Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops

Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops' The Ultimate Pops Christmas Party! lives up to its title with 2 CDs and 35 tracks of yuletide cheer in the grand and lavish Boston Pops fashion.  Spanning 1949-1971, The Ultimate Pops Christmas Party! includes two full albums: the original 1959 Pops Christmas Party in RCA's Living Stereo splendor and 1969's new-to-CD Christmastime in Carol and Song.  The latter found Fiedler away from Boston and conducting in New York with some very special guests: legendary soprano Leontyne Price and beloved pop duo Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. The Ultimate Pops Christmas Party! premieres the original recording of "Sleigh Ride" on CD as well as numerous festive rarities from various singles and albums over the years including such classics as the Pops' original version of Leroy Anderson's "The Christmas Festival," "The Toy Trumpet" with Al Hirt, and highlights from Babes in Toyland and The Nutcracker Suite.  TSD's Joe Marchese provides the new liner notes, and everything has been beautifully remastered by multiple Grammy winner Andreas K. Meyer and Ben Hadley at Swan Studios NYC.  In addition, the 24-page booklet designed by John Sellards features original album artwork and previously unpublished photos of Fiedler in a festive mood.