Peter, Paul & Mary Holiday Concert

Recorded live at the Lehman Center in New York City with the 160-member New York Choral Society and a 40-piece orchestra, this concert video seems, at first, very strange. Launching into an opening set of Christmas carols, Peter, Paul & Mary seem dwarfed by the wall of sound from the choir and orchestra--especially since, as folk singers, they are the antithesis of huge productions. Surprisingly, however, the program settles down fairly quickly, and the trio perform a number of non-traditional Christmas songs ("O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "The Magi," "Children Go Where I Send Thee," and others) as well as some folk staples ("Blowin' In the Wind," "This Land Is Your Land," and their own classic "Puff, the Magic Dragon"). Since the accompaniment, except for a few numbers, is often minimal, the low-key acoustical flavor of the folk trio shines through. The highlight of the program is a wonderful audience participation version of "Marvelous Toy," replete with some interesting sound effects. Inexpensive, filled with good cheer, this is a great program to watch while cuddled up with your family next to the fire on a cold winter evening. Highly recommended. (Available from most distributors.)