Christmas CD

Because It's Christmas buy CD music Recorded between 1973 and 1984. Includes liner notes by David Wild. Barry Manilow's commercial heyday may have been confined from the mid-'70s to early '80s, but the true testament to his unflagging popularity is the fact that this 2002 compilation debuted in the Top 5 of Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. This 20-pack of classic pop features all of the Brooklyn native's big hits starting with the 1974 chart-topper "Mandy" right through to 1982's "Somewhere Down The Road". Anyone who remotely remembers the '70s will feel like they've stepped into a time machine when they hear radio staples like "It's A Miracle", "Looks Like We Made It", "Can't Smile Without You" and "Copacabana (At The Copa)". Widely recognized for multiple talents that include formidable musical chops, production skills, and song writing, Manilow's genius can be heard in his use of a Chopin prelude in "Could It Be Magic," and in the melancholy "When October Goes," featuring Johnny Mandel lyrics donated by his widow. Manilow's eye for a great song also found him scoring great chart success with songs written by others including Beach Boy Bruce Johnston's "I Write The Songs" and former Mott The Hoople frontman Ian Hunter's "Ships". All tracks have been digitally remastered. Compilation producer: ...

Because It's Christmas CD music Barry Manilow has always fashioned himself as a showman, from his beginnings as music arranger and pianist for the equally flamboyant Bette Midler. While Manilow lived at the top of the pop universe for the second half of the 1970s with his mastery of the mournful-yet-inspiring ballad, it was his love of showmanship that made the singer an enduring force with a devoted following. Composer: Barry Manilow. Lyricists: Bruce Sussman; Jack Feldman. Personnel: Barry Manilow (vocals, piano, background vocals); Barry Manilow; Olivia Newton-John (vocals); Julie Berghofer, Gayle Levant (harp); Assa Drori, Lisa Dondlinger, Dynell Weber, Jennifer Munday, Rebecca Bunnell, Yan To, Johana Krejci, Katia Popov, Shari Zippert, Ronald Folsom, Olivia Tsui Irina Voloshina, Jim Stärk, Eve Butler, Haim Strum, Joel Derouin, Kevin Connolly , Bruce Dukov, Peter Kent, Raymond Kobler, Darius Campo, Berj Garabedian, Charlie Bisharat (violin); Caroline Buckman, Kenneth Burward-Hoy, Kazi Pitelka, Victoria Miskolczy, Brett Banducci, Bob Becker , Harry Shirinian, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (viola); Trevor Handy, Timothy Landauer, Tina Soule, David H. Speltz, Armen Ksadjikian, Cecilia Tsan, John Krovoza (cello); Phil Feather, Dan Higgins, Gene Cipriano, Greg Huckins, Lee Callet, Bob Carr, Jeff Driskill (woodwinds); Larry McGuire, Rick Baptist, Warren Luening, Wayne Bergeron, Frank Szabo (trumpet); Paul Klintworth, Dana Kelley, John A. Reynolds, Trish Skye (French horn); Charlie Morialias, Alan Kaplan, Chauncey Welsch, Bryant Byers, Bob McChesney, Craig Gosnell (trombone); Chuck Berghofer (acoustic bass, double bass); Dave Reitzas (drums, percussion); Dan Greco, Mark Converse (percussion); Lauren Evans (background vocals); Mike Lent (guitar); Ron Pedley (piano, synthesizer); Steve Welch, Ron Walters, Andy Rumble (piano); Russ McKinnon (drums). Audio Mixer: Dave Reitzas. Liner Note Authors: Bruce Sussman; Barry Manilow. Recording information: Henson Studios, LA; O'Henry Studios, Burbank, CA; Peppertree Studios, Palm Springs, CA; Sunset Studios, Los Angeles, CA. Photographer: Jeff Katz. Arrangers: Barry Manilow; Andy Rumble; David Benson; Don Sebesky; Larry Hochman; Doug Walter; Jez Colin; Artie Butler; Jonathan Tunick. SCORES: SONGS FROM COPACABANA AND HARMONY gathers songs from two musicals penned by Manilow with the aid of lyricist and librettist Bruce Sussman. COPACABANA fleshes out the story of Lola from Manilow's iconic 1978 hit of the same name, and like that song, is fueled by an energetic cabaret spirit. The titular song is revisited in a flashy, updated dance version. HARMONY unfolds the story of the popular '30s German singing group the Comedian Harmonists (also the inspiration for the 1997 film THE HARMONISTS), who were banned by the Nazis for containing Jewish members. Manilow's music adeptly captures the feel of that original group with a jaunty, lighthearted, vigorous flair. Manilow's work always seemed to have been tailor-made for the stage, and SCORES backs that up.

