Christmas In July 2019-Part 68

Good evening, hope you've had a great Saturday.  Here are ten new Christmas songs to make it even better!

1. Redlands High School Concert Choir-Director, Wilbur H. Schowalter-Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head (Appalachian Carol) from Redlands High School Concert Choir 1964-65 (Handel Record Mfg. H-2008 (on Sleeve) H-2009 (on Label) Blue Vinyl, Mono, 1965). Gotta love that pretty blue vinyl.  Except you can't see it.  Sorry.

2. Bill Justis-Our Winter Love from Bill Justis Plays 12 Top Tunes (Smash MGS 27036, Mono, 1963). This is pop music from right before The Beatles hit America.

3. Unknown Artist-Skater's Waltz from Philco Presents Waltzes Of The World (Omnibus/Columbia Special Products 127-1001-1, Mono).  I assume this came free with your new console record player.  Pretty cheap collection, even by the standards of the day. There's a good chance I've shared this version with you attached to an artist name, but I couldn't figure it out.  Maybe you'll recognize it.

4. Andre Kostelanetz And His Orchestra-Greensleeves (England) from Stereo Wonderland Of Sound-The World's Greatest Waltzes (Columbia CS 8738, Stereo, 1963),  More great Christmas music from Kosty.

5. Brendan O'Dowda With The Westminster Sinfonia, Conducted By Merrick Farran-The Little Road To Bethlehem from Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory (Musicor MS3081, Stereo, 1965).  I was worried that O'Dowda was a typo, and that it was supposed to be O'Dowd.  But it appears that O'Dowda is correct.

6. Gerald Eskelin And The L.A. Jazz Choir-The Procession from Hal Leonard Presents A Choral Spectrum (Youth Edition) (Hal Leonard Publishing HLP-11, Stereo, 1984).  The first demo track of the day.

7. Roger Williams With Orchestras Directed By Marty Gold, Frank Hunter, Gene Von Hallberg-Snowfall from With These Hands (Kapp KS-3030, Stereo, 1959).  I really didn't find very many versions of Snowfall this year.  Some seasons, I feel like it's one of the more common songs in my shares, but not so much this year.

8. Unknown Artist-Tell Me Which Way To Bethlehem from Choral Celebration Vol. VIII (Jensen Publications JP-6400, Stereo, 1985).  The second and last demo track for tonight.

9. The Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd-Midge Payne, Director-Under The Stars from Shepherd Choir 1978 (Audio Engineering Associates AEA-1221, Stereo, 1978).  The Lutherans are at it again.

10. The Murk Family With Accompanist-Arranger Betty Bowman-Winter Medley: The First Snowfall Of The Winter; Winter Wonderland; Frosty The Snowman; Let It Snow; You Belong To Me; We've Got Our Love To Keep Us Warm from Love For All Seasons (MFM Records MFM-7007, Stereo).  A favorite share from years' past, I was excited to find an unopened copy sometime in the past year.  So this version is recorded from virgin vinyl.

And that's the end for today.  Here's the download link, I'll see you again tomorrow.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 67

Good morning, happy Saturday!  Ready for the next ten Christmas songs?  Good!  Let's get started, shall we?

1. Wesley Dalton-Panis Angelicus 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).  Well, I had to start today off with something.

2. Andre Kostelanetz And His Orchestra-White Christmas (From "Holiday Inn) from Music Of Irving Berlin (Columbia CL 768 (Reissue of Columbia Masterworks ML 4314, 1950), Mono, 1955).  Gotta check every tribute record to Irving Berlin.  Many of them feature something I can share here.

3. William Harrison, Pianist-March Of The Toys from Familiar Themes And Easy Classics-Music Minus One Flute (Music Minus One MMO 7035-39, Stereo).  I keep posting these songs that are missing their flute sections, and not one of you has yet contributed a version with added flute.  Disappointed, I am.

