Christmas In July 2019-Part 31

Time for your Saturday evening share, featuring one track that's probably the longest thing I'll share all season.

1. Tenafly High School Concert Choir-E. Brock Griffith, Director-Along The Street I Hear from Festival Of Christmas And Spring Music 1965-1966 (HMR Productions RC 93, Mono, 1966).  More from the Tenafly guys.  And girls, too, I guess, but that doesn't rhyme.

2. The Students Of Pius X School And The Manhattanville Glee Club-Angelus Ad Virginem (The Annunciation Carol) from Music In The Vatican Pavilion (The Vatican Pavilion-New York World's Fair 1964-65 PX-3, Mono, 1964).  From the New York World's Fair to your ears!

3. Wesley Dalton-Ave Maria from Echoes Of The Crucifix From The Catholic Shrine, Indian River, Michigan-Volume 1 (The Catholic Shrine, Indian River, Michigan PR4M-3279/80, Mono, 1963).  I couldn't tell you how some of this stuff turns up, I really can't.  It's just there.

4. Esther Williams And Ricardo Montalban-Baby, It's Cold Outside from M-G-M's 30th Anniversary Album (MGM E3118, Mono, 1954).  In case you didn't know it, this is the original version of the song, as performed in the movie Neptune's Daughter. And yes, that's Khan singing the male parts.

5. Redlands High School Concert Choir-Director, Wilbur H. Schowalter-Carol Of The Bells (Ukranian Carol) from Redlands High School Concert Choir 1964-65 (Handel Record Mfg. H-2008 (on Sleeve) H-2009 (on Label) Blue Vinyl, Mono, 1965).  Still one of my favorite Christmas carols.

6. The Combined Choirs Of St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dickson City, Pa. And Congregation-Entrance Hymn-Silent Night from Midnight Mass At St. Mary's (Dub Recording Company D.D. 1155/1156, Mono, 1965). I can't think of anything smart to say about this one.  It's late and I'm tired.

7. Charles R. Cronham-Organ And Chimes-Hark The Herald Angels Sing/Away In A Manger from Ring Out Christmas Bells/Hymns Of Faith, Hope And Joy (Mercury MG-20001, Mono, 1950).  A two-fer here.

8. Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan And Harry Secombe, Announcer-Wallace Greenslade-The International Christmas Pudding from Goon Show Classics-Vol. 3 (BBC Records & Tapes REB 246, Mono, 1976).  The long one I mentioned.  Not a very Christmassy episode after all, except for the title, but it has it's moments.

9. Oscar Peterson-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from Oscar Peterson Plays The Irving Berlin Songbook (Verve MG V-2053, Mono, 1959). Always gotta check Irving Berlin collections for holiday content.

10. Unknown Artist-Christmas Dreams from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  Christmas demo music.

That's it, no more today.  Enjoy it.  Download here.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 30

Welcome to the noon installment of Christmas in July for Saturday.  Got some good stuff for you, so skip all my explanatory prose and just jump on down to the download.

1. Sisters' Concert Chorus, Sisters Of St. Joseph, Nazareth, Michigan, Director-Sister Maureen, S.S.J.-Holiday Song from Jubilee! (Grace Note LPM-12967/12968, Mono, 1965).  Happy nuns! Not sure what those initials mean...

2. Homer And Jethro-Keep Them Cold Icy Fingers Off Of Me from Barefoot Ballads (RCA Victor LPM-1412, Mono, 1957).  The guys play this one pretty straight, but it's already a weird little song.

3. Sil Austin And His Orchestra-Moonlight In Vermont from Soft Plaintive And Moody! (Mercury MG 20576, Mono, 1960).  A saxophone version for your listening pleasure.

4. The Manhattan Piano Quartet-Lawrence Krueger, William Blankfort, Alexander Dickstein, Marga Richter-Pas De Deux From "The Nutcracker" from Concert Favorites Transcribed For Four Pianos (MGM E3130, Mono, 1954).  That's right, four pianos playing a piece from the Nutcracker.

5. Lyle Richardson, Baritone, With W. Lawrence Curry, Accompanist-What Child Is This from Let's Sing Songs And Hymns For Primary Children (Geneva Press 69-0031, Mono).  That's right, it's actually not Greensleeves, it's What Child Is This!

6. Carmen Dragon Conducting The Capitol Symphony Orchestra-Ave Maria from Bless This House (Capitol SP8527, Stereo).  I couldn't dig up a year for this one, which was odd for a major label release.  I was probably just tired an overlooked it, then I was too lazy to go back and find it today.  Sorry.

7. Unknown Artist-Feliz Navidad from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  Spanish version of a demo track today.

8. Harlan Rogers And Smitty Price-The Invitation/O Come All Ye Faithful from Timeless-Hymns In Colour (Colours/Maranatha! Music SPCN 7-100-16182-7, Stereo, 1986).  More synth goodness for you.

9. Dinah Washington-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from September In The Rain (Mercury SR 60638, Stereo, 1961).  I remember sharing this one out during one of the very earliest Christmas in July celebrations.  I think it was mono back then, but today it's in stereo.

10. F.X. McDonald, Jr., Soloist-The Village Of St. Bernadette from Peace, My Friends (Angelus Records WR 5057, Stereo). And what a quaint little village it is.

That's all.  Ten tracks.  Download is here.  More later.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 29

Is it Saturday finally?  Good, that means I don't have to go to work and I can spend some more time working on the blog.  Or, I can go out and try to buy some more records.  OK, let me post this first, then I'm off.  Who knows what wonderful wonders I will find.  But for now, here are ten great tracks.

1. The Villanova Singers-Joseph Taraskas, Accompanist-Herbert Fiss, Director-Ave Maria from Yours In Song, The Villanova Singers (Vogt Quality Recordings CSRV 2043, Stereo).  Pretty good version, and not one of the ones you hear too often.

2. Virgil Fox-In Dulci Jubilo from Heavy Organ-Bach Live In San Francisco (Decca DL 75323, Stereo, 1972).  From the rock star of the organ, live and in your face.

3. The New Swing Sextet-My Favorite Things from Swingin' Along (Cotique CS-1041, Stereo, 1969).  I've tried to keep the versions of this track to a minimum this year, but some things I just have to grab a track from because they look interesting. And this is pretty interesting.

4. Unknown Artist-Rudolph In Wonderland from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Vol. XVII Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-6500, Stereo, 1985).  Another demo record.

5. George Hamilton IV-Song For A Winter's Night from Early Morning Rain And Other Gordon Lightfoot Songs (RCA Camden CAS-2468, Stereo, 1971).  The classic Gordon Lightfoot song, as done by Hamilton.  I hear Hamilton is a big hit on Broadway now.  Good for him!

6. Shirley Temple-That's What I Want For Christmas From "Stowaway" from The Best Of Shirley Temple (HRB Music 2xLP HRB 2007, Fake Stereo, 1978).  Another track from this record I carried home on the plane from Manhattan earlier this year.

