Merry Christmas everyone!
It's as far from a White Christmas as it gets for Kansas City this year. As I'm writing this, it's 65 degrees. The record high for Christmas is 67, so we may set a new record before the day is through. I prefer my Christmases in the 20s, but the nice weather has its advantages.
I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday!
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Happy Christmas Eve!
Happy Christmas Eve to everyone!
We have a few extra things going on this Christmas Eve in the Bingle household. I'm making a batch of kolaches to have on Christmas Day (assuming they are not all devoured today). It's a time-consuming task, with having to allow the dough to raise three times, but it's all worth it. Daughter Becca Bingle is making a Yule Log cake, by request of her grandmother. She baked the cake this morning, but it broke so she turned it into cake Yule Lads and Ladies, and will re-do the log cake later today.
Then it's off to church, followed by dinner at Alex Bingle's house, and the annual tradition of watching "A Christmas Story". Then home to await the arrival of you know who. With the youngest Bingle being 18, some of the excitement has evolved and changed form, but some traditions should never completely fade away.
As for the blog, as always my intentions exceeded available time. There are things left completely undone, but fortunately they can wait until next year. I'll be back here over the next few days to wrap things up. Here's wishing you a wonderful Christmas Eve!
We have a few extra things going on this Christmas Eve in the Bingle household. I'm making a batch of kolaches to have on Christmas Day (assuming they are not all devoured today). It's a time-consuming task, with having to allow the dough to raise three times, but it's all worth it. Daughter Becca Bingle is making a Yule Log cake, by request of her grandmother. She baked the cake this morning, but it broke so she turned it into cake Yule Lads and Ladies, and will re-do the log cake later today.
Then it's off to church, followed by dinner at Alex Bingle's house, and the annual tradition of watching "A Christmas Story". Then home to await the arrival of you know who. With the youngest Bingle being 18, some of the excitement has evolved and changed form, but some traditions should never completely fade away.
As for the blog, as always my intentions exceeded available time. There are things left completely undone, but fortunately they can wait until next year. I'll be back here over the next few days to wrap things up. Here's wishing you a wonderful Christmas Eve!
Monday, December 23, 2019
Final Shares of the Season
Today I'm sharing out the last for this year. I'll be back with a few more posts, but this is it for the vintage music for the 2019 season. I have two more singles for you today.
First is "White Christmas" by the Honeydreamers featuring Jack Russell as soloist. (I wonder if he went on to become a successful dog breeder...) This is on the Peter Pan Records label and was a whopping 25 cents when issued. "White Christmas" is backed by "Adeste Fideles".
"White Christmas" single download link
And second today is "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth", backed by "The Snowflake Song" from The Cricketone Chorus and Orchestra on the Cricket Records label. Just judging by the artwork, this one is maybe a 1970's release. Still a bargain at 29 cents :-)
"All I Want for Christmas" single download link
First is "White Christmas" by the Honeydreamers featuring Jack Russell as soloist. (I wonder if he went on to become a successful dog breeder...) This is on the Peter Pan Records label and was a whopping 25 cents when issued. "White Christmas" is backed by "Adeste Fideles".
And second today is "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth", backed by "The Snowflake Song" from The Cricketone Chorus and Orchestra on the Cricket Records label. Just judging by the artwork, this one is maybe a 1970's release. Still a bargain at 29 cents :-)
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Snap! A Re-Share
Another re-'master' and re-post from last year - here's "Carols of Christmas" by the Snap-On Male Chorus. This one was affected pretty significantly by the stylus issues last year, and so I wanted to make sure to re-do it for this season. Info about the album is here, and the download link is below.
Please enjoy "Carols of Christmas", re-mastered, by the Snap-On Make Chorus!
download link
Please enjoy "Carols of Christmas", re-mastered, by the Snap-On Make Chorus!
download link
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Frosty and Santa
Today's share is another pair of kiddie singles - "Frosty the Snow Man" and "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town". Both of these are released on the "Golden Record" label and are performed by The Sandpipers and Mitch Miller & Orchestra. "Frosty" features vocalist Pat O'Malley, and "Santa" features Anne Lloyd.
Frosty's B-side is "Frosty the Snow Man Part II". Is it a continuation? Is it "the rest of the story", taking a dark turn? You'll have ti find out for yourself!
Santa's B-side is listed on the cover as "Golden Christmas Song" and on the record as "Christmas Song".
So, here they are - Frosty and Santa! Vintage stuff, my friends :-)
Frosty download link
Santa download link
Frosty's B-side is "Frosty the Snow Man Part II". Is it a continuation? Is it "the rest of the story", taking a dark turn? You'll have ti find out for yourself!
Santa's B-side is listed on the cover as "Golden Christmas Song" and on the record as "Christmas Song".
So, here they are - Frosty and Santa! Vintage stuff, my friends :-)
Frosty download link
Santa download link
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Sharing the Abbey Choir
Tonight's share is another new album this season. "Abbey Choir Sing Christmas" is a 1950s-era album released on the Promenade label. The Abbey Choir, formed in the early 1900's at the Church if St. Trinian in England, had continued through 50 years if existence, and, according to the record sleeve, had some children of the original choir members in the choir at the time of the recording.
Interestingly, friend of Merry & Bright Lee shared a version of this album over at MY(P)WHAE just a few weeks ago (Lee and I seem to be on the same wavelength this year), although his share was on the Parade label and had a different album cover. I do like the Promenade cover, featuring two adorable young women and two handsome young men singing amidst some type of evergreen tree.
Like Lee, I found the Choir to be excellent. The recording quality is generally pretty good. Organ accompaniment seems a bit shaky here and there, but the choir is top form. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
The record sleeve indicates Side A track 1 as "Silent Night" and track 2 as "The Wassail Song", but those two songs were reversed on the record itself (and the sequence was accurate on the record label).
I've heard all of the songs that are on the album, but some are not the usual fare, such as "Christians Awake" and "As With Gladness Men of Old". These are mixed in with A-listers "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "The Holly and the Ivy", "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and others.
All in all, a great little album of a top-notch choir. Enjoy!