4. Redlands High School Concert Choir And Chamber Singers-Wilbur H. Schowalter, Director-On This Good Christmas Morn from 1972-1973 Redlands High School Concert Choir And Chamber Singers (Custom Fidelity CFS-3256, Stereo, 1973).  I don't think we've heard from Redlands in a few days, have we?  Not sure how much music I have from them.

5. Unknown Artist-Rockin' Christmas Eve from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  This demo recording may be trying to steal a little thunder from Dick Clark.  I wonder if he sued?

6. Unknown Artist-Sing Gloria from Choral Celebration Vol. V (Jenson Publications JP-4000, Stereo, 1983).  Two demos in a row.  It's late in the season, I'm getting desperate.

7. Will Glahé-The Skaters Waltz from Focus On Phase 4 Stereo (Decca (UK) Phase 4 BPS 1, Stereo, 1968).  Another track from Will Glahe.

8. Buddy Merrill-Snowbird from Steel Guitar Country (Accent ACS 5036, Stereo, 1970).  Tired of this one yet?  I know I am.

9. First United Methodist Church Concert Handbell Choir-James A Kruse, Director-What Child Is This from 1972 Festival Program (Mark MC-5019, Stereo, 1972).  More, more, more handbells!

10. The Young Americans-Conducted By Milton C. Anderson-Winter from The Young Americans Presented By Johnny Mathis (Mercury SR 61023, Stereo, 1965).  No sign of Johnny Mathis on this track, I'm afraid.

And that's it for now.  Here's the download link.  See you later if I can get my act together and post something.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 66

Happy Friday!  It's been a long week, but I've somehow made it to Friday night.  Half a day tomorrow, and then I can relax a little, or at least pay a little more attention to the blog.  Here are the ten selections for the evening.

1. Ray Middleton-Choir & Music Under Direction Of Howard Barlow-Christmas from Ten Protestant Holy Days (Candle Records CAN-111, Mono, 1957). Yep, more music that sounds like it was being made up as he went along.  I wish there were a Lutheran version of this series, but alas, I don't think such a thing exists.

2. Wheaton College Men's Glee Club-Clayton Halvorsen, Director-Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring from Wheaton College Centennial Album (Word W 3084-LP, Mono, 1960).  From a small stash of records I found at a junk store recently, all featuring various choirs from Wheaton over the years.

3. Baja Marimba Band-A Partridge In A Pear Tree (The Twelve Days Of Christmas) from For Animals Only (A&M LP113, Mono, 1965).  You'd think as often as I see this album, I would have picked up a stereo copy.  But no, I grabbed a mono copy.

4. The Atlanta Children's Choir-Directed By Mr. And Mrs. Haskell Boyter-Accompanist, Miss Adele Dieckmann-Silent Night from Hear The Church's Song (Covenant Life Curriculum 10" 33 RPM 8536, Mono).  Hard to go wrong with Silent Night.

5. Joe Harnell And His Trio-Sugar Plum from Joe Harnell And His Trio (Jubilee JGM 5020, Mono, 1963).  Some Tchaikovsky for your evenings enjoyment.

6. Conducted By Michael Sweeney-The Coventry Carol from Hal Leonard Concert Band 1989-1990 (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP 85060087, Stereo, 1989). And so begins the demo portion of your evening.

7. Unknown Artist-I Will Carol In The Morning from Choral Celebration Vol. V (Jenson Publications JP-4000, Stereo, 1983).  This concludes the demo part of the evening.  Thank you for listening.

8. Madison Senior Choir-Mr. David Alan Ayers, Director-Accompanists, Katherine Sutch, Janis Black-Soloist, Bob Reigart-A Jingle Bell Travelogue from The Joys Of Christmas And The Sounds Of Today (United Sound USR-4976, Stereo).  Good stuff from this talented high school choir.

9. Lloyd Burry-Satin Doll from Lloyd Burry At The Organ (RCA Camden (Canada) CAS-2352, Stereo, 1969).  Some CanCon here at the blog.  Gotta play our quota.