7. Crescent Temple String Band, George Pine-Musical Director-Toyland from Crescent Temple String Band-Trenton, New Jersey (Recorded Publications Z 18621/18622, Stereo).  Mummers, so you know it's going to be happy stuff.

8. William Harrison, Pianist-Wait For The Wagon from Familiar Themes And Easy Classics-Music Minus One Flute (Music Minus One MMO 7035-39, Stereo).  Yes, you can play your flute along to this one.  Now who's going to share a recording of them doing so?

9. Hap Palmer With The Young Peoples Chorus-We Wish You A Merry Christmas-Vocal from Holiday Songs And Rhythms (Activity Records AR-538, Stereo, 1980).  Another vocal track from this record for the kiddies.  Now I need to get busy and start sharing the instrumentals.

10. The Cinema Sound Stage Orchestra-Conducted By Eddie Karam-Winter Like My Life Is Passing (To Climb The Stars) from The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (Warner Bros-Seven Arts/Stanyan WS 1787, Stereo, 1969).  Soundtrack music composed by Rod McKuen.

And that's ten more for you.  Pretty proud of the selections so far this year. It's hard to tell if it'll hold together when you're just recording a track or two here and there, but I think there's a good variety of stuff here.  I just hope I can keep up the quality through the whole month, not to mention the pace. Here's the download link, come back later for more.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 28

Welcome to another fine evening presentation of Christmas In July.  Tonight, we visit many different parts of the world through song, or at least some churches and high schools here in the USA.  Let's begin, shall we.

1. Redlands High School Concert Choir-Director, Wilbur H. Schowalter-Roger Kremer, Narrator, Soloist-On This Happy Morn from Redlands High School Concert Choir 1964-65 (Handel Record Mfg. H-2008 (on Sleeve) H-2009 (on Label) Blue Vinyl, Mono, 1965).  With a name like Redlans, you'd think it would be pressed on red vinyl.  But no, it's a pretty blue.

2. Johnny Keating And All Stars-Snowface from English Jazz (Bally BAL 12001, Mono, 1956).  What's a Snowface?  I don't know...

3. Joni James-Music Supervision By Tony Acquaviva-Ave Maria from One Hundred Voices...One Hundred Strings & Joni James (MGM SE3892, Stereo, 1960).  I buy lots of Joni James records.  I'm not sure why though, I'm not her biggest fan.  They look nice, I guess. Sorry about the noise in there.

4. Wayne Johnson With The Evangel Quartet-Go Tell It On The Mountain from Spiritual Classics (Music City MC WJ 114, Stereo). Not too sure about this one...

5. 1969 Tennessee All-State Orchestra-Thor Johnson, Conductor-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring from Tennessee All-State 1969 (Century 33790, Stereo, 1969). When all else fails in a day of searching fot Christmas music, I can almost always bring home a copy of this song.

6. Unknown Artist-A Joyful Carol from Choral Celebration Vol. V (Jenson Publications JP-4000, Stereo, 1983).  Demo.

7. Jean Martinon Conducting The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra-Les Patineurs-Pas De Trois from Le Cid-Ballet Music/Les Patineurs (The Skaters)-Ballet (London CS 6058, Stereo, 1958).  Another installment in this long-running series about a roller derby team and their pursuit of gold in the 1952 Winter Olympics.

8. The Wooten Sisters-The Little Boy From The Carpenter Shop from The Little Boy From The Carpenter Shop (Homecoming HR-WS-1700, Stereo).  I sorta assumed the little boy in question was Jesus, but you never know...

9. Conducted By Bruno Nicolai, Violin Soloist-Dino Asciolla-A Love Like The Snow (Un Amore Come La Neve) from The Red Tent (Paramount Records PAS 6019, Stereo, 1971). Soundtrack music written by Ennio Morricone!

10. Arthur Winograd Conducting The Virtuoso Symphony Of London-March Of The Little Lead Soldiers, Op. 14 No. 6 from Marches For Children (Audio Fidelity FCS 50,007, Stereo, 1959). From the label that jumped the gun and issued the first stereo LP in November of 1957.

That's all for tonight, I'm tired, I'm going to bed.  More coming tomorrow.  Here's the linky-link.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 27

Time for another midday bonus post.  I promise I'm not going to do one of these every day, but I think I need to do them at least half of the days.  And since I missed so many days the first week, I'm trying to make up for lost time.  This would be much easier if I could keep sharing into August, as I often do, but there's a hard deadline looming that prevents such a luxury.  In the meantime, I'm plunging ahead as best I can.  On to the music!

1. O'Lyn Callahan-Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy from O'Lyn Volume Two-O'Lyn Plays The Yamaha Electone E-70 (Yamaha Records YR 5003, Stereo).  An LP put out as an example of what you can do with your new electronic organ!  I see a lot of these in the thrift stores, and I always have to pick them up and check for Christmas tunes.  They turn up with surprising regularity.

2. Bells Of Grace-Robert L. Neumann, Director-Mrs. Fred Wilson, Organist-French Noel from Bells Of Grace (Lane Recording 25779/25780, Stereo, 1969).  More bells!  I don't recognize the tune though.  Should I?

3. Bel Canto Choir (Grades 3-5)-Catherine Payn, Conductor-Gloria In Excelsis Deo (From "A Christmas Triptych") from O, Clap Your Hands (Dharma GFL 1057 (Morristown, New Jersey), Stereo).  I don't think this is the usual Gloria...  Well, at least the tune isn't normal.

4. The Racine Chapter-Sweet Adelines, Inc., Jarmela Speta-Director-I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing from Make Mine Music (Dave Kennedy Studios USR 7184, Stereo).  Barbershop chorus alert!

5. Mrs. Sarah Makem-In The Month Of January from The Lark In The Morning-Folk Songs And Dances From The Irish Countryside (Tradition (Everest) TLP 1004, Electronic Stereo). Not certain, but I assume she has some relation to the famous Makem Brothers.

6. Dewey And Susan Gardner, Piano And Organ Duet-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring from A Time For Praise-Calvary Baptist Church-Canton, Michigan (Mark Records MC 1258, Stereo).  A duet!  Yes!

7. Hugo Winterhalter-June In January from A Season For My Beloved (ABC-Paramount ST 90168 (ABC Records, Mfd. By Capitol Records), Stereo, 1963).  If it's June in January, how is it December in July?  Something is backwards here...

8. Ferrante & Teicher-Mother Goose Suite (Ma Mère l'Oye): Le Jardin Féerique from The Artistry Of Ferrante & Teicher (ABC-Paramount ABCS-454, Technically Augmented Stereo).  I think this is the conclusion of this little suite.  Now you can go into your archives and listen to the whole thing, start to finish.

9. Unknown Artist-O Little Town Of Bethlehem from Choral Celebration Vol. VIII (Jensen Publications JP-6400, Stereo, 1985).  Demo recording.  There are so many of these...

10. 101 Strings, Conducted By Richard Müller-Lampertz, Koto Solos By Shinichi Yuize-Oshogatsu-Yuki (Snow And New Year) from Songs of The Seasons In Japan (Alshire S-5019, Stereo, 1964).  This is the second time this season I've screwed up and shared a New Year's song in the middle of the month instead of holding them all for the end.  I gotta pay more attention.