Abbey Choir download link
Interestingly, friend of Merry & Bright Lee shared a version of this album over at MY(P)WHAE just a few weeks ago (Lee and I seem to be on the same wavelength this year), although his share was on the Parade label and had a different album cover. I do like the Promenade cover, featuring two adorable young women and two handsome young men singing amidst some type of evergreen tree.
Like Lee, I found the Choir to be excellent. The recording quality is generally pretty good. Organ accompaniment seems a bit shaky here and there, but the choir is top form. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
The record sleeve indicates Side A track 1 as "Silent Night" and track 2 as "The Wassail Song", but those two songs were reversed on the record itself (and the sequence was accurate on the record label).
I've heard all of the songs that are on the album, but some are not the usual fare, such as "Christians Awake" and "As With Gladness Men of Old". These are mixed in with A-listers "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "The Holly and the Ivy", "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and others.
All in all, a great little album of a top-notch choir. Enjoy!
Abbey Choir download link
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Tuesday Two-Fer
Well, tonight got away from me a bit. I watched "Klaus" on Netflix, and so now I have to do a quick little post.
You all should watch "Klaus" on Netflix.
Really.
Ok - how about a couple quick shares. Here are two more singles from my friend Frannie. First up, "Merry Christmas from Dennis the Menace". I remember when Dennis the Menace was an iconic comic in the funny papers (as my Dad used to call them). Does anyone remember the TV show? Dennis was big time. So, it makes sense that there is a kid-oriented Christmas record from young Master Mitchell. The songs are "That's What I Want For Christmas" and "When Christmas Comes Around".
Dennis the Menace download link
And second up for this evening, we'll continue the comic page theme, and give you a version of "Snoopy's Christmas" by the Peter Pan Players. While it doesn't approach the (seriously) brilliance of The Royal Guardsmen original version, it's a fun little cut. There are four songs on the two sides:
Side 1: "Snoopy's Christmas" and "Mary Christmas"
SIde 2: "A Ride on Santa's Sleigh" and "Who Stole the Mistletoe?"
Enjoy!
Snoopy's Christmas download link
Monday, December 16, 2019
Album Share: Did Mary Know...
Tonight's share is the first new album of the sharing season. It is regional to my area - an album from the College of Emporia, now Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas. (Correction: College of Emporia was a different institution than Emporia State U).The album title is "Did Mary Know...", ellipsis and all. The album was recorded in 1965 and released by Audio House of Lawrence, KS.
There is a nice selection of songs performed by the Emporia Chorale and The Toppers, a select group of the chorale. Included are standards such as "Carol of the Bells", "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", and "O Little Town of Bethlehem", second tier favorites "Fum, Fum, Fum" and the truncated "Bring a Torch", and little known songs "Early One Morning", "Balulalow", and the title track "Did Mary Know".
If any of my KC area readers knows anyone who may have been in the College of Emporia Choale back in 1965, they may be on this record. Photos of The Toppers and the chorale grace the back cover, though the troupe members are not named.
This is a sweet little remembrance of Christmas past from the Flint Hills of Kansas. Enjoy!
Did Mary Know... download link
Sunday, December 15, 2019
It's Still a Marfy Christmas!
The 2018 Christmas Music season brought us such an unexpected treat with Mrs. Helen Marf's album de musica superba natalizia "Having a Marfy Xmas!!!" We loved it. We played it. We played it loud. We played it soft. We soaked in the aural beauty of Mrs. Helen Marf's kettledrum mastery. And we were left wondering, "Is there more?". Do the Quilt Records archives, deep within the salt caves of West-central Missouri, contain another Christmas album from the enigmatic Mrs. Helen Marf?
Yes indeed. Christmas Season 2019 brings us "Still Having a Marfy Xmas!!!" Through ten tracks of yuletide musical merriment, Mrs. Helen Marf and her band deliver like Santa when he's runnin' late.
And oh that band - they are a veritable cast of Quilt Records All-Stars. Hempal Goozer III on the Hammond organ. Ms. Golly Awkward on drums. Tubular Bells by Hubert Grackfellow. Maria Losa on sleigh bells, and Trina "The Ghost" Frina on vibraphone. Larry Trimpleskzyk-Klamph on bongos and congas.
From beginning to end, the mystical beauty of the Hammond organ leading the rhythm section and the tympani driving the melody is transcendent. Right becomes left, in becomes out, down becomes up. Left, out, and up, having been displaced, merge together into a nouveau chimera of the senses. You'll quickly find your new equilibrium and then lie back and bask in the tympani-driven melodies of Marf.
The opening track, "The Holly and the Ivy", is like an explosive sleigh ride through the woods - holly to the right, ivy to the left, horses at full sprint through a snowstorm, galloping toward home. Giddyap!
"A Marfmallow World", one of my personal favorites on the album, releases the tension from the frenetic sleighride and lets you settle in to the melody made famous by ol' Dino. Those loyal horses got you home, out of the blizzard, and now you can unwind and be merry. Cheers!
"Up on the Housetop" starts with a jazzy little beat from Mrs. Awkward, in the style of the great Angelo Badalamenti, before the entry of a happy little trilly organ accompaniment for Mrs. Marf's jaunty, sprauncy, tympani. If kettledrums were children full of energy and not able to sleep on Christmas Eve, this would be their joyous noise!
Throughout the album, Mrs. Helen Marf treats us to classic Christmas carols, from some of the oldest around ("Here We Come A-Wassailing", from the mid-nineteenth century and possibly much older) to 20th/21st century standards ("White Christmas", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Holly Jolly Christmas""), with focused abandon on the tympani, driving the melodies, commanding our attention like a spotlit mistletoe hanging at the office Christmas party.
By the way, Larry Trimpleskzyk-Klamph's bongos on "Here We Come A-Wassailing" are amazing. As Keanu Reeves would say, "Whoa....".
