Title:	Merry Arizona - Vol. Two
Artists:	Various Arizona Artists
Produced By:	Merry Arizona Committee and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
Available:	By Mail Order or at Arizona Retailers Listed Below

REVIEW
by
Mary Ellen Gustafson
"Merry Arizona - Vol. 2" is the follow up to the smashing success of this project last year. All the artists are from Arizona, and the proceeds from the sale of the album benefit UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF CENTRAL ARIZONA. Nationally known performers from Arizona, along with local favorites, put together a Christmas album of 15 songs this year that gives each Carol their personal touch.

The album starts with a R & B version of "The Christmas Song" by Ce Ce Peniston, then moves on to a Jazz rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High" by Kevin Stoller on this, his second outing on "Merry Arizona." Glen Campbell returns for his second year to sing "Little Drummer Boy," while another long time Phoenix resident, Alice Cooper, gives a hilarious technical narration of how there could be flying reindeer, how Santa could possibly accomplish his rounds in one night, etc., on the track titled "Is There A Santa?"

The Kingston Trio contributes an upbeat, gospel rendition of "Children Go Where I send Thee," while the ASU Concert Choir provides an acapella version of "Deck the Halls." Jolly Demis also returns for this year's album with a semi-country swing interpretation of "Going Home For Christmas."

Local band Turning Point provides a jazzed up instrumental of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and Frank Lloyd Vinyl perfomrs the country western "She's Coming Home." Local reggae star Walt Richardson does a rap of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" mixed with some "Deck The Halls" la la's added.

Over all, this is a fun Christmas album to add to your collection, benefits a good cause, and a lot of people, both artists and staff, worked hard to bring it to you. I rate it at 4+, only because I like Vol. One better - but that's a matter of personal taste.

If you would like to obtain a copy of "Merry Arizona - Vol. II," here's where to find it.

If you live in Arizona, it is available in the following retail outlets:

ABCO	Albertson's	Basha's
Circles	Smith's	Smitty's
The Wherehouse	Phoenix Norwest Banks	Southwest Supermarkets

Prices: CDs $11.99, Cassettes $8.99

To Order CDs or Cassettes, send a check or money order to:

United Cerebral Palsy
321 W. Hatcher, Suite 102
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: (602) 943-5472

Please include $2.50 shipping and handling for up to every six CDs/cassettes ordered.

Since there are no repeat tunes on this year's album, I'm including the lyrics to the most popular song on last year's release. Everyone knows the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but did you know we have a "Twelve Days of Arizona Christmas?" If you don't you're about to see "our" version! I won't repeat each stanza, but I will include the "items" on the "list." Enjoy, and Happy Holidays from Phoenix Arizona!!

On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - A Phoenix in a Palm Tree
On the Second Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Two Camelbacks, etc.
On the Third Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Three Iced Teas, etc.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Four Rattlesnakes, etc.
On the Fifth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Five Phoenix Suns, etc.
On the Sixth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Six Jalapenos, etc.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Seven Hot Tamales, etc.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Eight Chili Peppers, etc.
On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Nine Leaping Lizards, etc.
On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Ten Painted Deserts, etc.
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Eleven Margaritas, etc.
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me - Twelve Swimming Pools


Return to Table of Contents