While we're waiting....

As I type this post I'm moving a few more files out to Google Docs to share out.  Gotta pick up the pace - only 10 days to go until Christmas!

This is just a quick non-Christmas post about some of the tremendous musicians I've seen here in Kansas City in the past five weeks.  I'm not sure who all is on my musical bucket list, but these three artists were, and I jumped at the chance to see them perform here.

First, back on November 8th, Regina Spektor performed here at the Midland Theatre .  The first time I heard one of Regina's songs I was very "meh" about it.  Then about a year later, I re-listened again and loved it.  I don't know what sort of funk I was in the first time, but I've come to recognize her originality and artisty as a singer/songwriter/pianist.  She's an emerging star with a very strong fan base.  It was a great show.

Then, a mere 9 days later, I saw Bruce Springsteen perform at the Sprint Center.  It was my first Springsteen concert.  3 1/2 hours of energy, grit, and power.  Damn, man, it was good.  Just might take the top spot on my life list (Glenn Tilbrook solo is currently #1, but I may re-eval).

Then last night (12/14) I saw the Anat Cohen Quartet here at the Folly Theatre.  I love jazz, and I *really* love Anat Cohen's work.  I bought tickets to her show the minute they went on sale.  Anat is an astounding clarinetist in a jazz world dominated by sax.  She puts so much feeling into her performance - wow.  The quartet's performance of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" was especially poignant and moving as she related the band's sadness about the incident in Newtowne.  Anat is amazing.

Ok - just a brief aside....  back to Christmas music shortly...

Peter Raymond Carolers

I'm back from a quick business trip to Denver.  If any of you are familiar with the term ISO 9001:2008 Audit, you'll understand what a blast I had.  If not, it's just as well.

Although I did manage to get a post out while I was away from home, it wasn't a share.  And, if I know my readers, you're ready for another share.  So, here 'tis.

Tonight's share is "Hail To Christmas" by the Peter Raymond Carolers.  This is the mono version of the record from the Wyncote label, and it's undated.  It has that early 60's sound, though.  If anyone can provide the year, please let us know in the comments.

This is a nice record, good instrumentation, pleasant vocals.  Just some pretty swell seasonal music.

I'm still going with Google Docs for the time being.  If you have any problems, let me know.

I hope you like "Hail To Christmas" by the Peter Raymond Carolers!

download link

Three Artists from Mile High

The good people at Mile High Productions have three artists with Christmas releases this year.  And, with merely a mouse click, you can check out the seasonal songs by these three fine artists.

Bunny Sigler is an R&B singer with a darned impressive resume.  Grammy Awards.  In the biz since the 60s.  Has worked with the O’Jays, Lou Rawls, and Patti LaBelle.  And now, he has released “When You’re In Love At Christmas Time”, a collection of 12 holiday songs full of groove, smoove, and style.  Bunny gives us a very unique and enjoyable R&B collection, expertly arranged and performed. 

 

Margo Rey is billed as an “adult contemporary” artist.  Now, “adult contemporary” usually isn’t my thing.  But within just the first few seconds of Margo’s “This Holiday Night” I knew that she was something special.  Sweet, smooth, and sultry, Margo’s voice is just wonderful.  The songs from her EP “This Holiday Night” are excellent, and will make a beautiful addition to your Christmas music collection.

 

RJ Comer brings us one Christmas song, “It Won’t Be Christmastime (‘Round Here)”.  I’m becoming a fan of sad Christmas songs.  RJ’s song is expertly performed, with terrific instrumentation, and outstanding vocals.  The overall musicality is tremendous.  RJ has hit the mark with a song that is both seasonal and melancholy.  I look forward to more from this fine musician.

 

Here are SoundCloud links where you can enjoy a sampling from these artists.  Please listen, learn, and, if you like what you hear, support the artists and buy their records!

Bunny Sigler Holiday SoundCloud Link

Margo Rey Holiday SoundCloud Link

RJ Comer Holiday Track SoundCloud Link

Christmas Deja Vu

So, I'm browsing through the record bins at a local thrift store, and a green metallic cover catches my eye.  "Wishing You a Merry Christmas" the title beckons.   The cover is a retro-chic shiny object.  I am compelled to pick it up and look further.