10. The Boston Pops-Arthur Fiedler, Conductor-Sleigh Ride from Fiddle Faddle And Other Leroy Anderson Favorites (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2638, Stereo, 1962).  OK, probably one of the most popular renditions of the song out there, but it's plopped down right in the middle of an otherwise non-seasonal album, so it counts.

And that's it for now.  More stuff coming until we run out of days, but that will be here before you know it.  Here's the download link.  See you tomorrow.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 65

If anything, I'm more tired today than I was yesterday.  Work is not going well.  But I'm going to get these shares up for you as best I can.  The end of the month is so close I can feel it!  I can make it!

1. David Carroll And His Orchestra-Paper Doll from Waltzes (Mercury MG 20121, Mono, 1956).

2. Ella Fitzgerald-Orchestra Conducted By Frank DeVol-Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year from Hello Love (Verve MG V-4034, Mono, 1959).

3. 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).

4. The Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd-Midge Payne, Director-Carol Of The Bells from Shepherd Choir 1978 (Audio Engineering Associates AEA-1221, Stereo, 1978).

5. Robert Noehren-In Dulci Jubilo from Robert Noehren Plays Marcel Dupré (Delos Records DELS-24201, Stereo, 1974).

6. John Hartford-Landscape Grown Cold from The Love Album (RCA Victor LSP-3884, Stereo, 1968).

7. Loretta Lynn-Snowbird from Coal Miner's Daughter (MCA MCA-10 (Originally issued 1970 on Decca), Stereo, 1973).

8. Unknown Artist-The Spirit Of Christmas from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Vol. XVII Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-6500, Stereo, 1985).

9. Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Of London: Rodzinski, Conductor-Trepak from Introduction To Stereo (Westminster, WSS-1, Stereo, 1958)

10. Unknown Artist-Venite Adoramus from Choral Celebration Vol. V (Jenson Publications JP-4000, Stereo, 1983).

There you go, ten more great tracks.  See you later.  Oh, download here.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 64

Time for another evenings worth of of Christmas songs! Real quick since I'm so tired, but here's some more great stuff.

1. Orchestra Of The Vienna Volksoper-Franz Bauer-Theussl, Conductor-Les Patineurs (The Skaters), Op. 183 from Emile Waldteufel Famous Waltzes (Musical Heritage Society MHS 7239W, Stereo, 1985).

2. Unknown Artist-Let There Be Peace On Earth from Best Of '78 Choral Music (Jenson Publications JP3-003, Stereo, 1977).

3. The Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd-Midge Payne, Director-O Bambino from Shepherd Choir 1978 (Audio Engineering Associates AEA-1221, Stereo, 1978).

4. The Macalester Concert Choir-Dale Warland, Conductor-Barbara Heustis And Nancy L. Vranesh, Percussion-Out Of The Orient Crystal Skies from The Macalester Concert Choir (No Label G-0028, Stereo, 1977).

5. Gerald Eskelin And The L.A. Jazz Choir-Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree from Hal Leonard Presents A Choral Spectrum (Youth Edition) (Hal Leonard Publishing HLP-11, Stereo, 1984).  OK, one quick note.  The arranger on this demo recording is Anita Kerr, and I think you can hear that pretty clearly in the song.

6. Sistine Choir (Coro Cantori Romani Di Musica Sacra-Capella Sistina C Basiliche Maggiori)-Rorate Caeli (Song Of Advent) from Selections From The Sound Tracks Of The Motion Pictures Christ Is Born And Christ Is Risen (Counterpoint/Esoteric (Everest) CPST-5600, Stereo, 1972).  Whoops, let an Advent song slip in.  Didn't mean to do that, sorry.

7. Duke Ellington, His Piano And His Orchestra-Satin Doll from Dance To Duke! His Piano And Orchestra At The Bal Masque (Columbia Special Products CSRP 8098, Stereo, 1959).

