Teresa Brewer "At Christmas Time"

Today's share is one of my top two featured albums this season, At Christmas Time by Teresa Brewer, a 1957 release on Coral Records, her label for the first 10+ years of her long career.

Teresa Brewer is a relatively recent "discovery" for me personally.  I first learned of her a couple years ago from the album "It Don't Mean a Thing If You Ain't Got That Swing", which she recorded with Duke Ellington.  Then last year I found an album she recorded with Mercer Ellington (featuring an excellent "Ring Dem Bells), and from there I began to explore her work, picking up a number of her albums at the local purveyors of used records.  

So of course, I searched her discography for a Christmas album.  At Christmas Time is her only Christmas record, and it, sadly, was not to be found ay my usual vinyl haunts.  But, I did find it online (either eBay or Discogs - I don't recall which), and made the purchase.  So exciting!

It shipped quickly, last year, from Canada.  Some of you may recall the Canada Post strike that took place last year.  The record was shipped, made it one stop along the way, and then was delayed for a few weeks before the strike ended.  Happy ending though - once the strike was over, At Christmas Time made it to my home.

At Christmas Time is a very unique album.  It is all original songs, and is interspersed with dialogue with Ms. Brewer's children.  It makes for a very homey, cozy feel.  The songs are in Teresa's wheelhouse in terms of vocal style and song composition.  "Umpteen Days Until Christmas", "Christmas Cookies and Holiday Hearts", and "The Gingerbread House" and my personal favorites.  All in all, this is one of my favorite albums in my vinyl collection.

Teresa Brewer has a unique singing style, full of sass and style, perfect 50's/60's pop.  I think that there is a bit of 'love her or no-thanks-I'll-pass on her' amongst the general population of music lovers.  I fall definitely on the 'love her' side, although there a few songs that wear out their welcome quickly (check out "I Gotta Go Get By Baby").  I continue to explore her musical catalog, and greatly enjoy her work, spanning from the early 50s into the early 90's.  (She has a great guest-host episode of The Muppet Show too)

For the share, I decided to separate out the dialogue bits from the songs, so there are a whopping 29 tracks.  I thought that this would make a better listening experience than either including the dialog with the song tracks, or having just two files for the two album sides.

I hope you enjoy one of my favorite shares this year, Teresa Brewer's At Christmas Time.

Where It All Started

As, literally, long as I can remember, I've had Songs of Christmas by Bing Crosby, a 1960 release from Decca records (cat # DL 34461).  I was born in 1964, and I can remember this record in our house, basically forever.  I think I was about 5 years old when I got a record player for Christmas, a little light blue all-in-one, with built-in speakers and 16/33/45/78 speeds.  Somewhere in the house was a larger record player, or maybe it came and went as my older sister and brother moved out and back in.  But my little blue record player stayed, and Songs of Christmas was a very frequent visitor to its turntable (along with Lorne Greene's Have a Happy Holiday and, later, many Disney soundtrack records).  

You can see on the rather worn back cover my checkmarks, showing which songs were my favorites.  "Rudolph" and "Twelve Days" were by far the most played, made easy as the first track on each side.  I'm sure my parents in our four-room home got tired of hearing these played so frequently, and throughout the year.

I've toted this record everywhere with me as I've moved about - from home to college, then from college to Kansas City (2 apartments, one townhome, and two houses).  It's where my love of Bing Crosby came from.  It's where I first learned the nickname "Der Bingle" (although it's spelled "Der Bingel" on the back of the album).  And it's absolutely the seed of my love for Christmas music.  It's the icon of nostalgia of Christmases for me, bringing back the memories that seem to fade just a bit more each year.  Seeing this record and putting it on the turntable sends me back to rural Kansas in the late 60s and early 70s.  Thanks to Linus, we all know what Christmas is all about, but running a close second for me is Bing and Songs of Christmas.