The real gem of the album is "Dream of Rudolph". Opening with tubular bells and light percussion, the song quickly becomes a tympani solo masterpiece. There is a relentless quality to this retelling of the story of Rudolph, an urgency, with a touch of dark edginess. It's as if Rudolph, in his later years, is recounting the familiar tale, but you can tell he knows what really happened that foggy Christmas Eve... There is no transposition to a minor key needed to give "Dream of Rudolph" an extra dose of intensity. Mrs. Helen Marf''s dynamics in rhythm and loudness - nearly fortissimo drumrolls countered with piano phrasings - make "Dream of Rudolph" an unforgettable addition to your Christmas music collection.
The album's closer is a carol that goes back to 17th century France, revitalized and re-branded as "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Mrs. Helen Marf". As the French say, J'aimerais entendre des bouilloires jouer en mangeant mon escargot. It is a finale befitting the 10-song musical journey that is "Still Having a Marfy Christmas!!!, closing with a rhythm section fadeout and an extended tympani solo, a solo from the Christmassy soul of Mrs. Helen Marf.
"Still Having a Marfy Christmas!!!" Bandcamp link
----------------------------------------
Mrs. Helen Marf is known to be inseparable from Kansas City musician Jason Beers, one of the most creative and prolific in the Kansas City area. Jason released an amazing eleven albums this year, including the Halloween-themed "More Ghoulish Songs for Cretins", "East Virginia Banjo Tunes", "Blood City III: The Return of Billy Stagger", and "Tales from the Blue Glider" featuring Mrs. Helen Marf and local poet C Woods. A personal favorite of mine from Mr. Beers is "Sasquatch Jazz" from 2018. And I'm privileged to own a limited edition of "Banjo Music from Schrodinger County", which may or may not (or, actually, does and does not) contain actual music (the CD case is super-glued shut, so I may never know). For a healthy dose of musical entertainment, visit Jason's Bandcamp site.
While you're there, check out his newest release for the season, "Winter".
Jason Beers Bandcamp page
Yes indeed. Christmas Season 2019 brings us "Still Having a Marfy Xmas!!!" Through ten tracks of yuletide musical merriment, Mrs. Helen Marf and her band deliver like Santa when he's runnin' late.
And oh that band - they are a veritable cast of Quilt Records All-Stars. Hempal Goozer III on the Hammond organ. Ms. Golly Awkward on drums. Tubular Bells by Hubert Grackfellow. Maria Losa on sleigh bells, and Trina "The Ghost" Frina on vibraphone. Larry Trimpleskzyk-Klamph on bongos and congas.
From beginning to end, the mystical beauty of the Hammond organ leading the rhythm section and the tympani driving the melody is transcendent. Right becomes left, in becomes out, down becomes up. Left, out, and up, having been displaced, merge together into a nouveau chimera of the senses. You'll quickly find your new equilibrium and then lie back and bask in the tympani-driven melodies of Marf.
The opening track, "The Holly and the Ivy", is like an explosive sleigh ride through the woods - holly to the right, ivy to the left, horses at full sprint through a snowstorm, galloping toward home. Giddyap!
"A Marfmallow World", one of my personal favorites on the album, releases the tension from the frenetic sleighride and lets you settle in to the melody made famous by ol' Dino. Those loyal horses got you home, out of the blizzard, and now you can unwind and be merry. Cheers!
Promo Video for "Still Having a Marfy Christmas!!!"
"Up on the Housetop" starts with a jazzy little beat from Mrs. Awkward, in the style of the great Angelo Badalamenti, before the entry of a happy little trilly organ accompaniment for Mrs. Marf's jaunty, sprauncy, tympani. If kettledrums were children full of energy and not able to sleep on Christmas Eve, this would be their joyous noise!
Throughout the album, Mrs. Helen Marf treats us to classic Christmas carols, from some of the oldest around ("Here We Come A-Wassailing", from the mid-nineteenth century and possibly much older) to 20th/21st century standards ("White Christmas", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Holly Jolly Christmas""), with focused abandon on the tympani, driving the melodies, commanding our attention like a spotlit mistletoe hanging at the office Christmas party.
By the way, Larry Trimpleskzyk-Klamph's bongos on "Here We Come A-Wassailing" are amazing. As Keanu Reeves would say, "Whoa....".
The real gem of the album is "Dream of Rudolph". Opening with tubular bells and light percussion, the song quickly becomes a tympani solo masterpiece. There is a relentless quality to this retelling of the story of Rudolph, an urgency, with a touch of dark edginess. It's as if Rudolph, in his later years, is recounting the familiar tale, but you can tell he knows what really happened that foggy Christmas Eve... There is no transposition to a minor key needed to give "Dream of Rudolph" an extra dose of intensity. Mrs. Helen Marf''s dynamics in rhythm and loudness - nearly fortissimo drumrolls countered with piano phrasings - make "Dream of Rudolph" an unforgettable addition to your Christmas music collection.
The album's closer is a carol that goes back to 17th century France, revitalized and re-branded as "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Mrs. Helen Marf". As the French say, J'aimerais entendre des bouilloires jouer en mangeant mon escargot. It is a finale befitting the 10-song musical journey that is "Still Having a Marfy Christmas!!!, closing with a rhythm section fadeout and an extended tympani solo, a solo from the Christmassy soul of Mrs. Helen Marf.
"Still Having a Marfy Christmas!!!" Bandcamp link
----------------------------------------
Mrs. Helen Marf is known to be inseparable from Kansas City musician Jason Beers, one of the most creative and prolific in the Kansas City area. Jason released an amazing eleven albums this year, including the Halloween-themed "More Ghoulish Songs for Cretins", "East Virginia Banjo Tunes", "Blood City III: The Return of Billy Stagger", and "Tales from the Blue Glider" featuring Mrs. Helen Marf and local poet C Woods. A personal favorite of mine from Mr. Beers is "Sasquatch Jazz" from 2018. And I'm privileged to own a limited edition of "Banjo Music from Schrodinger County", which may or may not (or, actually, does and does not) contain actual music (the CD case is super-glued shut, so I may never know). For a healthy dose of musical entertainment, visit Jason's Bandcamp site.
While you're there, check out his newest release for the season, "Winter".