And, that brings us to the end again.  Hope you enjoyed this collection of Christmas (and New Year's) music.  Here's the download link.  Come back soon for even more, we're here all month.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 26

Good morning to you all, hope this finds you well.  Here's a new set of shares for this fine Friday.  Enjoy!

1. Franciscan Choir Of Mt. Alvernia Seminary, NY-Ave Maria from The Sons Of St. Francis Sing (ABC-Paramount ABC-206, Mono).  Not the usual Ave Maria, or the other one, but something new and different.  And performed by a bunch of monks!  I found a full Christmas LP by these guys last year that I was pretty excited about, but I couldn't share it because you can order it from the monastery itself.  So if you like what you hear here, hit them up.

2. Ken Griffin-The Bells Of St. Mary's from You Can't Be True, Dear (Columbia CL 907, Mono, 1956).  A little more interesting than many of his recordings, but only just.

3. The Brick Church Choir-A. Irvine McHose, Organist And Choir Director-Carol Of The Bells from Lift Up Your Hearts (Kendall Recording Corporation LP389, Mono, 1959).  Always one of my favorite carols.

4. Paul Mickelson Symphony Orchestra-Hallelujah Chorus (From "The Messiah") from Great Moments In Religious Music (RCA Victor LPM-1754, Mono, 1958).  Great moments, indeed.

5. Della Reese With Orchestra Conducted By Sid Bass-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from And That Reminds Me (Jubilee JGM 1116, Mono, 1959).  Did Della Reese ever record a song poorly? I don't think so, and certainly not here.

6. Robert Noehren At The Organ Of The Trinity Lutheran Church, Cleveland, Ohio-Magnificat from Organ Music Of The Lutheran Church (Audiophile AP-55 (Transparent Red Vinyl), Mono).  Are there any Lutheran's in the audience tonight?  Then this song is for you!

7. Ramon Somohana And His Orchestra-Mangas Verdes (Greensleeves) from Bossa Nova (Palace M-733, Mono). Budget label, so don't expect too much.

8. Roger Williams-Moonlight In Vermont from The Boy Next Door-A Piano Serenade For The Girl Next Door (London (UK) HA-R 2089, Mono, 1955).  A common enough LP, yet somehow I came up with a copy pressed in England.

9. Reginald Foort, F.R.C.O.-Parade Of The Tin Soldiers from Pipe Organ In The Mosque, Vol. 1 (Cook/Sounds Of Our Times 10501, Mono).  First off, this is actually Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers, I don't know why the name was changed.  Second, I was surprised I was able to rip this LP at all.  Most of the vinyl I find on the Cook label has deteriorated to the point where it won't track properly.  I had another LP by this same guy in the stack, and the LP was covered in little lumps that looked like tiny volcanoes popping up out of the vinyl.  Weird, and I've seen similar or worse stuff on lots of other Cook albums.  I don't know what they mixed in with their vinyl back in the day, but it didn't age well. (Anyone know what the FRCO after his name stands for?  I didn't see anything spelling it out on the sleeve.)

10. Unknown Artist-Cool Yule (Including Rap The Halls) from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  Yes, it's another demo recording, but this one features something I don't think we've ever shared out here at the blog, a short Christmas rap!  A very 90's version there-of, but it's still there.

And that's it for today.  Short and sweet.  Here's the download link, see you soon.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 25

Once again, welcome back.  I hope you're all enjoying the Christmas songs this year, whether you're listening to them now or squirreling them away from Christmas listening. Don't forget about them though.  Now, on with the show!

1. Children From New York Public School 24 With Guitar Accompaniment-Why Not Make It All The Time? from Songs For All Year Long (Folkways/Scholastic SC7626, Mono, 1965). Cute song, shame these kids can't sing.

2. Howard Hanson Conducting The Eastman-Rochester Symphony Orchestra-The Winter's Past-Rhapsody For Oboe And Strings from Americana For Solo Winds And String Orchestra (American Music Festival Series Volume 4) (Mercury MG 40003, Mono, 1953).  Some interesting stuff from an interesting series on Mercury.  I always have to check records that I've not seen before, hoping to find a usable track.

3. Ferrante And Teicher With The Ferrante And Teicher Orchestra Conducted By Nick Perito-Ave Maria from Part Two-The Ferrante And Teicher Concert (United Artists UAS 6475, Stereo, 1966).  A live version for a change.

4. Tomita-Footprints In The Snow (Preludes, Book I, No. 6) from Snowflakes Are Dancing-The Newest Sound Of Debussy (RCA Red Seal ARL1-0488, Stereo, 1974).  Not sure if I like this track as much as the other one I shared with you earlier.  This one is very sparse, even ambient.  Which isn't a bad thing, but it borders on sleepy sometimes.

5. Roberta Sherwood With The Malcolm Dodds Singers And Orchestra-Go Tell It On The Mountain from Gospel Goes Pop (aka Gone Gospel) (ABC-Paramount ABCS-464, Stereo, 1963).  A mono version of this track was one of the very first songs I recorded for this year's celebration.  Then the next day I found a stereo version in the pile and had to do it all over again.  Oddly enough, the stereo and mono versions had different titles, but I think that's just dependent on when exactly the LP was pressed.

6. Harry Arnold  And The Strings Of The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra-Moonlight In Vermont from The Moon And The Stars (Mercury SR 60088, Stereo, 1959).  Not sure how Swedish radio stars ended up recording an album for Mercury, but here's the evidence.  Anything can happen, I suppose. Sorry about the noise in this one.  The record goes 'round and around.

7. Gerald Eskelin And The L.A. Jazz Choir-A Rhapsody Of Christmas from Hal Leonard Presents A Choral Spectrum (Youth Edition) (Hal Leonard Publishing HLP-11, Stereo, 1984).  Your demo track in this share.

8. Josef Locke With Chorus & Orchestra And Organ Conducted By Robert Carruthers-Silent Night, Holy Night from A Tear, A Kiss, A Smile-The Best Of Josef Locke Volume 3 (EMI (UK) GO 2042, Stereo, 1992). A collection of much older recordings in fake stereo, I believe.  I remember finding this in a Salvation Army store in Englewood, Florida, and of course getting a little excited.  I think I found the other volumes had Christmas tracks on them too. And are those different words?  Maybe an unfamiliar verse?

9. The 110 Strings Orchestra-The Skaters' Waltz from Waltz Favorites (Mayfair 9657S Yellow Vinyl, Stereo).  A frequent share around here because I can't pass up the colored vinyl.

10. First United Methodist Church Harp Duet-Star Of The East from 1972 Festival Program (Mark MC-5019, Stereo, 1972).  A harp duet?  Yes, please!

And on that note, we conclude tonight's programming. Thanks for playing along.  Here's the download link.  See you tomorrow.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 24

Time for another bonus noon-time share of Christmas in July music. I certainly didn't plan on doing three posts a day, and I don't intend to do it all month, but I need to push out a few more posts to make all the numbers work.  Gotta be something in here you like, bonus tracks or no.