Whoa!  Look at this!  It's a red vinyl album inside the shiny green sleeve!  I love colored vinyl.  I even have a blue vinyl version of Elvis' "Moody Blue" framed and hanging on the wall in my Elvis room (yes indeed - an Elvis room).  So, what could be better than a bright red vinyl record of Christmas music.  The artist is Johnny Cole and his Chorus.  Ok - I'll pay the 99 cents and give it a new home.

Now we come to rip-to-vinyl time.  Hey - I think I've heard this before.  Like last year (or was it the year before?) when I shared out Johnny Kay.  I think there's a thread out on a Christmas blog somewhere about Johnny Cole/Johnny Kay and his releases through the years. 

There are at least five songs on Johnny Cole's album that weren't on Johnny Kay's.  And, on the songs in common, even though Johnny's vocal tracks are very similar, the arrangements and instrumentation is different.  So, as it turns out, it is a different record than the Johnny Kay share.  And, best of all, the music is really pretty good.

So, here you go - Johnny Cole and his Chorus - "Wishing You a Merry Christmas"

New link location as a Google Doc.  Please comment and let me know if you are able to access and download:

download link

American Christmas Songs

Good morning.  I wanted to let you all know about a great new Christmas Music site I found today:

Sleigh Rides, Jingle Bells, and Silent Nights

Check it out!

Joyous and Merry

Tonight I have something a little different to share out.  As you may have noticed here on Merry and Bright, as well as on other Christmas Music sites, there seems to be increased scrutiny of the files we are posting to share.  Mediafire has tagged a few of my files as containing copyrighted material and blocked them from being downloaded.  While it's a little disappointing, I really don't have a problem with that method of copyright protection by the host.  My files are still there, they just aren't publicly downloadable.  As Doris Day sang, Que Sera Sera.  We move on.

So, what I have for you tonight is a share combined up from two compilation albums, and I've removed the songs that are readily available in digital format.  So, Perry Como, Chet Atkins, Robert Goulet, Mitch Miller & the Gang, Johnny Mathis, Steve and Eydie, and the great (and already quoted) Doris Day do not grace this share.

However, what is left is a great collection of music from the Norman Luboff Choir, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and (a personal favorite), the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra and Chorus, plus many more.

Two albums contributed to this share.  First, "Joyous Christmas",  a "Limited Edition Collectors Item" from Columbia Special Products produced for the Beneficial Finance System.  The second is "Merry Christmas", an excellent 1964 collection from RCA.

These albums are both excellent collections in the tradition of the best 1960s records - a terrific set of performances with great music that hearkens back to those simpler times before the internet, cell phones, and technology saturation.  Just a good ol' stereo record player and a couple of great Christmas records.

Please enjoy a special compilation "Joyous and Merry"

Quick update:  Reader Zepp pointed out a skip and repeat on one of the songs.  I hope to get that fixed tonight (12/6).  I'll re-post the entire share for those who have not downloaded it yet, and also a separate link to the single fixed song, for those who just need the one.

Update II:  Well, the replacement ZIP file was tagged as non-downloadable, but the old one isn't, and neither is the single "Rudolph".  So, please download both files in the following links, and replace the "Rudolph" in the ZIP file with the single MP3 in the second link.  Go figure...

New ZIP files:
Joyous ZIP (updated)
Merry ZIP

Christmas in Europe

As aspect of Christmas that has interested me since I was a child is how the holiday is celebrated throughout the world.  I remember learning about Christmas in other countries in church as a youngster, and it seems that we even covered this in public school, which would, sadly, never be allowed now.  What was Santa Claus called in other lands?  How and when did he arrive?  Reminiscing as I write, this is one of the earliest Christmas memories I have.

My interest in Christmas traditions around the world has not waned.  I have a few books that compile stories from many cultures and traditions, such as "Christmas Stories From Many Lands".

Used record stores and the other Christmas Music sharity sites have provided a bounty of recordings highlighting the musical celebrations from other countries.  Christmas in France, Germany, Sweden, England, Poland, and many others have graced the blogs of the sharity community.

So, I was very pleased to find the record I am sharing today, "Christmas in Europe".  This is an excellent collection of Christmas songs from across Europe.  Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and England are all represented in this 17 song album.  The music is terrific, and the album back cover gives us a snippet of the Christmas traditions from each country.  For me, it hearkens back to my childhood, learning about the traditions of Christmas around the world.

There is more noise on these rips than I would have liked, but it's the best I could do without losing too much of the range.  Even with a bit of noise, this is still a very enjoyable record.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

download link