Christmas Blessings

We have seen Sandi with the ISO (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra) in a semi-staged version of Hello Dolly and she was great. She has also hosted/co-hosted the ISO during it's annual Christmas show (she's done it at least 4 times) called Yuletide (which they have presented for about 25 years). I've been told she is, by far, the most popular host!Her voice and ability to interact with the audience is first rate.And she doesn't disappoint on her latest outing, 'Christmas Blessing'. Of course no one loves all the songs on anyone album and this one is not excepted from that rule. However all of the songs are VERY well done but 'Angels We Have Heard on High', 'Mary, Did You Know', What Child is This', 'Sleigh Ride and 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' stand out.I was slightly disappointed in 'O Holy Night' as we've heard her sing it live twice during Yuletide - both times it was quite simply STUNNING.Until this album I had always considered Kenny Rogers version of 'Mary, Did You Know' to be the definite one. Sandi's version is, very slightly, better!!BTW - for those who want to know a little something about myself - the first Christmas song I learned on the piano was 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'.For all two of you who have not seen the 1954 movie White Christmas, 'Count Your Blessing Instead of Sheep' was first heard there. It was nominated for an Academy Award as "Best Song" but was defeated by "Three Coins in the Fountain" from the movie of the same name. And because of it's connection to this classic movie, it has acquired the Christmas song label, even though there is no other reason to label it as such.This will go in my annual holiday rotation that will start 11/1!I would rate this CD a very high 8.75 to 9.25 out of 10 stars - Highly recommended if you Christmas music as I do!!!

It’s Sandi Patty. What more can I say?

Sandi Patty does yet another Christmas CD, but if you were expecting it to be like her others - powerful high notes accompanied by a big, bombastic orchestra and chorus - you might be disappointed. What you have here is a more intimate setting - Sandi singing primarily in her lower register, accompanied by piano or guitar, or a jazz/swing orchestra. Even though she does a couple of remakes, they are different than the previous renditions. Highlights are the subtle orchestration and subdued "Mary, Did You Know," "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep"with just piano accompaniment, and the jazz/swing-influenced "Sleigh Ride." Her take on "Some Children See Him" is a little too fast-tempo for my tests, but she still does a respectable job with it. A great Christmas CD to around out her long and varied career!

Sandi is always full of musical surprises. I really love the overall choice of songs and the brand new stylings/arrangements of some of my favorite Christmas tunes. Just when I thought she had sung "O Holy Night" every way possible, Sandi and her producers created a refreshingly intimate version. As a huge fan for 25 years, I would give it one more star if the album had a few of SP's signature high notes. "Christmas Blessings" will be a true blessing for many this Christmas and for years to come.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Sandi's Christmas releases over the decades, and when I saw that there was a new one in 2014, I was very excited. I must admit, however, that this one disappoints me. It is just too straight-forward and rather boring. The songs are all very familiar and commonplace, which in itself is not a bad thing. Where it is lacking is in the arrangements. Basically anyone with a decent voice could have sung these songs as they are presented here. I expected a little more from Sandi, who is truly an exceptional singer.

This is a beautiful, gentle Christmas album. All the arrangements are excellent. I noticed that some have complained because there are songs featured here that Sandi has already done on previous Christmas albums. However, these are new and completely different arrangements, which are well worth a listen. There is not a weak song on the album!

A little different than some of the other Sandi Patty CDs I've had, but nice renditions and beautifully done as only Sandi Patty can do!!

Sandi Patty has been part of my life for years and I'm always grateful for another opportunity to hear her music. This album is beautiful ... just like always.

I love Sandi Patty's music and this one is one of my favourite Christmas albums.

A true gift of music by the renowned gospel singer!