I'm sharing the music from this record, although it's all available for you to purchase or stream through every media possible.  If you want to listen to how well ol' El Bingo sounds on this one-owner 1960 vinyl, download and give a listen.  If you're the rare reader here who doesn't already have their own selections of Bing Crosby, and you like what you hear, please consider making a purchase and supporting those who continue to make this great Christmas music available.

Bing Crosby Songs of Christmas

A Little Christmas Music

Tonight's share, "The Bells of St. Mary's" by Jerry Burke, was in the Holiday bin at a local record store.  The cover looked pretty festive, the title track is one of my favorite Christmas songs, and Jerry Burke is touted as Lawrence Welk's Favorite Organist!  And we love us some Lawrence Welk in the Bingle household.  So, after a quick 'is is on CD?' search, I grabbed the album for sharing, not looking closely (or, actually, at all) at the song listing on the album cover.

Turns out, "The Bells of St. Mary's" is the only Christmas song on the album.  But, you know, that's all right.  Jerry Burke is indeed a skilled musician on the Hammond organ, the arrangements are nice - lots of chimes - and there rest of the songs are pleasant to the ear.  I mean, how often do you get to hear "The Third Man Theme" on Hammond organ?  And no matter how many versions of "Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time" you may have in your collection, isn't there always room for one more?

So, this is a fine record, all in all. You'll exhaust its Christmas offerings after the first 2:02, but save the rest of it for a lazy Sunday afternoon with a glass of sherry.

Please enjoy Jerry Burke and "The Bells of St. Mary's".

Nuttin' and Barking

The first share of this season is the single "(I'm Gettin') Nuttin' For Christmas" b/w "Something Barked on Christmas Morning" by Ricky Zahnd and the Blue Jeaners.  Recorded in 1955 by nine-year old Ricky Zahnd and backed by the Blue Jeaners (also children), these are actually a pretty good couple of songs.  Novelty-ish songs sung by kids have a short shelf-life for me, so thankfully young Mr. Zahnd performs well and the songs themselves are fine.  Not something that I want to play on repeat, but enjoyable in small doses.  Cute, but not overly sappy.  Mirthful, but not annoyingly so.  

Interesting fact (according the the Internet) - Ricky Zahnd, in adulthood, became an executive VP for the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.  

So, please enjoy this single to start our sharing season this year!

Ricky Zahnd download link

New Music from The Wildwoods, Joey Curtin, and Kirby Lyle

"Echoes of Evergreen" - The Wildwoods

Our friends from Lincoln, NE The Wildwoods are back with a new EP, "Echoes of Evergreens".  Featured is the title track, a meditative and heartfelt Christmas song that captures the quiet magic of the holidays. With calming harmonies and a timeless sound reminiscent of classic Christmas records, the song blends warmth and nostalgia into something both familiar and deeply personal.

The Wildwoods - Chloe Gose (violin), Noah Gose (guitar), and Andrew Vaggalis (upright bass) - are superbly talented instrumentalists and vocalists.  Their songs bring a sense of comfort, and are truly sublime. 

The Wildwoods website

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"O Christmas Tree" - Joey Curtin

"O Christmas Tree" is the newest addition to the Christmas performances by Joey Curtin, composer and keyboard artist.  Joey brings influences from jazz, classical, Americana, and Celtic music into her arrangements of many popular seasonal tunes.  "O Christmas Tree" is her most recent release, and is included in her "Joy Joy Joy to the World" playlist on Spotify.

I pick up just perhaps a wee bit of Suzanne Ciani in Joey's music.  Very nice, relaxing, joyful music for your holidays.

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"Joy" - Kirby Lyle

Nashville-based folk artist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Kirby Lyle gives us his new single for the 2025 season,  "Joy".  "Joy" The blends uplifting folk melodies with grounded optimism. It's a powerful anthem about gratitude, integrity, and the beauty of everyday hope.

Kirby has played across many different genres of music in his long career, and has traveled the world performing for enthusiastic audiences.  Stages he has graced include Carnegie Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Kirby Lyle on Facebook

Kirby Lyle website

Q&A with the Sleigh the Holidays Artists!

