John Denver - "Christmas in Concert"

In celebration of Christmas, which is this Sunday, I am breaking my usual alphabetical routine to write a Christmas post.

As you may remember John Denver is one of my all time favorites, his "Rocky Mountain Christmas" album is in a tie (with Carpenters "Christmas Portrait") for my favorite holiday album.

This album, "Christmas in Concert," is actually a recent gift from my parents. It was recorded in Washington DC on December 19 & 20, 1996. Denver would sadly pass away less than a year later in October 1997 in a plane crash. And this album was not released until 2001.

This concert showcases Denver with the World Children's Choir (led by Sandra Harness) and The National Symphony Orchestra (conducted by Richard Kaufman). The majority of the songs were featured on Denver's three holiday albums "Rocky Mountain Christmas," "Christmas Together (with The Muppets)" and "Christmas Like a Lullaby."

John Denver is his wonderful charming, goofy, and funny self. Interacting with the children and audience with ease, telling funny stories and anecdotes. His voice is also in top form with that gleeful laugh of his. The song choice is strong with a nice balance of familiar holiday songs, "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night" and songs that Denver made popular, "Christmas for Cowboys" and the wonderful "A Baby Just Like You." There are also some less familiar songs that appeared on Denver's Christmas albums, "Alfie, The Christmas Tree." The show closes with the little known Denver gem "Falling Leaves (The Refugees)" which has become an unintentional Christmas song. There is also a mini set of "Country Roads," "Annie's Song" and "Calypso" at the end of the disc.

This album is a wonderful addition to the Christmas catalogue of holiday records and a perfect companion to Denver's "Rocky Mountain Christmas" album. There is a short booklet in the liner notes, for the most part the sound is good, sometimes it does not seem mixed real well but by and large it sounds good. John Denver is one of those musicians that was so suited to the Holiday Season with his warm appeal and Colorado lifestyle. Thank you John for the Christmas gift.

"Merry Christmas EVERYONE!!!!!"