1. Winifred Smith-'Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime from Ethnic Folk Songs From The South (The Tennessee Squire Association 630D-2211, Mono, 1962).  Not sure who Winifred Smith is, or who the Tennessee Squire Association is, but they put out a few albums of music you see occasionally.

2. Tenafly High School Concert Choir-E. Brock Griffith, Director-Two Kings from Festival Of Christmas And Spring Music 1965-1966 (HMR Productions RC 93, Mono, 1966). The original recording on this one was a bit off, so there wasn't much I could do with it. It's off in spots.

3. Unknown Artist-White Christmas from Organ Melodies From Hobby-Lesson Course For Wurlitzer Organs (Rite Record Productions For The Wurlitzer Company 12183/12184, Mono).  For once, and unknown artist that isn't just playing a short demo version.  Well, wait, that's exactly what this is, but the demo is for someone who has a new Wurlitzer organ in their home.  You too could play like this with only a few simple easy lessons!

4. Redlands High School Concert Choir And Chamber Singers-Wilbur H. Schowalter, Director-Alleluia! Now Is The Christmas Morn from 1972-1973 Redlands High School Concert Choir And Chamber Singers (Custom Fidelity CFS-3256, Stereo, 1973).  I had two LPs from this school, and one of them was still sealed.  Not sure now if it was this one or the other. All those years and no one had ever listened to it.

5. Marian Spelman-Ave Maria from Marian Spelman Sings About God And Country (Crosley Enterprises CE-12 "A Custom Recording By Pickwick International, Inc. For Crosley Enterprises", Stereo).  A later LP from one of the stars of Ruth Lyons coven.  I mean TV show.

6. Eddie Peabody-The Bells Of St. Mary's from Banjo Magic (Dot DLP 25376, Stereo, 1961).  Have we had any music from the banjo this season?  Well, here it is.

7. Coventry Cathedral Boys' Choir-Directed By David Lepine, Robert Weddle-Organ-Coventry Carol from Coventry Cathedral Boys' Choir-Choirs Of Britian Series No. 2 (Chapter One (UK) CMS 1006, Stereo, 1971).  Naturally the boys from Coventry would do The Coventry Carol.

8. Tervalon Porche, Tenor, With Joseph La Rue, Organist-Gesu Bambino (When Blossoms Flow'rd Amid The Snow) from God, My Shepherd, Walks Beside Me-Great Religious Musical Masterpieces (Amor Label 8188, Stereo). I'm finding so many typos in the metadata I've entered for all these tracks.  My sincerest apologies for all those misspellings. I try to do a good job with these things, but sometimes my fingers are just in too much of a hurry for their own good.

9. Conducted By Michael Sweeney-Hallelujah Chorus from Hal Leonard Concert Band 1989-1990 (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP 85060087, Stereo, 1989).  The second demo track in today's share.

10. First United Methodist Church Concert Handbell Choir-James A Kruse, Director-He Is Born from First United Methodist Church Concert Handbell Choir (Mark MC-5019, Stereo, 1972).  Handbells?  That makes the share today so much more exciting!  First banjos and now this!

And that about sums it up for this share.  Hope you enjoy the music.  Here's a link, see you later on tonight.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 23

Welcome to day 11, the first post for the day, and the 23rd overall in the month.  We're really cookin' around here.  Got some more goodies for you today, let's see what's in the pile.

1. Regina Music Box-Ave Maria from The Charm Of The Old Music Box-Rare Old Music Boxes From The A. Hacker Collection (Yesterday's Amusements/Premier Film & Recording Corporation 13993, Mono).  We start with a music box version of Ave Maria, something nice and sweet to ease us into the day.

2. Don Lee-Bells Of St. Mary's from Crazy Rhythm (Jubilee JGM 1067, Mono, 1958).  This doesn't seem so crazy to me, but then I'm sharing Christmas music in the middle of summer.  What do I know from crazy?

3. Jerry Fielding And His Orchestra-Button Up Your Overcoat from Play A Dance Concert (Kapp KL-1026 "The Kapp Jazz Gallery", Mono, 1956).  Jerry Fielding isn't very well known, but he put out a great Christmas album that's really hard to find.  Though if you know where to look, you can listen to a copy...

4. Eileen Donaghy With Chorus And Orchestra Directed By Johnny Gregory-Christmas Time In Ireland from Boys From County Armagh (Fontana (UK) TFL 5150, Mono, 1961).  You gotta love Christmas songs from other countries.

5. George Wright-Cool Tango from George Wright Plays The Conn Electronic Organ (HiFiRecord R-712, Mono, 1957).  This will help bring the temperature down a few clicks.

6. Philharmonic Promenade Orchestra-Sir Adrian Boult, Conductor-Fantasia On Greensleeves from Vaughan Williams (Vanguard VRS-1093, Mono).  Remember, while you're listening, just sing the words to What Child Is This.

7. Ursuline Academy Glee Club-Director, Sister Pius Dowd, OSU-Piano, Mrs. Bailey Guard-Go Tell It On The Mountain from Spring Into Song (Recorded Publications Company JZ-88621/88622 (Bethesda, Maryland), Mono). Another of those songs that seems to spring from nowhere and become suddenly popular in the mid-sixties.

8. George Feyer, Piano And Harpsichord, With Rhythm Accompaniment-Hansel And Gretel: Brother Come And Dance With Me from Echoes Of Childhood-For Children Six To Sixty-Six (Vox 10" 33 RPM VX 710, Mono, 1954).  Not sure if this is really Christmas, but I've seen it on a few orchestral Christmas albums.  The LP listed another selection from this piece, but the label omitted it, and I couldn't hear anything where it was supposed to be on the vinyl.  These things happen.

9. Eddie Wayne And Group-Ice And Snow from The Ping Pong Sound Of Guitars In Percussion (Coronet (Premier) CX-139, Mono, 1961).  Another track to cool you off.  By the time we reach the end of this playlist, you'll be frozen solid.

10. Unknown Artist-A Babe Is Born from Choral Celebration Vol. V (Jenson Publications JP-4000, Stereo, 1983).  Another short demo for you.

Ta-da, that's the end for now.  More to come later.  Follow the link to find the download.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 22

What's that?  You want more?  More Christmas music?  Really?  OK, here's ten more tracks.  Don't say I never gave you anything.

1. Victor Young And His Singing Strings-Wintertime Of Love (From Republic Picture "Thunderbirds") from Cinema Rhapsodies (Decca DL 8051, Mono, 1953).  I think this is the second version of this song I've shared with you this year.

2. Advanced Girls' Glee-La Palma Choral Music Department-Edwin Grace, Director-Ave Maria from La Palma Choral Music Department (Handel Record Mfg. Co. H-2053, Stereo, 1968).  Not the only Ave Maria on this LP.  Stay tuned...

