New Orleans pianist, singer, and songwriter Harry Connick Jr. has done what many makers of Christmas records strive for but seldom achieve: he's made a Christmas record that sounds convincingly like a '40s period piece and rigorously like a cool, contemporary jazz disc. His powerful, self-written Christmas songs sound like polished standards, and he delivers the whole package with a sassy, vocal economy (with the occasional New Orleans accent) and an orchestral richness that is never indulgent or overwhelming. When My Heart Finds Christmas is a true classic that no lover of big-band jazz and singing (in the Sinatra style)--and Christmas music--should be without. There are so many great moments here that singling any one out would be at the expense of the others. Still, the reverential, solo-piano intro to "Ave Maria," Connick's own "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus," (a rousing, second-line swing tune), and his triumphant "I Pray on Christmas" (a get-happy-now gospel song) deserve mention if only because they'll earn Connick extra credit in heaven and on Earth. --Martin Keller |
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27 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 a must have for any seasonal collectionNov 02, 1999
This is the best Christmas album I've heard in a very long time! "It Must Have Been Ol' Santa Claus" is a great toe-tapper, and should become an instant classic. That's just one of many original songs on this CD, all of which are fantastic. "When My Heart Finds Christmas" really captures what is supposed to be the spirit of the season The traditional songs are great new renditions. "Ave Maria" gives me chills every time I hear it. And just hearing Harry sing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" makes me melt! No one could sing it better. It's the most romantic rendition of the most romantic song! It's fabulous. Buy this CD, and listen to it all year 'round!
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
Harry's First and Best Christmas AlbumNov 25, 2008
By KW
This was Harry's first Christmas album, recorded 15 years ago. And to me, it is still the best. It's pure, it's fun and not overdone. Harry incorporates some original Christmas songs, which are simply wonderful. I feel that his more recent holiday efforts do not live up to When My Heart Finds Christmas. If you're looking for classic Harry, performing Christmas in his classic big band style, you need to purchase this album.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 Terrific '40's big band sound.Dec 14, 2002
By Neal C. Reynolds
Indeed, it's the big band sound which is the high point of this CD. From "Sleigh Ride" on, we're treated to the orchestral and choral arrangements so prevalent during the '40's. And this works for most of the cuts, including the strong originals presented here.However, it does fail on the two most spiritual offerings, Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night". The former starts with a beautiful piano accompaniment, but Harry's voice just doesn't deliver "Ave Maria" well, nor does it work on "O Holy Night". The rest of the album is great, especially for those who appreciate the old big band sound.
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
Fantastic Holiday Variety of MusicDec 11, 2001
By rodboomboom
Great compositions by this talented musician and composer sprinkled with some fun Christmas pieces, foundationed by some wonderful Spritual songs along with traditional Carols. The title song along with "The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day" and "I Pray on Christmas" are his works and are marvelous in their words and performace. On the lighter side, "It Must've Been Ol'Santa Claus" and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" are such fun! Traditional offerings of Rudolph, Sleigh Ride and O Holy Night are well done and very pleasing to enjoy. His final track of "What Are You During New Year's Eve" is so great, a Sinatra like voice but smoother. His piano on "Ave Maria" is so delicate and majestic, what a talent! Buy this one for some variety in your holiday sounds!
9 of 10 found the following review helpful:
The perfect balance for a hip Christmas CD!Nov 30, 1999
This is my favorite Christmas CD. Connick has come up with the perfect blend of traditional Christmas music and his classically hip sound. He doesn't overdo it with swing and he obviously recognizes the need for a level of reverence and solemnity in a Christmas album. His "Ave Maria" is an absolute classic. Nonetheless, some of the numbers bounce along with a great, carefree holiday spirit. My kids just love the "Santa Claus," "Sleigh Ride" and "Little Drummer Boy" numbers. There's not a bad cut on this album. All in all, its the perfect balance for a Christmas CD.
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