8. Adapted, Arranged And Conducted By Alfred Ralston-Silent Night from Oh! What A Lovely War (Paramount Records PAS 5008, Stereo, 1969).  Note that this is a different version to a different production from the one I shared out earlier in the season.

9. Glen Gray And The Casa Loma Orchestra-Ray Sherman, Piano Solo-Snowfall from The Themes Of The Great Bands Special Bonus Album (Capitol SPRO 2194, Free With Purchase of Album No. 1812, Track taken from album SW-1022, Stereo, 1963).

10. Madeira Beach Junior High School Concert Band-Paul T. Nicholson, Conductor-Themes From The Nutcracker Suite from Madeira Beach Junior High School Concert Band (Century 34013 (Madeira Beach, Florida), Stereo, 1969).

And that's it.  Short and sweet.  Download is here.  Goodnight.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 63

Good morning!  Welcome to day 25, share 63!  There's no going back now, we've got to see this thing through to the end.

1. Hank Garland-Greensleeves from Velvet Guitar-Soft, Pretty Sounds For Intimate Listening-The Guitar Artistry Of Hank Garland (Harmony (Columbia) HL 7231, Mono, 1960).

2. Little Johnny Everything And His Sister Judy With The Norman Leyden Child's World Orchestra-I Want To Meet Santa Claus from Fun For Everyday With Little Johnny Everything & His Sister Judy (RCA Victor Children's Bluebird Records LBY-1005, Mono, 1958).

3. Regina 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).

4. Redlands High School Concert Choir-Wilbur H. Schowalter, Director-Alleluia from 1972-1973 Redlands High School Concert Choir And Chamber Singers (Custom Fidelity CFS-3256, Stereo, 1973).

5. Unknown Artist-Ave Maria from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).

6. Madison Senior Choir-Mr. David Alan Ayers, Director-The Coventry Carol from The Joy Of Christmas And Greats From America Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow (Mark Custom Records MC 2868 (on Sleeve) UMC 2868 (on Label), Stereo).

7. Jonah Jones-Hot Toddy from Jazz Bonus (Capitol ST1773, Stereo, 1962).

8. Robert Maxwell, His Harp And Orchestra-I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm from A Song For All Seasons (Decca DL 74609, Stereo, 1965).

9. The Northern Illinois University Wind Ensemble-Stephen Squires, Conductor-Joyful Sounds Of The Season (A Christmas Celebration) from Alfred Concert Band Music (Alfred Publishing No Number, Stereo, 1988).

10. Percy Faith-Moonlight In Vermont from American Serenade (Columbia CS 8757, Stereo, 1963).

And that's it.  I'm too tired to write smarmy comments about all the shares today.  Feel free to make stuff up yourself and post it in the comments.  Here's the download link.  Thanks for stopping by.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 62

G'day, and welcome back! I've got a nice little pile of things for you tonight, including a few comedy tracks I've been saving up, a poem, and the usual demo tracks.  It's a curious mix.

1. Bill Dana-Christmas Sing Along With Jose-Jingle Bells from Jose Jimenez In Orbit-Bill Dana On Earth (Kapp KL-1257, Mono, 1962).  Some distinctly non-PC material from his night club act.  Fun though.

2. Richard Gray-Christmas Up To Date from Who Hath Seen The Wind?-The Poetry Of A.M. Sullivan Read By Richard Gray (Spirit 1003 "The Catholic Poetry Society", Mono, 1964).  I found a small collection of records from this same label, and bought all the ones that had any sort of Christmas or Winter link.  I think it was only two, but it was better than nothing.

3. Will Glahe And His Orchestra-Vocalist: Johnny Play-A Holiday In Zuers from Rhythms Of Will Glahe (London FFRR (England) 10" 33 RPM LPB 413, Mono). An odd little 10" record.  I've got no idea where Zuers may be.

4. Bethany College Choir-Elmer Copley, Conductor-Ruth Copley, Accompanist-The Holy Infant's Lullaby from Bethany College Choir-Lindsborg, Kansas 1963-1964 (Stucky's Recording Service SRS-1864, Mono, 1964). More of the same stuff you've been getting all season, just a different choir.

