Cuneo Christmas Book Collection

I've written here before about the Cuneo Christmas books I've collected over the past couple of years.  The books were published by Cuneo Press in Chicago from 1942-1981(?), and are wonderful collections of stories, poems, and artwork.  Each book has a brief introduction by John Cuneo.  I'm guessing they were distributed as some sort of subscription, or as an annual premium of some sort.  I haven't been able to find much information about them, but they are absolutely splendid.

I've managed to pick up several more editions of the books, including all eight published in the 1940's.  Here are a few pictures from the inaugural edition, from 1942:

 

 

Here is a picture of the spines of the first four, 1942-1945.

And here is a picture from the 1943 edition:

Each one was hardbound, gilt edge, and published with pages uncut, in the style of much older books.  Many that I have bought still have uncut pages, so I have to use a sharp blade to cut the page edges in order to read them.

Not every story in every book is Christmas-themed, though I believe that each book does contain at least one.   Many, though, have all Christmas stories and poems.

Each one, starting in 1943, closes with the Pope's Christmas Broadcast from the previous year.  It's amazing to read some of the messages from the Popes through the years.  Many times the messages still resonate, and apply to current events even though the words were spoken 60 or  more years ago. 

These are marvelous books, and will provide me with excellent holiday reading for many years to come.

I'm missing only the 1950, 1953, and 1978-1981 editions.  I'll find them for a good price one of these days!

Christmas Kickstarter: Andrea Hamilton

Following the successful Kickstarter campaigns from Elizabeth Chan and The Bowmans, I now would like to call your attention to another very worthy Kickstarter project from Andrea Hamilton.  Andrea is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter who is producing a Christmas album and is asking for a quite modest contribution from all of us Christmas music lovers to help bring the project to completion.  Andrea is asking for $6000, and with about 10 days to go is less than $1800 away from funding.  So close!

Andrea Hamilton Kickstarter

Andrea has some great perks for backers, starting with the Christmas CD, of course.  But for the truly inspired backers, you can receive Andrea's previously released CDs, a live performance DVD, a custom Youtube video, a Valentine's Day performance, vocal lessons, and more! 

Want to know more about Andrea the Artist?  Visit her website, hopefulpop.com.

hopefulpop.com

 

 

So, please take a few moments to check out Andrea's project page, and if you're as impressed as I am, send a few dollars her way to back this truly worthy seasonal project. 

Andrea Hamilton Kickstarter

*Now* You Rear Your Ugly Head, Summertime?

Holy smokes - Ol' Man Summer waited until September 8 to hit 100 degrees in Kansas City.  Over the past few years, it seems that every September we get one penultimate blast of heat in September that reminds us that Fall isn't for a couple more weeks.  (The Last Blast? - usually 2 days in October that hit 93ish, then we settle into cooler weather).

But, I can't complain.  One day at or above 100 this year compared to something like 26 last year.  And, late in the season, I had my AC tuned up on Friday.  So it was ready for the heat :-)

Not that my readers tune in here for the latest in Kansas City weather...

Christmas Music update:  have ripped three or four more albums for sharing since last week, plus one just for me - a 4-record set of Lawrence Welk's Christmas music.  It's in terrific condition, the music is awesome - love that Myron Floren on the accordion - but I can't share it because the music has been released on CD.  I've had it for a couple of years but had not gotten around to ripping it, so I decided it was time.  If you have memories (fond or maybe not quite so much) of the Lawrence Welk Show in the 60s and 70s, give his Christmas music a listen sometime - I think you'll like it.

Next post:  Cuneo Christmas Books - building the collection...

The Sound of a Blog Awakening...

Good day readers!  It's September 3 in the year 2013, and we are one day past Labor Day (here in the U.S.A. - for international readers I suspect it's just a normal Tuesday).  September is a great month as the first of the Brrr (or, if you prefer, Ber) months, leading up to our favorite month, December.

Here in Kansas City, September usually is very consistent in two things:  the last heat wave of the year, and ragweed.  It's actually been a milder Summer than the past few, with the hottest day of the year reaching 99 degrees, and that was just last week.  We are heading into the low 90s again at the end of this week, so I suppose you could consider that a heat wave, but it's quite tolerable.  We'll start to see evenings cooling off nicely as Summer winds down.

