There are a few CDs that come out every holiday season at our house and this is one of them! It's a nice mixture of old favorites plus a few originals that you'll be singing along with in no time.

Anything by Harry Connick Jr. is wonderful and this CD was no different. I love it. I will buy anything with his name on it.

I adore Harry Connick, Jr. so I was ecstatic when I received this CD as a gift. His rendition of "Ave Maria" is stunning and the "new classics" that he's written are fun too. I highly recommend this CD- it's a real gem.

I can't think of another musical artist that I'd rather have setting the tone and background of my friends and family get-togethers during the holidays. I look forward to adding more of Harry's Christmas collections to my musical library in the future.

Harry Conick Jr is wonderful and shows this in "When my heart finds Chrstmas." He does a great job on all the songs. MY favorite is "i pray on Christmas." Anyone who like Harry Conick Jr will love this cd.

whats not to love about harry? his voice is beautiful, the music is amazing. this album will give you that warm happy feeling, finally christmas time!

This is definitely not the best Christmas album money can buy. But if you are (like me) a sucker for the old jazz, big band-style Christmas crooning of yester-year, then this is definitely for you. Connick is always compared to Frank Sinatra, and that's probably how he prefers it. But on this CD he sings several songs as if they were his very own (and a couple of them are, in fact). My personal favorites on here are "O Holy Night" (what Christmas album would be complete without that one?), "Sleigh Ride," and "When My Heart Finds Christmas." I am also curious to hear his more recent Christmas release.

This is a way-above average Christmas CD with the songs everyone knows. They are sung very well by Connick in this disc. They are very nice, and a perfect mood-setter. Everyone ought to be happy with this Christmas album. It's not too serious, yet he sings it well. The style changes with each song, but it is never too overwrought. He sings the whole disc very well. There are enough changes to occupy all listeners. He sings it well and it sounds good like it should. It has a little jazz, a little rock'n'roll, and a little classical, and it never seems bothersome and overdone. He sings it without too much overbloatedness like Whitney Houston, and without the overemphasis of Mariah Carey. This CD is elegant and unique in design.

A different sort of Christmas album, Harry Connick's CD features the big band sound, strong drums throughout, large choruses in many songs--and Harry Connick. With toe-tapping rhythms and a casual, relaxed attitude prevailing, Connick presents many swingy versions of traditional songs and a number of quiet, soft ballads, accompanied by strings and chorales. Subtlety is not part of the pattern here--the music is, for the most part, bold, celebratory, and full of spirit--with the drums setting the beat and emphasizing the rhythms. The romance of the ballads is emphasized by violins and female choruses.

Throughout the album, Connick sets the pattern of the songs in the first stanza, retaining that pattern throughout, restraining himself from offering improvisations or variations, which would be difficult, if not impossible, with his large orchestra and choral ensembles.

"When My Heart Finds Christmas" begins as a romantic song introduced by strings, and builds to a crescendo at the end, to the accompaniment of insistent drums. In "It Must Have Been Old Santa," upbeat, loud, and full of swing, Connick showcases the piano, with the drums sometimes competing with it. "The Little Drummer Boy" carries a big drum, and the treatment is louder and more assertive than usual.

"Ave Maria" begins as a solo piano, a pleasant change from the elaborate treatments of previous songs, with Connick singing at the midpoint, but Latin is not his "native language," and the passion one associates with this traditional music is missing in this track. "I Pray on Christmas," however, is a hand-clapping gospel song, a rousing performance, stirring for the listener. "What Are You Doing New Year's" offers wonderful sax variations, the only song on the CD in which jazz variations take place.

If you are a fan of big band music and large choruses, Connick's album is highly appealing--fun, relaxed, and filled with the power of strong drumbeats. Connick is one of the players here, less a soloist and more of a director. n Mary Whipple

The world was first intorduced to Mr Connick in 1993's Hope Floats. Being a virtually unknown Slovakian actor in the early 90s was no easy task. After many failed attempts at building an acting career, Connick decided to debut his musical skills in 1997 to the world with a Christmas album. Certainly an odd subject matter for a debut album, but it sure paid off!
From his originals, which include It Must Have Been Ol Santa, to Pray On Christmas, to more traditional fare, Oh Holy Night, Silent Night, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, Connick's ability as a vocalist really shine forth with the light of the season. Accompanied by a brilliant Pianist, Connick wins big!