3. Neville Marriner-Academy Of St. Martin-In-The-Fields-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (From Cantata No. 147) from A Little Night Music (Angel S-37443, Stereo, 1977).  Yet another example of how many albums feature more than one song related to Christmas.  What is this, the second or third track from this LP?

4. The Wilburn Brothers-Lilacs In Winter from Little Johnny From Down The Street (Decca DL 75173, Stereo, 1970).  OK, so this LP only had the one track...

5. Unknown Artist-Lying In A Manger from Best Of '78 Choral Music (Jenson Publications JP3-003, Stereo, 1977).  Some of these demo albums had 20 Christmas-adjacent tracks spread over two LPs!

6. The University Chorus-The University Of North Dakota-James Fudge, Conductor-Einar Einarson, Trumpet Soloist-Marlys Murphy, Pianist-Magnificat from In Concert (Century 26516, Stereo).  Is this a Christmas song?  Or just another part of the Latin mass?

7. The Parris Mitchell Voices-Moonlight In Vermont from Magic Moments In Love (Pickwick SPC-5004, Stereo).  Budget label voices.

8. Ferrante & Teicher-Mother Goose Suite (Ma Mère l'Oye): Les Entretiens De La Belle At De La Bête from The Artistry Of Ferrante & Teicher (ABC-Paramount ABCS-454, Technically Augmented Stereo). Yet another part of this long suite.

9. Brendan O'Dowda With The Westminster Sinfonia, Conducted By Merrick Farran-O Holy Night from Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory (Musicor MS3081, Stereo, 1965). I've said it before and I'll say it again. Christmas songs sometimes turn up in the strangest places.

10. Robert Maxwell, His Harp And Orchestra-Our Winter Love from A Song For All Seasons (Decca DL 74609, Stereo, 1965).  Gotta love Robert Maxwell. I always pick up his albums to see if there's anything on them I can use.  Wasn't impressed with his actual Christmas album though.  Shame.

And that's ten. Getting better every day around here.  Right this way for the download link.  See you tomorrow morning.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 21

Good day!  And welcome to another bonus edition of Christmas in July.  Gotta pump out some more shares to make sure the folder is empty by the end of the month.  I'm sure you won't mind, as long as I keep sharing great lost Christmas music with you.  Well, I can't vouch for how great it is, but it has it's moments.

1. Ferlin Husky With The Jordanaires And Millie And Marvin Hughes' Orchestra-Out In The Cold Again from Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (Capitol T880, Mono, 1957).  I've only ever heard one other version of this song, and it's a good one.  I was happy to find this version.

2. Marais And Miranda With The Pardo Ancient Instrument Ensemble-The Sheep Under The Snow (Celtic) from Ballads Of Long Ago (Columbia Masterworks ML 4894, Mono, 1956).  Another good track by this great yet forgotten duo.

3. Robert Noehren At The Organ Of The Trinity Lutheran Church, Cleveland, Ohio-Von Himmel Hoch from Organ Music Of The Lutheran Church (Audiophile AP-55 (Transparent Red Vinyl), Mono). German Christmas music from red vinyl! How can you go wrong with that?

4. Deodato-Ave Maria from Whirlwinds (MCA MCA-410, Stereo, 1974).  Not the sort of thing I expected to find, but there it was.

5. The Wanderin' Five-Go Tell It On The Mountain from Come On In!!! We're Pickin' And Singin' (Somerset SF-18600, Stereo).  Interesting stuff from a budget label. Probably been releaed under 5 or 6 other names.

6. John Barry-The Lion In Winter (From The Motion Picture "The Lion In Winter") from Ready When You Are, J.B. (Columbia CS 1003, Stereo, 1970).  From the guy that brought you all the best James Bond music back in the day.

7. Bedford High School-Little Drummer Boy from Bedford High School, Temperance, Michigan (API ARIS 8022, Stereo). There seems to have been a period in the mid sixties where every choir in the US recorded this song.

8. Schola Moderna Chorale, Early Instruments, Organ, Members Of The New York Brass Quintet, With Oswald Hoffmann-Narrator-The Nativity from Luther Legacy (A Cshola Moderna Recording 2xLP SML-450/451, Stereo).  This was a big fancy double album that looked like it was on a major label, but seems to have been a home brew thing of some sort.

9. Unknown Artist-O Holy Night from Choral Celebration Vol. VIII (Jensen Publications JP-6400, Stereo, 1985).  Demo...

10. Sistine Choir (Coro Cantori Romani Di Musica Sacra-Capella Sistina C Basiliche Maggiori)-Pastores Dicite (Speak, Shepherds) from Selections From The Sound Tracks Of The Motion Pictures Christ Is Born And Christ Is Risen (Counterpoint/Esoteric (Everest) CPST-5600, Stereo, 1972). An interesting collection of songs in Latin from a soundtrack having something to do with The Vatican.

Ten more, just like that.  Here's the download link.  One more set later on today, stand by...

Christmas In July 2019-Part 20

Welcome back! What day is this?  Wednesday.  Good.  Here's ten more tracks for your listening pleasure.

1. Bob Ralston-Greensleeves from Lawrence Welk Presents Bob Ralston At The Thomas Organ (Ranwood R-8175, Stereo, 1977).  Much later in his career than most of the stuff you see out there, this is well after Lawrence Welk and company had ceased putting out interesting music.  It was all the bland stuff from television.  Too bad, his early work was pretty cool with occasional flashes of brilliance.

2. Mrs. Alvin Davis-Hallelujah Chorus from Favorite Hymns From The Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel-Selections Played On The Chapel Organ By Mrs. Alvin Davis (Continental Communications PRP-14711/14712, Stereo). Well, at least it's not kiddies singing.

3. Tennessee Ernie Ford-Jesus Loves The Little Children; I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing from Sunday School Songs For Children Of All Ages (Word SPCN 7-01-891610-0, Stereo, 1983).  You can't go wrong with someone named Ernie.  Any new music from this Ernie is more than welcome around here. The Jesus Loves The Little Children isn't mentioned on the sleeve, but it's on the label and in the grooves.

4. The Young Americans-Conducted By Milton C. Anderson-Klondike (From NBC Television Series "Klondike") from The Young Americans Presented By Johnny Mathis (Mercury SR 61023, Stereo, 1965).  You know it's good if Johnny Mathis put his name on it.  Not very Christmassy though.

5. Jean Martinon Conducting The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra-Les Patineurs-Ensemble from Le Cid-Ballet Music/Les Patineurs (The Skaters)-Ballet (London CS 6058, Stereo, 1958).  What is this, part four?

6. Hugo Winterhalter-Our Winter Love from A Season For My Beloved (ABC-Paramount ST 90168 (ABC Records, Mfd. By Capitol Records), Stereo, 1963).  You can't go wrong with a name like Winterhalter, the seasonal goodness is right there in his name.

7. Big Bertha Band Organ-Skaters Waltz from Big Bertha Band Organ-Great Music Of A Golden Era! (Audio Fidelity AFSD 6145, Stereo, 1966).  Are there any of these big band organs around anymore?  There used to be a large collection here in Sarasota, but I think it's long gone.

