Though a popular recording artist and TV presence in the 1960s and 1970s, Andy Williams is viewed, by most listeners under the age of 65, as pure kitsch, auteur of corn and Christmas specials. He is less hip (and jazz-inflected) than Tony Bennett (two years Williams' senior), who broke big with "I Left My Heart In San Fransisco" around the same time Williams did with 'Moon River'.. I bought this collection because I wanted something festive for the season, and discovered much more.The sheer range of Williams' interpretive skill is impressive, from the frothy entertainer (a playful 'Sleigh Ride') to the deep and detailed readings of the more complex material. Many of the "devotional" songs are masterful. "Little Alter Boy," may on the surface feel dated, but it is a wrenching performance that conveys extraordinary emotional power; the narrator conveys loss and pain as well as deep yearning for innocence, connection, and acceptance and forgiveness. It is as raw and compelling as the deepest blues. The outpouring of emotion recalls "Let It Loose" on The Rolling Stones' "Exile On Main Street". "Some Children See Him", its vocal detailed and passionate, is as apt in the year of the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage, and the Black Lives movement, as it was fifty years ago. Williams never phones in a verse or line here, and his performance displays great conviction as well as delicacy.This is great "Christmas Music," but Williams' own sensibility and empathy are evident throughout. The most famous hit here, "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" in this context sounds coolly authoritative, fleet and slightly detached. And there are several variations on 'Ave Maria', each fascinating. Most importantly Andy Williams makes this music true, and whether singing about the frailty of humans or 'My Favorite Things' there is much that transcends the shallowness and sentimentality associated with so much popular "Christmas music".Real Gone Music has done a superb job with the mastering and presentation of these recordings. The sound is warm and inviting. The packaging and notes are very good as well. Enjoy this over the holidays, but listen carefully and you will be moved, as well as delighted, any time of the year.I've been waiting for this great collection of Andy Williams for some time. This features all 3 of Andy's Columbia Records Christmas LP's in one 2-CD set, plus some bonus selections. I like this collection especially for the songs from his superb "Christmas Present" LP - while not as popular as his first 2 Christmas albums, "Christmas Present" features some great arrangements where many of the songs start out slow and gentle with just a guitar and then work into a full orchestra with Andy's voice at peak quality. In my opinion, Andy's 1974 version of Gounod's "Ave Maria" is the ultimate in voice and music, perhaps even a notch above Mr. Perry Como. Speaking of "Ave Maria", (there are 3 in the collection) provided here for the first time in stereo, is the 1968 version he sang at RFK's funeral. Two songs he recorded in the 50's are added as well as foreign language versions of "White Christmas". Some of the outstanding songs include great versions of "O Little Town of Bethlehem", "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", "Little Altar Boy" and his signature Christmas song: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year". While the songs from his first 2 LPs are 'out of order' from their LP release, they're still all there along in remastered quality ("Christmas Present" is in correct sequence). You're bound to have a half dozen songs that you'll really love from this set. I'm glad that these recordings have been released so that our children (and grandchildren) can enjoy some of the best Christmas music ever from one of the best voices of all time. Andy's "must have" collection is great to add along-side of your other all-time Christmas favorites from Bing, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, The Ray Conniff Singers, James Last and Glen Campbell. Hope you enjoy this collection as much as I do.I received this item fast and enjoying listening to this CD. The prices on Amazon are the bbest.Andy Williams has been a favorite of mine ever since his 'Moon River' and 'Music to Watch Girls' days. There is big reason he acquired the nickname of Mr. Christmas and this collection shows us why. There are 42 songs on this 2 disc set (including duplicates).This 2 CD collection has every Christmas song he ever recorded including 'White Christmas' in Spanish and Italian. I think his version of 'Happy Holidays' and 'It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year' are the definite versions.Surprisingly, my 21 year old daughter agrees. I actually bought two copies of this and will send her one in a couple of weeks as part of her Holiday 'care' package. She also thinks his version of 'Moon River' is the best (she simply adores the movie and Audrey Hepburn).It was so sad he passed away about a year ago as we had plans to see him in his theater in Bronson. We (including my daughter) wanted to see his Christmas show in person.Sound on this 2 disc set was as good as it gets.I would rate this a nearly perfect 9.75 out of 10!!Very highly recommend for anyone who likes Andy Williams or traditional Christmas music!!!If you like Andy singing beloved Christmas songs, you'll cherish this collection which has his three Christmas albums. By the way, his last Christmas album, Christmas Present, is included in this - which some say is his best. Whether you like his 'old' style or updated Christmas style of Christmas songs, you won't be sorry with this set. It has it all, and they're all outstanding, especially all his renditions of Ave Maria. His soft, mellow voice is just beautiful on O Holy Night too. And don't forget his very popular It's the Most Wonderful Time of The Year. This is the collection I was waiting for. I had Christmas Present on vinyl album when it got released in the 70's, but couldn't find a 'realistic' price in CD form. Now I have it, along with his other treasured songs. One word to describe this collection and his voice for all you Andy Williams fans - beautiful! Buy this CD.