I have had this C.D. in my collection over the last few years.It's a pleasure to listen to each holiday season. The title tune is a true Christmas classic. I also enjoyed the renditions of Sleigh Ride and I Pray on Christmas! You can't go wrong with this selection of holiday favorites in the Connick style!

This was my first CD by the artist and i love it. I have since been a Harry Connick Jr. fan and have purchased every cd he has made. Also i say his Only You tour in Fresno and loved it. Orchestra seats were great.

i remember a few years back seeing Harry on the David Letterman show performing "It must have been 'Ol Santa Claus". It was a jazzy fun new christmas song. I immediately went out and bought the CD the next day. "When my Heart finds Christmas" is a collection of 14 songs that has become one of my favorites.

The songs range from the foot-tapping, big band sounds of "Sleigh Ride", "Let it Snow", and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to the smooth croonings of the title track, "Ave Maria" and "What are you Doing New Year's Eve". There's even a very catchy gospel-like song called "I Pray On Christmas".

Conniick's Orchestra is in top form as he captures the spirit and feel fo the old 40's big band era in this great collection, and Harry's voice was never smoother.

This really is one of the best Christmas CDs to come out in years and better, I think than "Harry for the Holidays", Connicks second Christmas CD.

It is often said that Harry Connick Jr.'s greatest strength is his versatility. And on no other of his CDs does that come across. This album is especially careful to point out the variety of styles Connick and his piano and an voice can support. From the big band smash swing cut of "Sleigh Ride" to the stirring piano solo in "Ave Maria", to the rolling Stride of "I Pray On Christmas," the variety is endless.
To make the package better, the CD has almost unlimited replayability. Connick arranged each of these in a completely unique way-- I have yet to see any other versions which are as individual as these. Because of this, the CD is an instant classic--It's hard to replace the X-mas masters like Crosby, Perry Como, and Mannheim Steamroller, but this comes as close as any.
This CD's so good, you really do wish it was December 12 months of the year!

With its cozy cover photo and charming sentiment, from the very first notes, When My Heart Finds Christmas sparkles with the classic charm of Dean Martin holiday affair, with mostly successful results. Connick opts for a largely unconventional lineup instead of an album full of the same tunes on everybody else's holiday CDs; interestingly enough, most of the lesser-known songs fly high while a number of the standards fall flat.

The opening track, a sprightly arrangement of "Sleigh Ride" that gets things moving nicely, and "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" crackles with insinuating joy, but "Rudolph" shows the dangers of utilizing a children's chorus, whose screechy exuberance mars an otherwise fantastic arrangement. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" is nice enough, but it's a bit drab, especially for the last track. The very slow, dramatic "What Child is This?" may be a drag for some, and a tedious march arrangement of "Little Drummer Boy" quickly becomes grating.

Proving that not all marches are stodgy, however, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is a smashing success among the less popular numbers, a high-kicking, kid-friendly confection. The Rat Pack throwback is most evident in the tight cocktail swing of "Christmas Dreaming," a Sinatra cover filled with winking cheer. The disc's crown jewel is the gorgeous rendition of "Ave Maria." Tender, delicate, unpretentious and oozingly slow, this is the one where you can really hear Connick pouring his whole heart in. It begins with a solo piano statement that would be more than enough by itself...but when Connick's haunting tenor comes in, trembling with emotion, its plaintive beauty surrounds you like a blessing straight from Heaven. A true joy, and worth the price of the whole CD.

Never one to rest simply on the work of others (as displayed in the series of photos accompanying liner notes, which show Connick chopping down a pine tree and dragging it home), Connick wrote four of the tunes himself. Of the two ballads, the title song comes off like a cheesy '60s ballad, but "The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day" teems with reverent beauty. The faster numbers really deliver. The funky, festive "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus" chugs with the zest of New Orleans, and you're absolutely dead if it doesn't bring a smile to your face. "I Pray on Christmas" shouts like a swingin' holiday revival, complete with call-and-response verses and a delicious piano solo. These two tracks are immensely joyful and deserve to become classics.

I think of When My Heart Finds Christmas like a holiday party thrown by a good friend. I love most of the people there, but some of my favorite guests are in a mood I don't care for, and some I just plain don't like, but I avoid them without complaint because the ones I enjoy are so great. I was *not* keen on this CD and its offbeat selection the first several times I listened, but I kept it because I adored three or four tracks. For some, this one's an acquired taste that's worth the effort; for those who do appreciate it, it gets better every year.