The artists behind the brilliant compilation Sleigh the Holidays Vol II  graciously answered a few questions I posed to them about their favorite Christmas holiday traditions.  I asked the musicians:

1.  What is your favorite Christmas song (and performer)?

2.  What is a favorite or unique Christmas tradition from your family?

3.  What is your favorite holiday treat?

The responses were fantastic!  There were some surprises, and a couple new (to me) holiday treats that look incredibly scrumptious.   Here are their answers (click the link in the artist name for more info):

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B.K.L.A.  

1.  "O Holy Night" by Celine Dion and "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway

2.  Opening presents!

3.  Swedish Saffron Bread  (Der Bingle note:  I googled this, and it looks delicious!  I may try my hand at making this.)

B.K.L.A.

Swedish Saffron Buns

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e.woolf

1.  "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

2.  Chinese food for dinner and a movie! (we're jewish)

3.  warm apple cider

e.woolf

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Julianne Hope

1.  "My Only Wish (This Year)" by Britney Spears

2.  Christmas Day Breakfast!

3.  Cookies

Julianne Hope

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Miette Hope

1.  "Last Christmas" by Wham 

2.  My family usually decorates a big wreath rather than a whole tree so we don’t have to kill a tree to be festive.

3.  Russian tea cookies

Miette Hope

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Olivia Reid

1.  "Last Christmas" by Wham never misses

2.  We’ve gone to the movies on Christmas Eve several years and it’s always so fun and cozy. (Shout out to the concession stand employees for still being there dishing up popcorn and giant sodas for us on a holiday)

3.  Peppermint mochas!

Olivia Reid

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The Blah Blah Blahs

1.  Dominick the Donkey - Lou Monte

2.  My late grandma who raised me would always make trays of struffoli for friends and family. It’s an Italian holiday dessert that is a real pain in the ass to make, but every year I would help her roll out and cut the dough. We probably made thousands of those little delicious fried bread balls together. She passed the struffoli torch to me, so now I’m the one making her recipe for friends and family for Christmas.  (Der Bingle note:  I had never heard of this treat.  It looks decadent!  Another one to try to make this season.)

3.  All 12 fishes in the Italian Christmas feast

The Blah Blah Blahs

Struffoli

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Devon Michael

1.  The one Christmas song that always ends up on repeat at my house is "Dominick the Donkey." It’s such a quirky classic, and it never fails to make me smile - it’s pure, festive joy!  (Der Bingle note:  TWO votes for Dominick the Donkey!)

2.  My family gets very competitive about baking. Our annual holiday cookie contest is no joke.

3.  Snickerdoodles! My aunt only makes them for special occasions - those fluffy, cinnamon & sugary cookies are the highlight of the season :)

Devon Michael

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disco shrine

1.  Last Christmas - Wham  (Der Bingle note:  That's three votes for "Last Christmas", nosing out ol' Dominick for the lead)

2.  Persian food + Queen dance party.

3.  Pecan Pie  

disco shrine

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Rachel K Collier

1.  Snowman - Sia

2.  Decorating the Christmas tree with wild baubles

3.  Mince pie with a load of cream

Rachel Collier

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BITTERS

1.  I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard

2.  I'm British so doing the Christmas crackers around the dinner table on 25th was always a favorite!

3.  Sticky Toffee Pudding

BITTERS

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JPOLND

1.  The Chipmunk Song!! I just love them so much - I can't help it!!

2.  We always had spaghetti and meatballs for Christmas eve and I’ve kept that tradition going. Mine has to be gluten free now, but it’s still delicious

3.  Chocolate chip cookies!!

JPOLND

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Devon Baldwin

1.  Carol of the Bells

2.  My mom and I throw a Christmas caroling x karaoke party every year with a live band (made up of friends) and it's one of my favorite nights of the year!