8. Sons Of The Pioneers-Star Of Hope from Sons Of The Pioneers Sing Hymns Of The Cowboy (RCA Victor LSP-2652, Stereo, 1963).  Not really a Christmas song, I'm afraid, but I did have high hopes.  There aren't enough cowboy Christmas songs out there.

9.  The Kazbek Orchestra-Conducted By Efgeni Trawin-Trepak, not the Nutcracker song, from Russian Balalaikas (Capitol DT 10234, Duophonic).  Still not a bad track.

10. Unknown Artist-Winter Wonderland; I'll Be Home For Christmas; Ukranian Bell Carol from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Vol. XVII Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-6500, Stereo, 1985).  Not too shabby for the demo track of the day.

That's it. I've got nothing more for you at the moment. Here's a link to the download.  See you again later on.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 19

Hello, and welcome to a rare themed post here for Christmas In July.  I usually can't do theme posts because I don't have a lot of tracks recorded early and ready to go, but this year is a little different.  So the theme today is holiday songs.  They may not have anything to do with Christmas, but they at least all have Holiday in the title.  Here we go...

1. Charles Gould And The Satin Strings-Holiday Tango from Reno Holiday (AKA A Holiday In Reno) (Renovada 100, Mono).  Nice, a private press LP from Nevada.  You don't see that every day.  And a nice little song, too.

2. Sally Niven, David Cryer & The Women-My Holiday from Now Is The Time For All Good Men (Columbia OL 6730, Mono, 1967).  Wow, an actual Christmas song!  Nice! I believe this is a soundtrack to some movie, or is it a play?  Don't remember...

3. Nick Venet-Skiiing Holiday from Theme From "Mr. Novak" And Other High School Themes (MGM E4222, Mono, 1963).  Took me a while to find this one at Discogs, it was entered under Various Artists (and I'm only tentatively attributing it to Nick Venet, but he seemed the most likely name listed) and the title was show as Mr. Novak And Other High School Themes.  Sometimes it's tough to know what's going on over there, but it was done the same way for the mono and the stereo version, and then the two weren't linked together. Obscure releases are a wild west town sometimes.

4. The Lansdowne Jazz Group-Tropic Holiday from The Songs Of Percy Faith (Harmony (Columbia) HL 7223, Mono, 1960).  Percy Faith has had his fingers in a lot of pies over the years. I wish this LP had a version of his Brazilian Sleigh Bells on it though.

5. Vienna State Opera Orchestra; Aliberti, Conductor-Bank Holiday from Introduction To Stereo (Westminster WSS-1, Stereo, 1958).  I love these old Stereo demo albums.

6. Chronicle Atlantic Symphony Steel Orchestra Of Guyana, Conducted By Rudy Bishop-Bugler's Holiday from On Tour With Guy America Airways (Triton Record Productions Tr 1263, Stereo, 1981).  Our second selection of the season from this LP.  Don't forget, it features the steel pan drums.

7. Bee Gees-Holiday from Bee Gees' 1st (Atco SD 33-223, Stereo, 1967). Ooh, you're a holiday...

8. Buddy Merrill-Holiday For Guitars from Holiday For Guitars (Accent AC 5016 SLP, Stereo, 1965).  Steel guitars, that is.

9. Lloyd Lindroth And His Quartet-Holiday For Strings from Harpist's Bazaar (Michlind ML 7011, Stereo, 1968).  And in this case, the harp.

10. Ithaca College Band-Walter Beeler, Director-Holiday Parade from Conductor's Score And Complete Performance Record Of 'On Our Way' (Belwin Mills Publishing  Corp/Credt Records BEL111869, Stereo). No idea what this one is supposed to be.

And that's it.  Ten holiday songs! Certainly a lot of instrumental variety today. Here's the link,  see you tomorrow!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 18

I did some math and realized that I'm not sharing out enough stuff with you folks to get through my stash by the end of the month.  I've got so much stuff already recorded and another pile I hope to get to if I have time that I can't fit it all in at the pace I'm going.  So here's a special bonus post to get a little more caught up.  I shouldn't have to do this too often, but I think it all comes down to how much more stuff I get recorded over the next month.  There aren't enough hours in the day sometimes, you know?  Anyhow, here's your bonus tracks.

1. F.X. McDonald, Jr., Soloist-Ave Maria from Peace, My Friends (Angelus Records WR 5057, Stereo).  I did a non-scientific search, and I think Ave Maria may be the song I have recorded the most versions of this year.  They aren't all the same song though, but among the two most common variations, there may be 30 different ones.  So I've got to share them out a lot.

2. Axel Stordahl And Orchestra Featuring Laurindo Almeida, Lute-Greensleeves from Guitars Around The World (Decca DL74337, Stereo, 1962).  I seem to recall that this was one of the very first songs I recorded this year for Christmas In July.  That was a few months back, and the tracks came hard and heavy after that.  If you haven't heard Axel's full Christmas LP, look it up.  It's pretty good stuff.

3. Rod McKuen-Holidays from Desire Has No Special Time (Everest 3208, Stereo, 1968). Poetry as only Rod can.

4. Ted Heath And His Music-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from My Very Good Friends The Bandleaders (London PS 174, Stereo, 1960).  I believe I've shared this one with you before, but in mono.  I was a little excited when I found this stereo copy recently.  I'm weird like that.

5. Brighton High School Marching Band-Carl Klopshinske, Director-Let There Be Peace-America The Beautiful from Brighton's Bicentennial Pride (Mountain Valley Recording Studio MVR 101, Stereo, 1976). I wanna say this one is from Michigan, but I didn't put anything in the notes like I usually try to do.  Pretty sure it had an outline of the state on the front cover, that was sort of a giveaway.

6. Hugo Winterhalter-A Marshmallow World from A Season For My Beloved (ABC-Paramount ST 90168 (ABC Records, Mfd. By Capitol Records), Stereo, 1963).  I know I've shared this one to death over the years, but here it is again.  And this one is from a special pressing for the Capitol Record Club!  How about that?

7. The Bowling Green State University Renaissance Ensemble-Oliver Chamberlain, Director-Riu, Riu, Chiu from Musical Portraits In Concert At The Toledo Museum Of Art (Mus-I-Col 101571/2, Stereo, 1973).  It's that Monkees Christmas song again...

8. Unknown Artist-Sing Noel, Noel from Choral Celebration Vol. VIII (Jensen Publications JP-6400, Stereo, 1985).  Today's obligatory demo track.

9. Hollywood Pops Orchestra-Ski Run (From "Spellbound") from Motion In Percussion (Sonic Workshop 0100, Stereo, 1960).  Fancy LP cover on this one, with a little bit of lenticular action under the word "Motion".  I think I have the original recording of this some coming up for you later in the season.

10. Tomita-Snowflakes Are Dancing (Children's Corner, No. 4) from Snowflakes Are Dancing-The Newest Sound Of Debussy (RCA Red Seal ARL1-0488, Stereo, 1974).  I seem to remember sharing this one out some years ago from a quadraphonic record.  This time it's in just plain old two channel stereo.  Hope that's OK.