5. Kaye Ballard-Park Avenue Christmas from Kaye Ballard Live? (United Artists UAL 3155, Mono, 1961).  I remember hurrying home from the Goodwill on the night I found this one.  I was so excited!  It's OK. Reminds me of Yuletide Park Avenue, if you remember that track.

6. Gerald Eskelin And The L.A. Jazz Choir-Bring A Torch from Hal Leonard Presents A Choral Spectrum (Youth Edition) (Hal Leonard Publishing HLP-11, Stereo, 1984).  Demo #1. Are those handbells!

7. The Northern Illinois University Wind Ensemble-Stephen Squires, Conductor-Christmas Processional from Alfred Young Concert Band Music (Alfred Publishing No Number, Stereo, 1988).  Demo #2.  At least they're out of the way now.

8. National Lampoon (Christopher Guest, David Hurdon, Gilda Radner)-Kung Fu Christmas from Greatest Hits Of The National Lampoon (Visa VISA 7008, Stereo, 1978).  Now this, this is funny.  I've seen this track pop up here and there over the years, but I guess I never say down and listened to it.  My mistake.  I can see lots of good places for this track to turn up when no one is expecting it. Oh, one of the writers credited here is Paul Shaffer, he was everywhere back in the day.

9. Mike Nichols And Elaine May-Merry Christmas, Doctor from Mike Nichols And Elaine May Examine Doctors (Mercury SR 60680, Stereo, 1962).  I suppose Nichols & May are an acquired taste.  I've kinda got the taste, but I'm not 100% there. This isn't their best work.

10. The A&P Players-Merry Christmas, Have-A-Cigar! from I Love Jimmy Carter Jimmy Carter (A And P Records AP 1001, Stereo, 1976).  Now this, this is just weird.  I found this in the discount racks of a small record store in the East Village of NYC earlier this year.  I was digging for anything I thought might be interesting but affordable and when I saw a track that mentioned Christmas, I knew I had something.  There's not a whole lot about this record online, but I believe it came out near the beginning of Carter's presidency.  The Jimmy Carter Jimmy Carter is a reference to Mary Hartman Mary Hartman, I believe.  Records like this were certainly inspired by the Vaughn Meaders of the previous generation, but they didn't stand the test of time.

And that's it, ten interesting tracks for the evening.  Here's the download link.  Come back again tomorrow!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 61

Another very good morning to you! Ready for another big day of Christmas music?  Good!

1.  The Paris Theatre Orchestra-Arab Dance from A High Fidelity Adventure In Exotic Lands (Somerset P-5600 (Recorded In France), Mono, 1957).  One of those fake exotica albums, the sort of thing I see a lot of in the bins at Goodwill.  But it's that time of year, so I picked it up and checked, and sure enough, there's some Tchaikovsky in there. And it's not a bad version to be honest.

2. The Philadelphia Chorale-Earl Ness, Conductor-I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve from Hymns At Home (Lutheran Church Press LB 22, Mono, 1964).  Look at those Lutherans, sneaking in here again!

3. Robert Q. Lewis And The Star-Time Kids Chorus, Music By Hank Sylvern-Jingle Bells from Children's Sing-Along (MGM Children's Series CH-105, Mono, 1962). A tiny slice of the sixty songs found on this album, but I had to scan them all to see if there was any Christmas content.  You're welcome.

4. Northwestern College Male Chorus-Arnold O. Lehmann, Director-O Come, O Come Immanuel from Northwestern College, Watertown, Wisconsin, Male Chorus (Recorded Publications Company Z-27011/27012, Mono).  What's up with Immanuel versus Emmanuel? Personal preference?  Archaic spelling?  Just curious, but too lazy to research it properly.

5. Charles R. Cronham-Organ And Chimes-Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem from Ring Out Christmas Bells/Hymns Of Faith, Hope And Joy (Mercury MG-20001, Mono, 1950).  Another one of those records with Christmas tracks that number in the double digits.