And even the ragweed hasn't been miserable tihs year.  I was outside for quite a while yesterday with very few signs that the ragweed pollen was high.  So, I can't complain.

Do you know what else September brings?  The start of Christmas music ripping season!  Yes indeed.  Last night I transferred the first Christmas vinyl of the year to digital.  Steps one and two complete (initial ripping, first phase cleaning through the magic of ClickRepair).  I also took a bit of time to inventory the selections for this season.   I think I have a nice, eclectic selection of music or you to enjoy this year.

And, now it's time to start the work week.  Happy post-Labor day all! 

The Bowmans Christmas Album and Book on Kickstarter

Good day readers!  Here is another opportunity to support some tremendous artists on Kickstarter.  The Bowmans, Sarah and Claire Bowman, are creating a Christmas album with an accompanying illustrated storybook!

All the information about the project can be found here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thebowmans/the-bowmans-christmas-album-and-illustrated-book

Sarah and Claire Bowman are identical twin sisters hailing from Davenport, Iowa, and are currently on tour in California.  Their Kickstarter project should appeal to all of us Christmas music lovers, especially with the bonus of a holiday-themed book.  And, if you're an animal lover, they have some special perks available.  What are they?  You'll have to go to their Kickstarter site to find out! 

For more info about Sarah and Claire, please visit their website, The Bowmans Music.  Listen to some music samples, and I think you'll be hooked.  Then, rush over to Kickstarter and help support their Christmas album.  Hurry though - you have only until August 1 to make your pledge!

I've listened, I'm hooked, I'm a backer.  I can't wait to hear their Christmas album this season!

Christmas Song Kickstarter from Elizabeth Chan

For Elizabeth Chan, Christmas songs don't stop when the New Year rings in.  Elizabeth loves Chrismas music so much, she writes a new song nearly every day.  In fact, she has written over 300 songs to date!  Merry Christmas, indeed!

Many of you may know of Elizabeth via the Christmas music blogosphere.  I remember coming across her work sometime during the last Christmas season, maybe over at Stubby's place, or was it at Santas Working Overtime?  I don't recall for sure, but I know I was impressed at her diligence and dedication to her very focused craft.

Well, now Elizabeth has selected the best of her original Christmas songs to record for a new EP.  And, she has a Kickstarter project created to help fund it.

For a taste of Christmas in May (or June), please visit Elizabeth's Kickstarter site, and if you like what you see and hear, pitch in to help produce the new record.

Elizabeth Chan Kickstarter

Want to know more about Elizabeth?  Here's her very festive website:  Liz Chan Christmas

Runaway Orchestra featuring Sophie Madeleine

A few weeks ago Der Bingle's fave English songstress, Sophie Madeleine, announced a new CD featuring her vocals.  "Runaway Orchestra", by The Runaway Orchestra, was released in the UK by Mr. Bongo, and is available from their website. 

Runaway Orchestra features musicians Tam Nightingale, Hana Pirahna, The Dirty Pretty Strings, Sam Frank, and others, as well as Sophie Madeleine.  The CD contains 10 songs, beautifully arranged and performed by this eclectic, superbly talented collection of musicians.

The opening song is "Happy Together", made popular by The Turtles (and later performed by one of Frank Zappa's bands).  The description of this song on the Mr Bongo website says it has been "re-worked as a delicate love song".  Perhaps, maybe so.  It is a beautiful rendition of the song.  But, its conversion to a minor key (disclaimer: Der Bingle has no formal music training, so maybe it's not minor, maybe it's a 7th, I don't know, but it's different) gives it a haunting, ominous tone.  Yes, it's a delicate love song, but perhaps it's a love song from a stalker.... Forgive me, musicians, for a misinterpretation, but it has taken on a chilling air.

Bob Dylan's "If Not For You" is expertly performed by The Runaway Orchestra.  Truth be told, there is not a weak song on the CD.  I love the arrangements and production.  Talent exudes from this collection.

Want a strong closing number?  Let's end with the Beatles' "Two Of Us".  Sophie Madeleine and Tam Nightingale pair their vocal work for a memorable duet.

Any time there is new music available from Sophie Madeleine, I'm happy.  Her collaboration with The Runaway Orchestra is terrific.  Please check it out on Spotify, and if you like it, go to Mr Bongo and purchase the record, and support these amazing musicians.

Runaway Orchestra on Facebook
Buy it from Mr Bongo
Sophie Madeleine