Jason Beers Bandcamp page
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
Ten from Camden
Tonight's share is a little unusual in that the record is a 7" 45, but is packed with 10 Christmas Carols on the two sides. When I first perused this and saw only one record in the sleeve, I thought that it was missing a record, that it should have been a 2-record set. But then I looked closer and saw that nope - all ten songs were on the single disc. Nine of the songs are together in sets of three in three tracks, and the final one, "Star of Bethlehem" stands alone.
I've taken some liberties in tagging the tracks. Since they contain three songs, I couldn't string the complete song names out, so they are shortened into what I hope makes sense. They are all classic carols, so I'm sure you'll recognize them.
Interesting things, these extended play 45s. The back cover has a long list of similar records.
So, here you go - 10 Christmas Carols by the Carollers and the Yuletide Choristers, brought to you by Camden, a division of RCA.
Monday, December 9, 2019
20 Questions with Rehya Stevens
Rehya Stevens is a favorite here at Merry & Bright. Last year's "Celebrate" album was one of the year's best, and her follow-up single this year "'Tis the Season" is wonderful. Rehya's latest big news is that she won an HMMA (Hollywood Music in Media Award) in the Holiday category. Things are going great for Rehya! Her song "Jingle Jangle" even made an appearance on local radio here in Kansas City (90.1FM KKFI). Well, the set was curated by yours truly, so she had an 'in'. :-)
Rehya stepped up to the Merry & Bright 20 Questions challenge, a little Q&A so we can learn more about Rehya and her music, and have some fun while we're at it. So, here are 20 Questions with Rehya Stevens.
========================================================
1. Favorite Christmas Song
Rehya Stevens: That is so tough. I love Mariah Carey's version of "Oh, Holy Night." It's mind blowing.
2. Best Thing About Christmas in L.A.
RS: When it gets cold, that's really exciting! Last week, it got down to 30 degrees here. I made a pot of coffee, put a fire on, and sat and stared at the flames for awhile. It was fabulous!
3. Musical Instruments You Play
RS: Piano. I try to play guitar, but I'm terrible.
4. Musician Who Inspires You
RS: One of my favorite musicians to collaborate with is a pianist/keyboard player named Carnell Harrell. He plays with such soulful elegance, and has a unique signature. His arrangements are like a mosaic of sound color that I want to reach out and touch. He's masterful. Nuanced and deep.
5. Fave Christmas Candy
RS: See's! Dark chocolate walnut squares, dark chocolate covered almonds, and dark chocolate buttercreams.
6. Story of Your Song “Fly Past My Roof”
RS: I'm so glad you asked! I love this song. The writing process was start-stop for months. I'm glad I didn't give up on it, because it turned into a knockout! I’d had the verses and pre-chorus written for several months, but couldn't seem to carve a chorus that stuck. In my mind, I heard it as something that Ray Charles would have recorded. So honestly, I never imagined it would have a huge, diva-esque sweeping chorus.
One afternoon, Carnell and I were working on something. I played him the song, and he took to it right away. He launched into the verse with this cute "Wink and a Smile" approach, and built it out from there. I wrote the chorus lyric and melody right there on the spot, and an hour later the song was finished. It felt like a slam dunk!
Jon Kubis (arranger/keyboardist @ Dancing with the Stars) took it to a whole new level with his big band arrangement. Jon is absolutely brilliant! The track could not be any better than it is - and Jon deserves the crown for that. Carnell and I hit a home run, but Jon knocked it out of the park.
7. Musician You Would Love to Record a Duet With
RS: Man!!! There are so many! Pharrell. John Mayer. Michael Buble. Can I have all three?
8. Why You Made “Celebrate”
RS: I love Christmas music. But year after year, hearing the same 20-30 holiday classics can be a little frustrating for me. So, I was inspired by the desire to hear new Christmas songs with integrity akin to the holiday classics.
Also, making Christmas music provides an opportunity to talk about spiritual things. I'm at a point in life where I want to be engaged on a deeper level, and I think there are a lot of people who feel the same way. If I can't sink my teeth into an experience, and be moved or enriched by it - I'll find something better to do with my time.
To me, a great Christmas album should have reflective poignancy woven throughout. I've been steeped in the deep end of life for a long time, so it felt natural to make an album about the human experience, with reverence for the terrain. I wanted Celebrate to be a cathartic experience, because I believe in the value of being fully engaged in the journey - for better or worse. I yearn for music that provides perspective, so I wanted to provide that for people.
9. Christmas Memory from Childhood
RS: I vividly recall the year that we celebrated our last Christmas in a turn of the century house (built in 1911) in Pasadena, Ca. My sister Katie and I were so sad to leave our friends, and the house we grew up in. I was 8 years old, and pouting while running some errands with my dad. We were at a hardware store, buying tools to fix some things around the house. It seemed like we were always fixing that old house! Anyway, I stopped to admire a flocked Christmas tree in the store. I must’ve been pretty mesmerized, because the next thing I knew, we were buying flock for our tree. I remember watching my dad out on the patio, spraying flock all over our beautiful, live evergreen. When the last can was emptied, he stood back, looked at the tree and said, “Alright... you like this? Ok. Well? This is your tree then.” I love that memory. Flock is just gross. My dad was such a good sport.
10. Coolest Thing About Winning an HMMA Award (Yay!)
RS: It feels wonderful to be recognized! As an independent artist, I’ve become a studio rat over the years. I’ve always got my head deep into a song or project, without much time allotted for swanky celebrations and parties. It was a blast to run into old colleagues and friends at the HMMAs and catch up on our lives and careers. It’s funny- because you never think anyone is aware of what you’re up to. But so many colleagues and industry folks seemed to know my work, and appreciate it. That was such a comforting thing to know. I was really touched by that, and happy to be there. Winning the award was a wonderful feeling!
11. Memorable Celebrity Encounter
16. Favorite Movie
RS: I'm obsessed with "While You Were Sleeping."
