Cincinnati Pops Orchestra/John Morris Russell (Conductor): Home for the Holidays *

Holiday Pops, with snap and crackle

John Morris Russell's first recording as conductor of the Cincinnati Pops is a seasonal collection of many of the usual suspects, with the orchestra joined by two choruses and the New York Voices. Tenor Rodrick Dixon delivers a thrilling "O Holy Night" that should have been placed near the end of the program to serve as its climax, instead of being its second track. Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell doesn't sing, but reads the famous "Yes, Virginia" editorial to the accompaniment of Elgar's "Nimrod." Yes, Virginia, it's heavy-handed and sentimental, and few will reach the end with a dry eye. The orchestra's instrumental soloists are also featured, in a new arrangement of Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" (piano) and in a clever blending of Vivaldi's "Winter" and "O Hanukkah" (violin). Good playing, good sound, good fun. Total timing of the disc is less than an hour, but it never wears out its welcome, which is more than can be said for some holiday guests.
Submitted on 11/06/12 by Jim D. 

Holiday Heartfelt Harmony Heralds Hearth and Home

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, choruses, and soloists present a holiday album of familiar, feel-good songs and performances for the Christmas season just around the corner. John Morris Russell, recently arrived from the Windsor Symphony, conducts for his first CinPops recording this seasonal program for sing-a-long and background for the holidays.


The bulk of this recording may be a concert, as the songs progress in a style to please a casual audience. Other songs were added to the CD production in early 2012. The tenor soloist, well-regarded and heralded, unfortunately has an insistent vibrato which detracts from the songs so enthusiastically presented. The grittiness is enough to move away from the solo and on to the next track in the program.


The New York Voices, May Festival Chorus, and Winton Woods Ensemble seem energetic, comfortable with their blend of voices, and very familiar with the songs, perhaps encouraging the audience to sing along. Vivaldi’s Winter with familiar carols interspersed is an interesting touch, inviting the audience to sit up and take notice when attention wanders. Surely many appreciate the “Yes, Virginia” reading—and wonder if it is an annual standard for the holiday concert. The snare drum reasserts itself frequently enough to make the listener question whether the microphones were too close to the percussion section. Updated design for both the cover and conductor’s picture would enhance the marketing appeal of this CD.


This pleasant and enthusiastic program aims to warm the holiday spirit. In person it may be “just the thing” to liven up the holidays, perhaps with a little Midwestern December snowfall outside. It could be a nice addition for background music at a Christmas party—but there are many such albums available. While enjoyable, this album lacks a “wow” factor expected from the repertoire of the Cincinnati Pops.


Submitted on 11/15/12 by howsweetthesound