I am a real Harry fan and I don't think I could make it through the holidays without this album. Does a great job with the classics and adds new songs that are a must for the Christmas season. Love it!!!

This is a must have in your Christmas collection. With some oldies but goodies and originals songs, Harry sings the songs like they were meant to be sung with his incredible voice.

I read the (very) few bad reviews here for this album and have to say that those folks must not be true Harry fans, because this album is extremely true to form for him. I don't buy the "I love him normally, but..." nonsense - he sang all of these great songs with the same passion and warmth that he has on all his non-seasonal albums. There is not a badly done song in the bunch, and he even made me like songs I hadn't really cared for before, such as "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Ave Maria". Best cuts are "I Pray on Christmas" and "O Holy Night", but I never get tired of any of them. Look at the overwhelming number of happy listeners here and know the true quality of this album.

I purchase "When My Heart Finds Christmas" along with Whitney Houston "One Wish" Christmas album. I have to confess I love Whitney Houston's Christmas album. She sings some of the most beautiful Christmas songs on "One Wish"..."Joy To The World", "Who Would Imagine A King","O Holy Night" etc the list goes on...I'm very happy I purchase "Whitney Houston's Christmas album "One Wish" along with "When My Heart Finds Christmas". It's definately one of my favorite holiday albums.

In true Sinatra form. Loved it except for track 3 which should have been replaced for a more Big Band form of song, rather than a hip-hop jazz type.

Track 1- Sleigh Ride- This is a great boisterous Christmas Classic, wonderful to jam to, and it is Jazzy in all the right places.

Track 2- A wonderful Christmas Ballard, sure to become a Christmas Classic for years to come.

Track 3- It Must've been ol' Santa Claus- Great jazzed version. Harry really belts out a good one here.

Track 4- The blessed dawn of Christmas Day- this song starts at slow, but Harry and the Big band, really blow it out at the end.

Track 5- Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!- WOW.. this is one of the best songs on the CD. It is so jazzed up, it is almost unrecognizable, but in a good glitzy way. The trumpets and saxophones, and all of the other big banders are at their best in this traditional hit. Harry sings his heart out with this one.

Track 6- The Little Drummer Boy- Great jazzed up version of a classic. Harry oozes talent on this one.

Track 7-Ava Maria- Oh the big band turns it out, for this complicated song. Harry is truly wonderful, there is one portion of the song, where the pianist solo is long, and when Harry comes back on vocals, he seems to be off a little bit.

Track 8- Parade of the Wooden Soldiers- great song. Once again Harry at his best.

Track 9- What Child is This- Oh the Big Band nearly blows me away on this one, it is truly a jazzed up version of a traditional classic.

Track 10-Christmas Dreaming- Great once again

Track 11- I pray on Christmas- a wonderful soulful Ballad, you can tell Harry was belting this one out from the heart. He put everything into it, and it should be a classic for many years to come.

Track 12-Rudoplh the Red-Nosed Reindeer- This is by far the best song on the CD. Harry takes a little kiddy Christmas traditional song, and turns it into a knee-slapping jazzed up version. The saxophonist is unbelievably grand and on key in this one, as well as the trumpeter and the whole BIG BAND. This is the first track you should listen to!!!

Track 13- O Holy Night- this is an ok version, it takes Harry a few verses to heat up on this one, but by the end, his true talents shines on.

Track 14- What are you doing New Year's Eve- A great ballad.

This cd never leaves the cd player during Christmastime. The adults love it, the kids love it. It has a good mix of slower songs and quicker ones that we dance around to. I can listen to the cd, or it plays well as background music during a party. Excellent mix of classic songs and original music.

The first Christmas this album was out, I was hooked. Great rhythms and upbeat songs mixed with moving slower pieces! I couldn't even give you a favorite. And I can't get into the holiday spirit without hearing Harry's Christmas CD. And now he's coming out with another! How can he top it!? I hope he does, it could only be fantastic!

This album combines romantic sentiments of Christmas past, and fun peppy songs for Christmas future. Harry Connick, Jr. smooth and swingin' style will make you want to take out this album all year long, and will certainly get a lot of play during November and December.