17. First Solo Musical Performance
RS: When I was 8 years old, my Dad was playing a gig at a local club and called me up onstage to sing. I was scared to death! In my child-mind, all the magic was supposed to just "happen" up there - like in the movies. But NO!!! You have to bring it. That night, I realized that I'd better become a great songwriter in case I never licked the performing thing. I didn't like being the center of attention.
18. Musician/Band That Everyone Should Listen To
RS: Stevie Wonder. “Songs in the key of life.”
19. Why Is Music Important?
RS: Music is healing. It's the fastest way to re-engage the heart, mind, body, soul. The daily grind can just rip you from the core of things that really matter. We need a way back home. Music is magical that way. It's the presence of God, in song.
20. Message To Your Fans
RS: When you listen to my music, I hope that you feel comforted. I hope you feel less alone, and understand that you're part of something beautiful and purposeful in this world. I hope these songs provide enriching companionship that nurtures your soul, and lifts you up and OUT of your world-weary struggles. Life can be so hard, but the spirit is resilient. You just need to tend to it.
Rehya Stevens website
Rehya Stevens Facebook
Rehya stepped up to the Merry & Bright 20 Questions challenge, a little Q&A so we can learn more about Rehya and her music, and have some fun while we're at it. So, here are 20 Questions with Rehya Stevens.
========================================================
1. Favorite Christmas Song
Rehya Stevens: That is so tough. I love Mariah Carey's version of "Oh, Holy Night." It's mind blowing.
2. Best Thing About Christmas in L.A.
RS: When it gets cold, that's really exciting! Last week, it got down to 30 degrees here. I made a pot of coffee, put a fire on, and sat and stared at the flames for awhile. It was fabulous!
3. Musical Instruments You Play
RS: Piano. I try to play guitar, but I'm terrible.
4. Musician Who Inspires You
RS: One of my favorite musicians to collaborate with is a pianist/keyboard player named Carnell Harrell. He plays with such soulful elegance, and has a unique signature. His arrangements are like a mosaic of sound color that I want to reach out and touch. He's masterful. Nuanced and deep.
 |
| Photograph by Katie Kennedy |
5. Fave Christmas Candy
RS: See's! Dark chocolate walnut squares, dark chocolate covered almonds, and dark chocolate buttercreams.
6. Story of Your Song “Fly Past My Roof”
RS: I'm so glad you asked! I love this song. The writing process was start-stop for months. I'm glad I didn't give up on it, because it turned into a knockout! I’d had the verses and pre-chorus written for several months, but couldn't seem to carve a chorus that stuck. In my mind, I heard it as something that Ray Charles would have recorded. So honestly, I never imagined it would have a huge, diva-esque sweeping chorus.
One afternoon, Carnell and I were working on something. I played him the song, and he took to it right away. He launched into the verse with this cute "Wink and a Smile" approach, and built it out from there. I wrote the chorus lyric and melody right there on the spot, and an hour later the song was finished. It felt like a slam dunk!
Jon Kubis (arranger/keyboardist @ Dancing with the Stars) took it to a whole new level with his big band arrangement. Jon is absolutely brilliant! The track could not be any better than it is - and Jon deserves the crown for that. Carnell and I hit a home run, but Jon knocked it out of the park.
7. Musician You Would Love to Record a Duet With
RS: Man!!! There are so many! Pharrell. John Mayer. Michael Buble. Can I have all three?
8. Why You Made “Celebrate”
RS: I love Christmas music. But year after year, hearing the same 20-30 holiday classics can be a little frustrating for me. So, I was inspired by the desire to hear new Christmas songs with integrity akin to the holiday classics.
Also, making Christmas music provides an opportunity to talk about spiritual things. I'm at a point in life where I want to be engaged on a deeper level, and I think there are a lot of people who feel the same way. If I can't sink my teeth into an experience, and be moved or enriched by it - I'll find something better to do with my time.
To me, a great Christmas album should have reflective poignancy woven throughout. I've been steeped in the deep end of life for a long time, so it felt natural to make an album about the human experience, with reverence for the terrain. I wanted Celebrate to be a cathartic experience, because I believe in the value of being fully engaged in the journey - for better or worse. I yearn for music that provides perspective, so I wanted to provide that for people.
9. Christmas Memory from Childhood
RS: I vividly recall the year that we celebrated our last Christmas in a turn of the century house (built in 1911) in Pasadena, Ca. My sister Katie and I were so sad to leave our friends, and the house we grew up in. I was 8 years old, and pouting while running some errands with my dad. We were at a hardware store, buying tools to fix some things around the house. It seemed like we were always fixing that old house! Anyway, I stopped to admire a flocked Christmas tree in the store. I must’ve been pretty mesmerized, because the next thing I knew, we were buying flock for our tree. I remember watching my dad out on the patio, spraying flock all over our beautiful, live evergreen. When the last can was emptied, he stood back, looked at the tree and said, “Alright... you like this? Ok. Well? This is your tree then.” I love that memory. Flock is just gross. My dad was such a good sport.
10. Coolest Thing About Winning an HMMA Award (Yay!)
RS: It feels wonderful to be recognized! As an independent artist, I’ve become a studio rat over the years. I’ve always got my head deep into a song or project, without much time allotted for swanky celebrations and parties. It was a blast to run into old colleagues and friends at the HMMAs and catch up on our lives and careers. It’s funny- because you never think anyone is aware of what you’re up to. But so many colleagues and industry folks seemed to know my work, and appreciate it. That was such a comforting thing to know. I was really touched by that, and happy to be there. Winning the award was a wonderful feeling!
11. Memorable Celebrity Encounter
RS: Meeting John Mayer at Chateau Marmont while celebrating a friend’s birthday. He was having dinner at the table on our right, while Penelope Cruz was seated at the table on our left. And there we were, sandwiched in-between!
I love John’s work, and he’s so handsome!! All through dinner, I don’t think I heard a single conversation at the table... I was preoccupied trying to come up with some clever way to say hi. But the check came, and I lost the nerve to approach him. But my friend Lex, who's is much bolder than me, took the ball and ran with it! She walked right over to him, and did this whole girly goo thing, and the two of them flirted masterfully for about 5 minutes. I was SO jealous. And so mad at myself for standing there mute. Frozen. I had nothin.’