6. The Choir Of Christ Episcopal Church-When Christ Was Born from 75 Men And Boys (No Label 2xLP BL 1500 (Side 4-Christmas Carol Service) (Bloomfield, Glen Ridge), Mono).  Lots of good Christmas songs on this one, too.  I wish it hadn't been so scratched though.

7. Ella Jenkins-Winter from This Is Rhythm (Scholastic SC 7652, Mono, 1961).  A recent find, and a good one.  I think we've seen Ella around here before, but not this year.

8. Gerald Eskelin And The L.A. Jazz Choir-Christmas Life from Hal Leonard Presents A Choral Spectrum (Youth Edition) (Hal Leonard Publishing HLP-11, Stereo, 1984).  Your first demo track of the night.  I hate when they put some interesting name on it, then it just turns out to be a medley of carols. But this one is an actual song!

9. Roger Williams With Orchestras Directed By Marty Gold, Frank Hunter, Gene Von Hallberg-Greensleeves from With These Hands (Kapp KS-3030, Stereo, 1959).  I feel like I've stumbled onto a lot of Roger Williams music this year that I've never seen before. I don't really think all of those guys direct the orchestra, but I couldn't find individual attributions anywhere on the album.

10. Unknown Artist-He Is Born from Choral Celebration Vol. VIII (Jensen Publications JP-6400, Stereo, 1985).  The second demo of the share.  Sorry about having to double up on these.

And that's it, another nice collection.  Hope there's something in here to catch your attention.  They can't all feature Paul Bley.  Here's the download link, see ya'll later.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 60

Well, I think I'm finally to the point where I can drop back down to two posts a day, like I started doing back at the beginning of the month.  The counts are still sort of tentative, and it depends on what more I can record between now and the end of the month, but time is running short, so there may not be too much more placed into the pile.  Unfortunately, I also counted the publisher's demo tracks I recorded and realized that I have to start sharing out two of them a day to have any hope of getting through them all.  I'm glad I didn't stick with my original plan to record all of those style records I have here in the pile or there might not have been time for anything else all month.

1. Jean Martinon Conducting The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra-Les Patineurs-Finale from Le Cid-Ballet Music/Les Patineurs (The Skaters)-Ballet (London CS 6058, Stereo, 1958).  We finally arrive at the end of this epic ballet, and I think it was worth the wait.

2. Arlo Guthrie-The Pause Of Mr. Claus from Arlo (Reprise RS 6299, Stereo, 1968).  I've shared this with you before, but I pulled it from a WB sampler album.  This time I pulled it from the original LP.  Not any difference, really, but I feel better about it.

3. Hank Snow-Snowbird from Snowbird (RCA Camden ACL1-0124, Stereo, 1973).  Some good Hank Snow from very late in his career. Not the song you might be thinking of, by the way.

4. Hugo Winterhalter-Summer Green & Winter White from A Season For My Beloved (ABC-Paramount ST 90168 (ABC Records, Mfd. By Capitol Records), Stereo, 1963).  I don't know if I'll ever be able to share out all the Christmas-adjacent tracks from this LP.

5. Unknown Artist-That Holy Night from Choral Celebration Vol. VIII (Jensen Publications JP-6400, Stereo, 1985).  The first demo track of the night.

6. Harrell C. Lucky-Toyland from Quiet Time (Melody House MH-43, Stereo).  You remember this guy, he's the one who piloted his own dream plane earlier in the season.

7. Unknown Artist-The Twelve Days Of Christmas from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Vol. XVII Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-6500, Stereo, 1985).  Our second demo track of the evening.  Sorry.

8. Hap Palmer-What A World We'd Have If Christmas Lasted All Year Long-Instrumental from Holiday Songs And Rhythms (Activity Records AR-538, Stereo, 1980).  Probably not as good as the vocal version unless you're really familiar with the song.