I like Harry Connick's style, but he totally blew it on this album. My heart certainly did not find Christmas with this collection. O Holy night is a big disappointment for me as he totally lacks depth in his rendition. If you want to listen to a great rendition of O Holy Night, listen to Engelbert Humperdinck. I wish Harry Connick Jr. hadn't bothered to record Schubert's Ave Maria. He did absolutely no justice to it. That has got to be the worst recorded rendition of the masterpiece. If you want a good rendition of Ave Maria, listen to Stevie Wonder. The other songs are enjoyable but nothing too great. Loads of better Christmas albums out there. This one is much too mediocore. Was extremely disappointed with my buy.

I love this cd! When I first purchsed it I wasn't sure if I would like it, but after hearing the second song I was hooked. He gives a new spin to some old classics and I also like the big band and jazzy sound he lends to the songs. If you're looking for something just a little different than some of the other cds out there, pick this one up!

...as my husband has limited me to playing this between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This a truly wonderful Christmas album, as well as just being a great Harry Connick, Jr. cd.

There is a delightful mix of serious and silly songs, jazzy piano pieces and rollicking traditional songs and gospel-inspired songs and inspirational classics.

My favorites include It Must've Been Ol' Santa Claus, which tends to lead to dancing around the living room, O Holy Night which is heart-breakingly beautiful, the Little Drummer Boy (one of the only versions of this song that I really like), and What Are You Doing New Year's Eve, a wistful song which is the perfect ending to the cd. There really isn't a bad song on this CD.

If you like Harry Connick Jr, you will love this cd. And buy the soundtrack to When Harry Met Sally, which also contains a lot of holiday songs.

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.

I bought this cd for the title track that I fell in love with when I heard it on the radio. "What are you doing New years Eve?" is georgous too. I tend to like his sensual jazz style (ex. When Harry met Sally...soundtrack) This cd is not quite like that but it does have a true Harry Connick Jr. Flare. If you are a fan of the artist this is a must have.

That you will be listening to this INCREDIBLE cd! Harry Connick Jr. has achieved a true classic in this alubum. From his toe tapping "I Pray On Christmas" to the his soul stirring verision of "O Holy Night," he covers all the emotions that Christmas is known for. But perhaps the most amazing thing, is the richness of the instrumentals...in short - perfection. A must have for every Christmas music collection. I listen to it year round!

Mr. Connick has put together a musical Christmas celebration accented with his distinctive pop style. There are some beautiful religious tracks (most notably "What Child is This?" and, especially, "Ave Maria"), mixed in with more secular standards (including a nicely swinging "Sleigh Ride"). Connick weighs in with some of his own compositions in both categories, including the most swinging track on the CD, "It Must Have Been Ol' Santa Claus". There are tracks to please kids of all sizes, including "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" for the little ones. Buy it and enjoy!

This disc has been heavy in my holiday rotation since its release. It has a great balance of tempos, and emotions. There are songs for the adults, and songs for the kids. "(It Must Have Been Ol') Santa Claus" is a great, fun, kid song. He respects the classics, but doesn't just copy the originals. He puts his wonderful touch to each song on the disc. Your grandparents won't complain when you put this one in, even if they aren't familiar with his works yet. He's so talented, that I really wouldn't have expected less from him, and he didn't disappoint with this offering.

As the last of the leaves fall off the trees and the chill of winter fills the air, Harry Connick's Jr's, "When My Heart Finds Christmas," should be filling your ears. It is a beautiful album with soothing soulful Christmas music and the beautiful voice of Harry Connick, Jr. This crooner makes Christmas music that reminds you how good the holidays can be. His voice is soothing, the music is beautiful and he mixes in old standards with new stuff that can't be beat. No holiday collection is complete without this wonderful piece.

At my Christmas party each year, this is one (of 3) cds that is ALWAYS in the mix. It's a great companion to my "traditional" Christmas collection--Bing, Frank & Dean. I love this version of Sleigh Ride. It's a lot of fun!

I am a huge fan of jazz and big band/swing stuff. But Harry Connick jr. is one of my favorite jazz singers. He has that Sinatra style but with a modern twist. My mom brought this cd for me a couple of weeks before christmas.I must say i enjoyed it in fact it is one of the cds i have playing almost constantly during christmas time. My favorite tracks is Ave Maria, when my heart finds christmas and my personal favorite jazz holdiday song ..what are you doing new years eve?....this is an amazing cd for the holidays..it's must for jazz fans and holiday music lovers...