Because It's Christmas songs Digitally remastered by Wally Traugott (Tower Mastering/Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California). Though it's best known for the uptempo, discofied "Copacabana," EVEN NOW is actually one of Manilow's most introspective '70s recordings. It's full of songs about failed and failing romances, occasionally lightened by a sunny tune like "Can't Smile Without You." On the title cut, Manilow looks back on a lost love to find that he still bears emotional scars. "Starting Again" details the growth of infidelity and mistrust in a relationship, to an unnerving minor-key melody. The obscure gem on EVEN NOW is "I Was A Fool (To Let You Go)," a subtle, jazzy saloon song worthy of Sinatra himself, in which Manilow castigates himself for letting a good thing go. It's arguably one of Manilow's finest moments, and well worth the price of entry in and of itself. His star just kept soaring in '78, as this one shot to #3 with Copacabana (at the Copa); Can't Smile Without You , and Even Now leading the way. Includes the unreleased Make You Music and I'm Comin' Home Again ! (drums); Jimmy Maelen, Alan Estes (percussion); Ginger Blake, Linda Dillard, Laura Creamer, Ron Dante (background vocals). Recorded at A&M Studios, Hollywood, California & Media Sound Studios, New York, New York. Personnel: Barry Manilow (piano, background vocals); Jeff Mirinoff, Jay Graydon, Lee Ritenour , Mitch Holder (guitar); Paul Shaffer (electric piano); Bill Mays (keyboards); Ronnie Zito, Jimmy Young (drums); Jimmy Maelen (percussion); Ginger Blake, Linda Dillard, Laura Creamer, Ron Dante (background vocals). Audio Mixer: Thom Cadley. Liner Note Authors: Barry Manilow; David Wild. Recording information: A&M Studios, Hollywood, CA (07/1977-11/1977); Media Sound Studios, New York, NY (07/1977-11/1977). Photographer: Lee Gurst. Personnel: Barry Manilow (vocals, piano, ARP synthesizer); Jeff Mirinoff, Lee Ritenour, Jay Graydon, Mitch Holder (guitar); Paul Schaffer (electric piano); Bill Mays (keyboards); Bob Babbit, Will Lee (bass); Jimmy Young, Ronnie Zito

Because It's Christmas album for sale Barry Manilow, one of the 20th century's most popular MOR singers, has recorded his fair share of romantic pop since the start of his career in the early 1970s. This collection illustrates the singer's ease with a wide range of material, from his classically based 1980s hit "Could It Be Magic," through a beautifully orchestrated interpretation of Frank Sinatra's "Angel Eyes," to Manilow's version of David Gates's classic 1970s love song, "If." Photographers: Albert Sanchez; John Grant.

Because It's Christmas CD music In this lavish Broadway spectacle--complete with a big band, backup singers, and a stage show--the irrepressible Barry Manilow gives an overview of his life story in song. He introduces the musical odyssey with "Sweet Life" and "It's A Long Way Up," and listeners are taken from his humble beginnings ("Brooklyn Blues") through his first experiences in the business ("Up Front"). "Mandy" closes this phase of his life (and the first set), the hit single that finally brought him recognition as a songwriter and performer. The second set touches on his failed marriage ("Some Good Things Never Last") and his love for his audience ("The Best Seat In The House"). A 22-minute "Gonzo Hits Medley" will remind listeners that Manilow has had more hits than one could possibly count. From "CopaCobana" to "I Write The Songs," it's hard to deny Manilow's way with a melody. An impressive backlog of songs and the singer's theatrical flair as a performer make LIVE ON BROADWAY a treat. 2 LPs on 1 CD or cassette. Recorded at The Chicago Theatre, Chicago, Illinois on December 2 & 3, 1989. Personnel: Barry Manilow (vocals, piano); John Pondel (vocals, guitar); Marc Levine (vocals, cello, bass); Dana Robbins (vocals, woodwinds); Joe Melotti, Billy Kidd (vocals, keyboards); Vanessa Brown (vocals, percussion); Debra Byrd (vocals); Ron Pedley (keyboards); Bud Harner (drums).

Because It's Christmas buy CD music For the discerning Barry Manilow fan, this 20-bit mastered recording of his 1987 "techno-swing" album SWING STREET is a must-have. Manilow delivers a mixed collection consisting of both originals and some well-chosen standards that he has updated with modern production touches. In collaborating with both talented contemporary artists and masters of jazz, Manilow shows an appealing mix of the classic and the modern, as well as his heartfelt respect for the American pop music tradition. Divided into two sections--dubbed 8:00 P.M. and Midnight--the record begins with two upbeat numbers penned by Manilow's arranger Eddie Arkin, before revving up Benny Goodman's exuberant "Stomping at the Savoy" (augmented with extra lyrics by Manilow.) The 8:00 segment ends with a couple of duets--with Phyllis Hyman on the Manilow original "Black & Blue," and with Kid Creole on the self-explanatory "Hey Mambo." Manilow turns in solid versions of the Gershwin standard "Summertime" (a duet with Diane Schuur featuring sax legend Stan Getz) and Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust." He collaborates with another jazz legend, saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, on the closing number, "One More Time." All songs have been digitally remastered. Recorded at Image Recording, Los Angeles, California; The Hit Factory, New York, New York; Criteria Studios, Miami, Florida; Sigma Sound, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Producers: Barry Manilow, Eddie Arkin, Emilio and The Jerks. Engineers include: Harry Maslin, Michael Braunstein, Alan Sides. Personnel: Barry Manilow (vocals, piano); Eddie Arkin (vocals, keyboards); Dann Huff, Paul Jackson, Jr., Jon Pondel (guitar); Jerry Hey (trumpet, flugelhorn); Larry Hall, Gary Grant, Bill Reichenbach, Charlie Loper (horns); Randy Kerber, Ron Pedley, Artie Butler (piano); Greg Karukas (synthesizer programming); Marc Levine, Dave Stone (bass); Bud Harner, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Alan Estes, Bud Harner (percussion); Joe Galdo, Lawrence Dermer, John Joyce, Gary Falcone, Joe Pizullo (background vocals). Full Swing: Lorraine Feather, Charlotte Crossley, Augie Johnson (background vocals).