Personnel includes: Barbra Streisand (vocals); Marty Paich, Ray Ellis (conductor).
Released simultaneously with SIMPLY STREISAND in 1967, this is one of the biggest- selling Christmas albums ever. Aided by producer Ettore Stratta and arranger/conductor Ray Ellis, Barbra adds her unique touch to these Christmas classics (notice her reference to Fanny Brice in a humorous, speedy version of "Jingle Bells"). The rest of the material is presented in a slower, more traditional fashion, but it's all Barbra.
Her version of "My Favorite Things" is taken to another level through eloquent and lush phrasing. "White Christmas" is done beautifully, with excellent orchestration and some of Barbra's own lyrics thrown in for holiday humor. She takes songs you've heard 1000 times before and makes them sound new by making them her own. Ultimately, this record makes an excellent present for a Streisand fan or just a music lover in need of some Christmas fare.
