Christmas Collection (CD - 1998)

The Carpenters: Karen Carpenter, Richard Carpenter.

Producers: Richard Carpenter, Jack Daugherty, Karen Carpenter.

Adapters: Peter Knight; Richard Carpenter .

Personnel: Richard Carpenter (vocals, piano, keyboards); Karen Carpenter (vocals); Bob Messenger (tenor saxophone); Pete Jolly (keyboards); Pete Morgan (upright bass); Cubby O'Brien, Ron Tutt, Barry Morgan (drums).

Audio Mixers: Richard Carpenter ; Roger Young.

Liner Note Author: Paul Grein.

Photographer: Harry Langdon.

Arrangers: Peter Knight; Richard Carpenter ; Billy May.

Reissued concurrently with the delayed issue of Karen Carpenter's solo album, this import CD contains both Carpenters Christmas records, 1978's CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT and 1984's AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS. Both albums are remastered and appear in their entirety on CD for the first time.

Purists should note that the 1984 release was completed after Karen's 1982 death and is comprised of outtakes from the 1978 recording sessions and instrumental performances (including selections from The Nutcracker Suite) performed by Richard Carpenter. Highlights of the set include traditional hymns and carols, Christmas pop standards and other seasonal tunes. Perhaps the set's highlight is Karen's wistful yet sultry rendition of Johnny Mercer's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" minimize