12. Fruitcake – Yes or No
RS: NO!! No, please!! :)
I love John’s work, and he’s so handsome!! All through dinner, I don’t think I heard a single conversation at the table... I was preoccupied trying to come up with some clever way to say hi. But the check came, and I lost the nerve to approach him. But my friend Lex, who's is much bolder than me, took the ball and ran with it! She walked right over to him, and did this whole girly goo thing, and the two of them flirted masterfully for about 5 minutes. I was SO jealous. And so mad at myself for standing there mute. Frozen. I had nothin.’
12. Fruitcake – Yes or No
RS: NO!! No, please!! :)
(editor's note: Rehya has not sampled my fruitcake. Yet. :-) )
13. Christmas Tradition You Could Do Without
RS: The striving for perfection! I have a tendency to get lost in details. I'll fuss over the tree for hours. The house needs to sparkle. The gifts need to be gorgeously wrapped. It's too stressful, honestly. I love being engaged in projects, and appreciate beauty so much - but sometimes I exhaust myself, and get cranky. No one wants to be around a cranky woman. Especially at Christmas time.
14. Your Favorite Way To Give Back
RS: By providing funds, food and blankets to shelter animals. I also love "Adopt a Family." My sister Katie started that tradition years ago, and I've followed suit. It's a wonderful thing!
15. One Goal for 2020
RS: I'd like to write and produce songs for other artists I believe in. I like to write in different genres, and I'm not always the best artist to sing and represent those songs. So, I'd like to see those songs thrive with other artists.
13. Christmas Tradition You Could Do Without
RS: The striving for perfection! I have a tendency to get lost in details. I'll fuss over the tree for hours. The house needs to sparkle. The gifts need to be gorgeously wrapped. It's too stressful, honestly. I love being engaged in projects, and appreciate beauty so much - but sometimes I exhaust myself, and get cranky. No one wants to be around a cranky woman. Especially at Christmas time.
14. Your Favorite Way To Give Back
RS: By providing funds, food and blankets to shelter animals. I also love "Adopt a Family." My sister Katie started that tradition years ago, and I've followed suit. It's a wonderful thing!
15. One Goal for 2020
RS: I'd like to write and produce songs for other artists I believe in. I like to write in different genres, and I'm not always the best artist to sing and represent those songs. So, I'd like to see those songs thrive with other artists.
 |
| Photograph by Katie Kennedy |
16. Favorite Movie
RS: I'm obsessed with "While You Were Sleeping."
17. First Solo Musical Performance
RS: When I was 8 years old, my Dad was playing a gig at a local club and called me up onstage to sing. I was scared to death! In my child-mind, all the magic was supposed to just "happen" up there - like in the movies. But NO!!! You have to bring it. That night, I realized that I'd better become a great songwriter in case I never licked the performing thing. I didn't like being the center of attention.
18. Musician/Band That Everyone Should Listen To
RS: Stevie Wonder. “Songs in the key of life.”
19. Why Is Music Important?
RS: Music is healing. It's the fastest way to re-engage the heart, mind, body, soul. The daily grind can just rip you from the core of things that really matter. We need a way back home. Music is magical that way. It's the presence of God, in song.
20. Message To Your Fans
RS: When you listen to my music, I hope that you feel comforted. I hope you feel less alone, and understand that you're part of something beautiful and purposeful in this world. I hope these songs provide enriching companionship that nurtures your soul, and lifts you up and OUT of your world-weary struggles. Life can be so hard, but the spirit is resilient. You just need to tend to it.
Rehya Stevens website
Rehya Stevens Facebook
Saturday, December 7, 2019
18 Christmas Favorites!
18! Count 'em - 18 Solid Gold Hits! Ok, well "solid gold hits" may be a bit of a stretch. I'd say that it's more like 17 Christmas Favorites and one you've never heard before.
My friend Franny gave me not one but two complete sets of this collection from Tops featuring the Tops Orchestra and Choristers. The 18 songs are spread over three 7" 45rpm records, with three songs on each side.
If you and a buddy, over a beer at your local establishment, listed out the 18 songs most likely to be in this collection, you'd probably hit at least 15 or 16. All the usual suspects are here - Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Rudolph, Frosty, Hark, First Noel, Silent Night - you get the picture. You might not get "Twas the Night Before Christmas", but chances are you'd hit 16 of 18, which is batting .889. Pretty good, chaps.
But, what about that 18th? Included in this collection, on record 3, side 1, is a song I'd never heard called "Santa Claus is Flying Through the Sky". Our friend Lee over at Music You (Possibly) Won't Hear Anywhere Else shared out a version of this back in 2015. I don't know much about the song, but its rarity makes it a must for all the yuletide musica obscura collectors out there.
It's a nice collection of songs, done well. I'll add the disclaimer that the records are old and weren't in the best shape, so there may be a skip here or there, but I think generally the rips were pretty clean.
So, please enjoy Tops 18 Christmas Favorites! download link
My friend Franny gave me not one but two complete sets of this collection from Tops featuring the Tops Orchestra and Choristers. The 18 songs are spread over three 7" 45rpm records, with three songs on each side.
If you and a buddy, over a beer at your local establishment, listed out the 18 songs most likely to be in this collection, you'd probably hit at least 15 or 16. All the usual suspects are here - Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Rudolph, Frosty, Hark, First Noel, Silent Night - you get the picture. You might not get "Twas the Night Before Christmas", but chances are you'd hit 16 of 18, which is batting .889. Pretty good, chaps.
But, what about that 18th? Included in this collection, on record 3, side 1, is a song I'd never heard called "Santa Claus is Flying Through the Sky". Our friend Lee over at Music You (Possibly) Won't Hear Anywhere Else shared out a version of this back in 2015. I don't know much about the song, but its rarity makes it a must for all the yuletide musica obscura collectors out there.
It's a nice collection of songs, done well. I'll add the disclaimer that the records are old and weren't in the best shape, so there may be a skip here or there, but I think generally the rips were pretty clean.