9. Guy Lombardo And His Royal Canadians-White Christmas from Berlin By Lombardo (Capitol ST1019, Stereo, 1959).  A short excerpt from a long medley.  I was excited when I spotted a stereo version of the record, then I looked and discovered I've shared it out three or four times already, and each one is stereo.

10. Ensemble Of The Concerts Lamoureux Under The Direction Of Darius Milhaud-Maurice Suzan, Trombone-Winter (Concertino D'Hiver) For Trombone And String Orchestra (Animé-Très Modéré-Animé) from The Four Seasons (Les Quatre Saisons) (Epic BC 1069, Stereo, 1960).  More vivaldi for you.

And that's it for now.  Download at your own risk.  See you tomorrow.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 59

Buenos dias!  And welcome to part 59 in our little Christmas party.

1. The Combined Choirs Of St. Mary's Visitation Church, Dickson City, Pa.-The First Noel from Midnight Mass At St. Mary's (Dub Recording Company D.D. 1155/1156, Mono, 1965).  I think this is the first non-Polish Christmas carol from these folks I've share this year.

2. Tenafly High School Concert Choir-E. Brock Griffith, Director-Soloists: Juanita Bradley, Eric Weiss-Go Tell It On The Mountain from Festival Of Christmas And Spring Music 1965-1966 (HMR Productions RC 93, Mono, 1966).  I hope this one is a Christmas version of the song.  That didn't work out so well last time...

3. The Students Of Pius X School & Renaissance Brass Ensemble-Jubilate Deo from Music In The Vatican Pavilion (The Vatican Pavilion-New York World's Fair 1964-65 PX-3, Mono, 1964).  If you want more music from The World's Fair, go visit my friend Lee at his blog.  It's a different World's Fair, and it's not Christmas, but you'll still enjoy it.

4. Paul Bley Trio-Santa Claus Is Coming To Town from Autobiography In Jazz (Debut DEB-198, originally recorded No. 30, 1953, Mono, 1955).  For all you jazz fans, here's one I doubt you've ever heard. The sound is a little rough, but I like it.

5. The Manhattan Piano Quartet-Lawrence Krueger, William Blankfort, Alexander Dickstein, Marga Richter-Winter Scene From "The Nutcracker" from Concert Favorites Transcribed For Four Pianos (MGM E3130, Mono, 1954).  Winter Scene?  Is that from the ballet and not the orchestrated version? I don't recognize it.

6. Die Schönsten Deutschen Choräle-Ave Maria from Die Schönsten Deutschen Choräle (Peril Serie (Germany) PSLP 217, Stereo).  I may have this all messed up.  Everything was in German, so I may have the subtitle of the album as the artist, or maybe it's a description of what's on the record, I don't know.

7. Jack De Mello And His Orchestra-Dance Of The Menehunes from Jack De Mello In Concert (Music Of Polynesia 3xLP MOP 15000 For First Hawaiin Bank, Stereo, 1971).  Now here's an interesting one.  A three album set put out by a bank in Hawaii of mostly Hawaiian music.  A menehuna is mythical elf-type person who used to like in Hawaii long before the Polynesian islanders populated the islands via their canoes.  And for years I've had a Hawaiian Christmas album with a song about the Menehuna Santa, describing him and his elves.  So when I saw this song, it immediately became a Christmas song in my head.  And it's pretty good, so I think you'll enjoy it.

8. Conducted By Bruno Nicolai, Violin Soloist-Dino Asciolla-Death At The Pole (Morte Al Polo) from The Red Tent (Paramount Records PAS 6019, Stereo, 1971).  Soundtrack stuff, no idea about the movie.  May not be Christmas appropriate though, since someone appears to die at the pole.

9. Unknown Artist-Glory To God In The Highest from Choral Celebration Vol. V (Jenson Publications JP-4000, Stereo, 1983).  A demo recording.  And the bad news.  I have way, way too many of these songs left.  I'm going to have to start sharing them out more than once a download.  I need to get a final count, but there are a lot of them.

