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Our Review

Rosie Carlino is memorable on many levels. First, her Christmas with You release arrived in unconventional packaging--an elongated sleeve about the size of a trade paperback, featuring a large cover photo of the beautiful artist descending a staircase, dressed to the nines, and sporting a radiant smile. The album sleeve also has no identifying information along its edge. I have to confess that my first thought was, "How will I fit and find this offering once I slide it into my extensive CD collection?" I then measured the album's length--at a mere 24 minutes, it is the second-shortest release I have reviewed this year.

So with some trepidation, I slid Christmas with You onto my sound system. As the lovely Rose Carlino broke into song, I discovered the most memorable part of this experience--her excellent voice. From the first few bars of Santa Baby, Carlino grabs the listeners with her husky, sultry interpretations. Using considerable inflection, Carlino is a true story teller, making Santa Baby seem like an actual (one-sided) conversation with the guy in the red suit. She similarly delivers big-time on I'll Be Home for Christmas; her voice is all velvet and heartfelt emotion on this melancholy chestnut. And Carlino definitely knows how to provide romance; her rich alto simmers with passion on pieces like Merry Christmas Darling. Importantly, the CD's technical attributes are solid, wisely putting Carlino's voice up front and center.

This easy listening music is lush, sophisticated, and welcoming. Unfortunately, at only 24 minutes, the music will end moments after you have fallen in love with Rosie Carlino's excellent pipes. Although she longs to spend Christmas with You, Carlino can unfortunately not stay very long. Even so, your time with her will be rewarding. Let's hope that this talented artist will double the production in her next Christmas offering!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Arrangements by Richard Rome
Executive Producer: Quillian Entertainment, LLC

Wherever the season finds you, may your heart be filled with love and laughter.
Love, Rosie

Rosie Carlino

Christmas with You

Artist link

Track List