So, please enjoy Tops 18 Christmas Favorites! download link
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Babes Are Not What They Seem
As often happens with vintage records, the contents in the sleeve may not match the info on the sleeve. This one was at least pretty close.
The sleeve promised a Disney record, "Walt Disney's Babes in Toyland" (which would have precluded a share, had it been an actual Disney record). However, the record itself was a 78rpm of the Peter Pan Orchestra and Chorus. The two sides were sorta related to Babes in Toyland, with "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Little Tin Soldier and Little Toy Drum". Pretty good songs, cool sleeve, and a reason to use the Audacity function to change tempo, since my turntable does not have a 78rpm option.
For what it's worth, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is my hands-down favorite part of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
This is an old record, and there may be some minor skips and pops.
Faux "Babes in Toyland" download link
The sleeve promised a Disney record, "Walt Disney's Babes in Toyland" (which would have precluded a share, had it been an actual Disney record). However, the record itself was a 78rpm of the Peter Pan Orchestra and Chorus. The two sides were sorta related to Babes in Toyland, with "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "Little Tin Soldier and Little Toy Drum". Pretty good songs, cool sleeve, and a reason to use the Audacity function to change tempo, since my turntable does not have a 78rpm option.
For what it's worth, "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" is my hands-down favorite part of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
This is an old record, and there may be some minor skips and pops.
Faux "Babes in Toyland" download link
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
How Lovely is Christmas
Remember those books from grade school, where the record would tell you to turn the page? (Or better yet, the filmstrips where the record would beep to advance the strip, but your teacher didn't start it on the right one so the strip was one off from the audio the whole time and little OCD you was the only one in the whole classroom who noticed? I digress...) Well, tonight's share is a blast from the past, a record and book complete with the narrator telling you to "Please turn the page".
My good friend Frannie owns the coolest store in Kansas City, It's a Beautiful Day, where, back beyond the classic rock and roll t-shirts, Grateful Dead tumblers, and all the hip wind chimes, is a room full of used records. Well, last year Frannie brought me a stack of vintage Christmas singles from the vinyl stacks, and so this year you all will be treated to the best of the bunch.
The first one is "How Lovely is Christmas", a narrated children's book, with some audio clips of the song "How Lovely is Christmas" as performed by Bing Crosby.
I've included scans of the whole book in the zip file, so, when downloaded, you can re-live your grade school years, listening to the story, and turning the page when told to do so. It's a great little story, and quite nostalgic for people of a certain age. Maybe you'll want to print the pages, staple them together, and play the audio with your children (or grandchildren) so they can read along as they listen. Enjoy!
How Lovely is Christmas download link
My good friend Frannie owns the coolest store in Kansas City, It's a Beautiful Day, where, back beyond the classic rock and roll t-shirts, Grateful Dead tumblers, and all the hip wind chimes, is a room full of used records. Well, last year Frannie brought me a stack of vintage Christmas singles from the vinyl stacks, and so this year you all will be treated to the best of the bunch.
The first one is "How Lovely is Christmas", a narrated children's book, with some audio clips of the song "How Lovely is Christmas" as performed by Bing Crosby.
I've included scans of the whole book in the zip file, so, when downloaded, you can re-live your grade school years, listening to the story, and turning the page when told to do so. It's a great little story, and quite nostalgic for people of a certain age. Maybe you'll want to print the pages, staple them together, and play the audio with your children (or grandchildren) so they can read along as they listen. Enjoy!
How Lovely is Christmas download link
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Giving Tuesday: The Christmas Project
It's Giving Tuesday, and following the insanity of Black Friday and Cyber Monday an opportunity to donate to the charitable organization of your choice is indeed a breath of fresh air and a cleanse for your soul. I'd like to take a moment this Giving Tuesday to direct you to an extraordinary giving opportunity, one that pairs Christmas Music with the the generosity of many selfless individuals.
"The Christmas Project" was a collaboration between four business owners in and around the Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa area, and the local community of musicians, all of whom came together to produce a 16-song album of acoustic Christmas songs. Titled "The Christmas Project", the resulting album is a collection of beautiful performances of Christmas standards. Given the guidance of 'one instrument, your voice, and your talent' the musicians interpreted some of the finest traditional Christmas carols into their own unique seasonal creations.
The proceeds from the project support Youth Art Team and House of Hope, both organizations focused on supporting the Cedar Valley region in Northeast Iowa.
This is a project that touches my heart. It was born out of a love of their community, a strong desire to give back, and admiration of the talented musicians who contributed to the project. The music is fantastic, the purpose is grand. I encourage you to visit The Christmas Project website, read about their story, and buy a download of the album to support a wonderful cause. Or, if you're in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, visit a Sidecar Coffee location and pick up a hard copy CD!
https://thechristmasmix.com/
The great people behind The Christmas Project are:
Chuck Rowe (Aces)
Tony Kraayenbrink (IFC Studios)
Andy Fuchtman (Sidecar Coffee)
Matt Johnson (Twin Rock Recording Co.)
Thank you gentlemen, for giving to your community, and also for sharing the gift of music from these talented musicians to your neighbors across the country.
"The Christmas Project" was a collaboration between four business owners in and around the Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa area, and the local community of musicians, all of whom came together to produce a 16-song album of acoustic Christmas songs. Titled "The Christmas Project", the resulting album is a collection of beautiful performances of Christmas standards. Given the guidance of 'one instrument, your voice, and your talent' the musicians interpreted some of the finest traditional Christmas carols into their own unique seasonal creations.
The proceeds from the project support Youth Art Team and House of Hope, both organizations focused on supporting the Cedar Valley region in Northeast Iowa.
This is a project that touches my heart. It was born out of a love of their community, a strong desire to give back, and admiration of the talented musicians who contributed to the project. The music is fantastic, the purpose is grand. I encourage you to visit The Christmas Project website, read about their story, and buy a download of the album to support a wonderful cause. Or, if you're in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, visit a Sidecar Coffee location and pick up a hard copy CD!
https://thechristmasmix.com/
The great people behind The Christmas Project are:
Chuck Rowe (Aces)
Tony Kraayenbrink (IFC Studios)
Andy Fuchtman (Sidecar Coffee)
Matt Johnson (Twin Rock Recording Co.)