And there you go, ten bonus tracks.  Here's the download link, enjoy the music.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 17

Good morning, welcome back.  It's nice to have you.  Don't forget to leave me a comment so I know you stopped by.  While you're here, I've got ten more tracks for you to download and sample.  See what you like.

1. The Roger Wagner Chorale And Orchestra Conducted By Roger Wagner-Toyland from Victor Herbert On Stage (Capitol T1707, Mono, 1962).  Should have held out for a stereo copy, but I'm sure I was excited to spot it.

2. Paillard-Bells And Organ-Ave Maria from Music Box Hymnal-Beloved, Sacred And Inspirational Songs (Harmony (Columbia) KH 32551, Stereo, 1973). Getting back into the songs from music boxes.

3. Jonah Jones-The Bells Of St. Mary's from Jazz Bonus (Capitol ST1773, Stereo, 1962).  Just found this one last Saturday, not sure I'd ever seen it before.  Pretty nice.

4. The Saint Andrew Singers-Fum, Fum, Fum from Ring And Sing-A Festival Of Music (Dharma GFL 1077 (Morristown, New Jersey), Stereo).  One of my favorite Christmas songs when I was little.  We had it on a budget Christmas album and it seemed to leave a large impression on me.  Not sure why.  It's the sort of song you didn't hear anywhere else, so I must have thought it was special.  I seem to remember it was called On December 5 and 20, but it was the came melody. Note that this is The Saint Andrew Singers.  I think I've shared this in the past as The Saint Andrews Singers, like the sisters, but that was wrong.

5. Bob McGrath With The Jimmy Joyce Singers-I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony) from Bob McGrath Sings For All The Boys And Girls (Disneyland 1357, Stereo, 1974).  I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but Bob McGrath actually released some actual Christmas music in Japan before his Sesame Street days.  Never heard it, but if someone were to have a copy that they'd like to share, I'd sure love to.

6. Jean Martinon Conducting The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra-Les Patineurs-Pas De Deux from Le Cid-Ballet Music/Les Patineurs (The Skaters)-Ballet (London CS 6058, Stereo, 1958).  Another piece to this side-long ballet.

7. Vaughn Monroe doing yet another version of his wintery classic Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, this one from The Best Of Vaughn Monroe (MCA Collectibles MCA-1559, Stereo, 1983).  It's a reissue of his Dot label remake from the early sixties.  He probably recorded this song three or four times, if not more.

8. Unknown Artist-Mary's Lullaby from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  Today's demo recording installment.  I honestly think I have enough of these to do one a share for the whole month.  Thanks for not complaining too loudly about them.

9. The Richard Wolfe Children's Chorus-The Match Girl from Hans Christian Andersen (RCA Camden CAS-1117, Stereo, 1970).  Not sure if this song is anywhere as sweet as the depressing story, but here it is.  I'll take what I can get.

10. Ferrante & Teicher-Mother Goose Suite (Ma Mère l'Oye): Laideronnette Impératrice Des Pagodes from The Artistry Of Ferrante & Teicher (ABC-Paramount ABCS-454, Technically Augmented Stereo).  Another installment of this multi-part suite.

And that's ten.  Get it while it's hot!  Here's the download link.  See you soon!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 16

Welcome to another fun evening of random Christmas-adjacent music!  Another ten songs are coming your way right now!

1. The University Chorus-The University Of North Dakota-James Fudge, Conductor-Ave Maria from In Concert (Century 26516, Stereo). I'm thinking this is the first music I've ever shared with you that hails from North Dakota.  I don't keep too close a track of such things, but I'm pretty sure.

2. The Sego Brothers And Naomi-Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem from The Best Of The Sego Brothers And Naomi (Scripture (Synthetic Plastics) S 121, Stereo, 1964).  I'm thinking this is surely a reissue of a much older track, but I've been wrong before.  Anyone know much about Naomi and her brothers? It's a nice song either way.

3. Bells Of Grace-Robert L. Neumann, Director-Mrs. Fred Wilson, Organist-Bells Of St. Mary's from Bells Of Grace (Lane Recording 25779/25780, Stereo, 1969).  Bells, did someone say bells?  Bells!

4. Unknown Artist-Christmas Rhapsody from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Vol. XVII Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-6500, Stereo, 1985).  Yes, the demo music returns.

5. Harvi Griffin-Greensleeves from The Voice And Harp Of Harvi Griffin (Rite Record Productions 27039/27040, Stereo, 1970).  Harp, this oughta be good!

6. Edmundo Ros And His Orchestra-Holiday For Strings from Arriba! (Decca Phase 4 (UK) PFS 4092, Stereo, 1966). David Rose by way of Latin America.  This oughta be good, too.

7. Bedford High School-Let There Be Peace On Earth from Bedford High School, Temperance, Michigan (API ARIS 8022, Stereo). I used to try to avoid these high school musical recordings, but I think they have a lot of charm.  Not always, but often.  And once in a while you find a really good one.  This may not be one of those, however.

8. The Spurrlows-My Favorite Things from A Slice Of The Spurrlows (Myrrh (Word) MST-6508-LP, Stereo, 1972).  I'm sure you remember The Spurrlows and their great Christmas album.  I think it might even still be around here on the blog somewhere...

9. Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra-Oriental Holiday from Songs I Wrote (Hamilton HLP 12162, Stereo, 1965).  Yep, that's right, an original from Billy Vaughn.  You're welcome!

10. Jim And Jesse-Snowbird from Freight Train (Capitol ST-770, Stereo, 1971). Been sitting on this album for years, finally got around to recording something from it this year.  Not sure if it was worth the wait.

And that's another day in the can.  Here's the download link, hope you found something you like today.  See you again tomorrow.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 15

What day is this?  I'm not even sure anymore.  The four day weekend flew by so fast I got whiplash.  Back to work is killing me.  At least I can take some solace in a handful of lost Christmas music.  Have a go at these tracks while I go get my morning reports done.

1. Carmen Cavallaro-The Poet Of The Piano-At The Town In The Snow from Cherry Blossom Time-Popular Melodies Of Japan (Decca DL 4545, Mono, 1964).  I don't hear any Asian influence in the piece, as the title of the album would imply.  But it doesn't exactly sound like Christmas either, so I don't have much room to complain.

2. Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians-Glee Club-Stuart Churchill, Soloist-Ave Maria, the first of two versions from Songs Of Devotion (Decca DL 8670, Mono, 1958).  There's so much Fred Waring Christmas music out there, I'm sure the world doesn't need any more, but I'm giving you more anyway.

3. Richard Gray-The Blessed Virgin Compared To The Air We Breathe from Poems Of Gerard Manley Hopkins As Read By Richard Gray (Spirit 1001 "The Catholic Poetry Society", Mono).  The first bit of poetry I have to share with you this year, and it's not very good, I'm afraid.  Better stuff is coming, I promise.