3.  Pumpkin pie!

Devon Baldwin

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With all this music and all of those amazing treats, the HBM holiday party has got to be a blast!  I wonder how one gets an invitation to that....  hmmmm...... 😉

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II: 

Spotify link

Amazon Music link

New Music: Sleigh the Holidays Volume 2

It is a true pleasure to bring you one of the best albums of 2025, Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II, from HBM Records.

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II is a compilation album featuring an outstanding collection of seasonal tunes from an all-queer, women, and non-binary lineup of musicians from across the globe.  In the words of Head Bitch Music (HBM) founder Marilyn Reles-Lozano, Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II "celebrates queer joy, chosen family, and the beautiful chaos of the season".   The compilation also supports The Ally Coalition, raising funds for LGBTQIA+ youth.  

I absolutely love the idea of this album.  I love the cause this album supports.  I love the sense of community that exudes from this album, both in its music and in its spirit.  And, most of all, I love the music that HBM has gathered from an amazing collection of musicians.  From beginning to end the performances and arrangements are strong, played with passion, reverence, wit, pride, and attitude!

Some of my personal favorites from the album:

"Jingle Bells" by The Blah Blah Blahs.  I've heard a gazillion versions of Jingle Bells, but this cut by the Los Angeles band The Blah Blah Blahs hooked me immediately.  Within five seconds I knew it was going on my annual comp, and that I'd be playing it on my December guest-DJ gig on local radio.  Rhythmically, it pretty much sticks to standard.  Stylistically, it's erupting like a pyroclastic flow with creativity and energy.  

The Blah Blah Blahs

"Singing in the Snow" by Olivia Reid.  This one caught me by surprise - listen and you'll understand why.  Beautiful vocals, soft and gentle guitar accompaniment, a reserved rhythm section.  This also made my annual Christmas compilation.  

Olivia Reid

"In the Bleak Midwinter" by Rachel Collier.  "One-woman electronic production machine" Rachel Collier modernizes and funky-techs this 19th-century Christmas standard (one of my all-time favorite carols).  

Rachel Collier

"A Marshmallow World" by e.woolf.  Layered sound, slight, expertly-done deviations from the original melody, and gorgeous vocals make this truly enjoyable.  e.woolf's playfullness with melody is discreetly applied and sounds natural and wonderful.

e.woolf

So, my holiday music loving friends, treat yourself and add Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II to your playlist.  At present the album is available via streaming.  And stay tuned, as there may be more treats from the Sleigh the Holidays artists in Santa's bag...

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II track list:

1.    Christmas Time (Me, Myself and I)  Bitters

2.    Jingle Bells  The Blah Blah Blahs

3.    It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year  Liv Slingerland

4.    two queens in a king sized bed  NIKI DEMAR, Julianne Hope

5.    snowglobe  Skyler Cocco

6.    Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas  Frances Anderson

7.    A Marshmallow World  e.woolf

8.    Santa Baby  JPOLND

9.    Bestie Christmas  Donnie Brightko

10.    In the Bleak Midwinter  Rachel K Collier

11.    Blue Christmas  Miette Hope

12.    Singing in the Snow  Olivia Reid

13.    Dear Santa  Disco Shrine

14.    Silent Night  Devon Baldwin

15.    Auld Lang Syne  Devon Michael

Listen on Spotify here!

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume II: 

Spotify link

Amazon Music link

Still reading?  Surprise!  In addition to streaming Volume II, you can stream Sleigh the Holidays, Volume I, released in 2024.  Enjoy!

Sleigh the Holidays, Volume I:  

Spotify link

Apple Music link

About Head Bitch Music: 

Head Bitch Music (HBM) is a multi-faceted, multi-service creative company that was built for artists by artists. As a full-service music production house HBM offers studio time, production, and mixing/mastering services for our clients. In addition to creating custom music, HBM also offers a boutique digital distribution service as well as music licensing and publishing services. HBM can best be described in three simple words: Bold; Honest; Diverse. The HBM team prides themselves on being independent thinkers, empathetic strategists, and equitable partners with all of their clients. The music industry is always evolving, so HBM strives to stay ahead of the curve.