Thank you gentlemen, for giving to your community, and also for sharing the gift of music from these talented musicians to your neighbors across the country.
Monday, December 2, 2019
New from Found Wandering: "Silent Night"
Found Wandering - the Pennsylvania trio of Colin Comstock, Sarah Comstock, and Jake L'Amand - is a favorite of Merry & Bright. We've written about them a few times, and we selected their entire Christmas catalog as an essential in every serious Christmas music connoisseur's collection. To me, they are the best band I've discovered since starting this blog ten years ago.
In addition to being a great band, they seem to be great people. Every year, Colin, Sarah, and Jake expand their band and bring in an amazing group of their musical friends for a benefit concert. This year's concert will be held on December 22, 2019 in Narberth, PA and will benefit the Philadelphia Project.
For all of us outside of Pennsylvania and have to enjoy Found Wandering through their recorded work, they have released a new EP this year, with three live songs from their 2018 benefit show. "Silent Night" includes the title song, plus "Everything", written by Taylor Leonhardt, and "Sweet Little Baby Boy" by James Brown and Nat Jones.
"Silent Night", the song, is (in my humble opinion) a tough one for a band to tackle and really make special. Many artists do very good, reverent versions of the song, but few are memorable. I love the song, I love its history, and firmly believe it deserves its place in the upper echelon of Christmas standards. Still, most versions fail to capture and hold my attention.
Not so from our Pennsylvania friends. In their hands, "Silent Night" is transformed into a 7 minute 9 second bluesy masterpiece, with haunting vocals from Sarah Comstock and a guitar solo from Jake L'Amand (or possibly guest guitarist Erik Sayles). While I'm very fond of Bing Crosby's recording as the seminal modern recorded version and Les Paul & Mary Ford's simple reverence, Found Wandering has given this staid Christmas classic new life.
"Everything" and "Sweet Little Baby Boy" are standouts in their own right. "Everything", originally recorded by Taylor Leonhardt on her "River House" album, is an unconventional Christmas song, without the usual tropes and sleigh bells, but listening intently uncovers the meaning of the song, or, at least, one possible meaning that spiritually belongs in our celebration of Christmas.
"Sweet Little Baby Boy" closes out the album, and is performed beautifully, the coda to gorgeous, moving offering to the world of Christmas music 2019. "Silent Night" is available as a download purchase at the band's Bandcamp site. Please visit and listen (I think you'll buy a copy, too).
Found Wandering "Silent Night" Bandcamp site
Found Wandering website
Please enjoy Found Wandering performing "Christ Was Born On Christmas Morn"
In addition to being a great band, they seem to be great people. Every year, Colin, Sarah, and Jake expand their band and bring in an amazing group of their musical friends for a benefit concert. This year's concert will be held on December 22, 2019 in Narberth, PA and will benefit the Philadelphia Project.
For all of us outside of Pennsylvania and have to enjoy Found Wandering through their recorded work, they have released a new EP this year, with three live songs from their 2018 benefit show. "Silent Night" includes the title song, plus "Everything", written by Taylor Leonhardt, and "Sweet Little Baby Boy" by James Brown and Nat Jones.
"Silent Night", the song, is (in my humble opinion) a tough one for a band to tackle and really make special. Many artists do very good, reverent versions of the song, but few are memorable. I love the song, I love its history, and firmly believe it deserves its place in the upper echelon of Christmas standards. Still, most versions fail to capture and hold my attention.
Not so from our Pennsylvania friends. In their hands, "Silent Night" is transformed into a 7 minute 9 second bluesy masterpiece, with haunting vocals from Sarah Comstock and a guitar solo from Jake L'Amand (or possibly guest guitarist Erik Sayles). While I'm very fond of Bing Crosby's recording as the seminal modern recorded version and Les Paul & Mary Ford's simple reverence, Found Wandering has given this staid Christmas classic new life.
"Everything" and "Sweet Little Baby Boy" are standouts in their own right. "Everything", originally recorded by Taylor Leonhardt on her "River House" album, is an unconventional Christmas song, without the usual tropes and sleigh bells, but listening intently uncovers the meaning of the song, or, at least, one possible meaning that spiritually belongs in our celebration of Christmas.
"Sweet Little Baby Boy" closes out the album, and is performed beautifully, the coda to gorgeous, moving offering to the world of Christmas music 2019. "Silent Night" is available as a download purchase at the band's Bandcamp site. Please visit and listen (I think you'll buy a copy, too).
Found Wandering "Silent Night" Bandcamp site
Found Wandering website
Please enjoy Found Wandering performing "Christ Was Born On Christmas Morn"
Sunday, December 1, 2019
An Announcement and a Re-Share
Happy December 1!
Whew - the season already seems to be in a full-steam-ahead, lets go go go pace. Wow.
First for today, a quick announcement. I have a whole bunch of things I'm planning/hoping to do this year here at Merry & Bright, and I think that if I'm to succeed, you will see two posts a day from time to time. So, please check back often for new goodies. As always, I hope you like what's here, and please leave me a comment!
Second, here's another re-share/re-master from last year. This was a very pleasant surprise in 2018, so I'm happy to be able to share out a better version. (The cover didn't magically repair itself, so it's still the same damaged one - you may be able to google a better one).
Enjoy!
Luis Bordon download link
Whew - the season already seems to be in a full-steam-ahead, lets go go go pace. Wow.
First for today, a quick announcement. I have a whole bunch of things I'm planning/hoping to do this year here at Merry & Bright, and I think that if I'm to succeed, you will see two posts a day from time to time. So, please check back often for new goodies. As always, I hope you like what's here, and please leave me a comment!
Second, here's another re-share/re-master from last year. This was a very pleasant surprise in 2018, so I'm happy to be able to share out a better version. (The cover didn't magically repair itself, so it's still the same damaged one - you may be able to google a better one).
Enjoy!
Luis Bordon download link