Christmas In July 2008-Day 8

And here's the post that you would have gotten yesterday if I hadn't been laid up in bed all day with a bad head cold. Not sure why it hit me so hard, but it did. I was so bad I didn't record a single song all day! But I've got a few in reserve, and I recorded some today, so hopefully I won't slack on the Christmas music this July. This share features songs with a shepherd theme, you know, as in shepherds came, and all that noise. Well, maybe it'll work for you, maybe it won't. I've been listening to some of these for so long now that I actually hear them as Christmas songs.

Track one is Little Shepherd's March from the great Mitch Miller And His Brass, Piccolos And Drums and the early LP March Along With Mitch (Columbia CL 1475). Not your typical sing along with Mitch style track, but still nice. You can get another Mitch track here, if you're so inclined.

Track dos is Shepherd Serenade from Blue Barron And His Orchestra, from the 10" LP Blue Barron And His Orchestra Play (Royale 1863 10"). I've started to really like Blue Barron since I shared out a Christmas EP from him last year. It's good stuff. You already got a version of this song earlier in the month, in case it sounds familiar.

Tracks three, four and five are all versions of Swingin' Shepherd Blues. Version one is by The Knightsbridge Strings and their LP Nostalgic Swing Mood (Purist SP-4). I was surprised to find the name Malcolm Lockyer credited on the back of this record as an arranger/conductor (along with Reg Owen). Version two is by J. Lawrence Cook from the LP Piano Roll Rock 'N Roll (Mercury SR 60083). I've no idea what piano roll rock 'n roll is supposed to be... Version three is courtesy of The Daphne Hellman Quartet and the LP Holiday For Harp (Columbia Harmony HL 7167). Yep, you read that right, it's another harp artist to add to the list. What have we got now, Robert Maxwell, Harpo Marx & Bianco? Not too shabby.

Anyhow, hope you enjoy tonight's selections. Here's the download link, so have at it! Don't forget to check out 2006 and 2007 for more Christmas in July goodies!