4. Ray Middleton-Choir & Music Under Direction Of Howard Barlow-Christmas from Ten Catholic Holy Days (Candle Records CAN-110, Mono, 1957).  I told you I had all of these Holy Days records.  Plenty more to come. And if you're curious, or I forget to mention it later, even though some of the religions documented on these discs share certain holidays, the recordings are different on all of them. And yes, they all still sound like he's making it up as he goes along.

5. Skitch Henderson, His Piano And Orchestra-Greensleeves from The Piano Style Of Skitch Henderson (Vocalion VL 3750, Mono).  I do love some Skitch.

6. Children From New York Public School 24 With Guitar Accompaniment-I Believe In Santa Claus from Songs For All Year Long (Folkways/Scholastic SC7626, Mono, 1965).  Pretty good one here, maybe the best of the lot.

7. The Columbus Boychoir-Herbert Huffman, Founder And Director-Donald Bryant, Associate Director-Soloist, John Stewart-I Wonder As I Wander from Festival Of Song (Decca DL 8106, Mono, 1955). A favorite folk song that turns up in a lot of odd places.

8. Paul Mickelson Symphony Orchestra-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (From Cantata No. 147) from Great Moments In Religious Music (RCA Victor LPM-1754, Mono, 1958).  I think this is the second share from the LP, and probably the more Christmas-related of the two.

9. Red Prysock-Moonlight In Vermont from Swing Softly Red (Mercury MG 20512, Mono, 1961). Nice little version here.

10. The Somerset Strings-Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year from Dinner Music (Epic (CBS) LN 3149, Mono).  I nice little bonus track that will fit nicely onto the end of their full Christmas album which I believe I've shared with you before.

And that's it.  I forgot to put any demo tracks in here today, so sorry if you were looking forward to one more of those.  There are plenty of them to come, though, so just wait for it.  Here's the download link, I'll see you later today right here.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 14

Good evening, welcome back!  Hope you're enjoying things so far.  Here's another ten tracks for your Christmas enjoyment.

1. Chet Baker And The Carmel Strings-Arranged & Conducted By Harry Betts-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from Into My Life (World Pacific (Liberty) WPS-21858, Stereo, 1966).  I've got a small handful of Chet Baker tracks to share with you this season, from all over the place.

2. Jean Martinon Conducting The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra-Les Patineurs-Entree from Le Cid-Ballet Music/Les Patineurs (The Skaters)-Ballet (London CS 6058, Stereo, 1958). I think I screwed up by giving you a track from this one that comes after this first song.  Sorry about that.  I try to keep things in order.

3. Ferrante & Teicher-Mother Goose Suite (Ma Mère l'Oye): Pavane De La Belle Au Bois Dormant from The Artistry Of Ferrante & Teicher (ABC-Paramount ABCS-454, Technically Augmented Stereo). Another track from this non-Christmas suite.

4. Wayne Johnson With The Evangel Quartet-Ring The Bells from Spiritual Classics (Music City MC WJ 114, Stereo).  I don't remember much about this one, I'm afraid.

5. Terry Gris-Snowflakes, Raindrops & Hailstones from Fiddle-Ee-Ee (Tom Thumb Records/Rhythms Productions T-304, Stereo, 1982).  Music for the kiddie set. Kinda cool though.

6. Neville Marriner-Academy Of St. Martin-In-The-Fields-Toy Symphony: II. Menuetto (Allegretto) from A Little Night Music (Angel S-37443, Stereo, 1977).  More symphonic suite music.

7. Unknown Artist-Troika! (From Lt. Kije Suite) from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Vol. XVII Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-6500, Stereo, 1985).  Another demo song for school marching bands.

8. The Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd-Midge Payne, Director-Wasn't That A Mighty Day from Shepherd Choir 1978 (Audio Engineering Associates AEA-1221, Stereo, 1978). So many songs to share this year.  I can't keep them all straight.  I ripped some of them more than a month ago and I have little to no recollection of them I'm afraid.

9. Hap Palmer-What A World We'd Have If Christmas Lasted All Year Long-Vocal from Holiday Songs And Rhythms (Activity Records AR-538, Stereo, 1980).  Another one for the kiddies.

10. Ted Alan Worth-Winternacht (Sleigh-Ride) from Ted Alan Worth In Concert On The Rodgers Touring Organ (OrganArts MG-7/202, 815/816, Stereo, 1969).  Reading the liner notes on this one, Ted Alan was supposed to the the next Virgil Fox.  I don't think that worked out.

And that's the end for today.  Come back tomorrow, the well is still deep. Here's the download link.  Thanks for listening!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 13

Lucky number 13!  Here we go!

1. Polyphon Music Box-Silent Night from The Charm Of The Old Music Box-Rare Old Music Boxes From The A. Hacker Collection (Yesterday's Amusements/Premier Film & Recording Corporation 13993, Mono).  I keep grabbing stuff from the same music box LP.  I'm sure I have others...

2. The Norman Luboff Choir-Still, Still, Still from Songs Of The World (Columbia 2xLP C2L 13, Mono, 1958).  Our second Luboff of the year.

3. Chronicle Atlantic Symphony Steel Orchestra Of Guyana-Conducted By Des Frazer, Soloist Joel (Wonder Boy) Waddy-Ave Maria from On Tour With Guy America Airways (Triton Record Productions Tr 1263, Stereo, 1981).  Christmas on the steel pans!  Nice.

4. Audience Sing-Gary Tucker, Conductor-Accompanists: Jane Lewis And Gary Tucker-Deck The Halls from Elmira Public Schools-Southside High School (Century 2xLP 34735, Stereo).  Yes, they recorded the audience singing along.  Don't think I've seen that before.

5. Bobby Christian And His Orchestra-Doll Dance from Mr. Percussion (Mercury SR60015, Stereo, 1958). I love these percussion albums. Happy that I could find something to share on there.

6. The Ringers On-The-Green-Fum, Fum, Fum from Ring And Sing-A Festival Of Music (Dharma GFL 1077 (Morristown, New Jersey), Stereo).  Yep, handbells!

7. Coventry Cathedral Boys' Choir-Directed By David Lepine, Robert Weddle-Organ-Gloria In Excelsis (From "Missa Brevis") from Coventry Cathedral Boys' Choir-Choirs Of Britian Series No. 2 (Chapter One CMS 1006, Stereo, 1971).  I don't think this is the well known Gloria...

8. Leonard Pennario, Pianist-Golliwog's Cake-Walk (No. 6 From Children's Corner Suite) from Humoresque (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2731, Stereo, 1964).  More music written for children that I'm passing off as Christmas.

9. Jimmy Jenson-Winter Wonderland (Valkin' In My Vinter Undervear) from The Swingin' Swede (aka This Is Jimmy Jenson...The Country Swingin' Swede!) (Jay Records LP-1001, Stereo).  Love this guy!  Where has he been all my life?

10. The Northern Illinois University Wind Ensemble-Stephen Squires, Conductor-A Yuletide Showcase from Alfred Concert Band Music (Alfred Publishing No Number, Stereo, 1988).  A rare band demo record that was credited to an actual band.

And that's it. Are we having fun yet?  I hope so.  Here's a link to the download.  See you later.