10. The Macalester Concert Choir-Dale Warland, Conductor-Dorothy Benham, Miss America 1977, Soprano-Steven Baardson, Tenor-Jesu, Thou The Virgin Born from The Macalester Concert Choir (No Label G-0028, Stereo, 1977).  Yes, you read that right.  This track features Miss America at the time!  I didn't even realize it when I picked up and bought the record.  But when I got it home, I looked at the photoes and noticed a girl with a sash and a tiara.  How cool is that?

And that's it for number fifty-nine!  Something for everyone, I think.  Here's the download link.  See you later!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 58

Good evening, welcome to the final installment for the day.  Hopefully you've already downloaded twenty other Christmas songs today, and here are the final ten.  I know it's a lot to listen to, but the rewards for such wonderful music are great.

1. Madison Senior Choir-Mr. David Alan Ayers, Director-And The Glory Of The Lord from The Joy Of Christmas And Greats From America Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow (Mark Custom Records MC 2868 (on Sleeve) UMC 2868 (on Label), Stereo).  Not my favorite track from this group, but then they can't all be favorites.

2. 101 Strings, Conducted By Richard Müller-Lampertz, Koto Solos By Shinichi Yuize-Fuyu No Yoru (Winters Night) from Songs of The Seasons In Japan (Alshire S-5019, Stereo, 1964).  Some seasonal music from way over in Japan.  Or at least an American approximation there-of.

3. Sistine Choir (Coro Cantori Romani Di Musica Sacra-Capella Sistina C Basiliche Maggiori)-Hodie Christus Natus Est (Today, Christ Is Born) from Selections From The Sound Tracks Of The Motion Pictures Christ Is Born And Christ Is Risen (Counterpoint/Esoteric (Everest) CPST-5600, Stereo, 1972).  From The Vatican to your ear.

4. George Shearing-My Favorite Things from More Grand Piano (Concord CJ-318, Stereo, 1987).  Some really, really late George Shearing.

5. 101 Strings Conducted By Rudolf Friml-Puppets On Parade from The Sugar And Spice Of Rudolf Friml (Somerset SF-6900, Stereo, 1959).  Uh-oh, did I just duplicate an artist in a playlist?  I think I did.  Oh well, accidents happen.  Pretty unlikely to really be the same artists here, anyway.

6. Children's Chorus-Sleigh Bells-Russia from Children's Songs Around The World (Educational Activities AR 56, Stereo, 1989).  You have to dig through a lot of children's records to find all the holiday stuff.

7. Hugo Winterhalter-Snowfall from A Season For My Beloved (ABC-Paramount ST 90168 (ABC Records, Mfd. By Capitol Records), Stereo, 1963).  Thought I was done with this album, but apparently not.  I won't make any predictions about it again, because I'll probably be wrong.

8. Conducted By Michael Sweeney-Traditions Of Christmas from Hal Leonard Concert Band 1989-1990 (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP 85060087, Stereo, 1989).  The writer on this demo track is credited as Chip Davis, so there's a small Mannheim Steamroller connection there for you.  But if you don't like them, maybe consider it a connection to C.W. McCall.  He did a great song called Sing Silent night that I shared out some time back.

9. Hap Palmer-We Wish You A Merry Christmas-Instrumental from Holiday Songs And Rhythms (Activity Records AR-538, Stereo, 1980).  I don't know if the instrumental is an improvement on the vocal version, but now you have both.

10. Wonderland Chorus, Stephen Sutherland & Gordon Limburg-Directors-Winter Wonderland from Wonderland Chorus Live (Mark MC-1393, Stereo).  I guess when your group is called Wonderland Chorus and you're looking for a Christmas song to record, Winter Wonderland is pretty high on the list.

Here's the download link for all these great songs.  Thanks for stopping by.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you're favorite track was.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 57

Time for another installment of Christmas Songs That You've Never Heard Before...In July! Actually, I just call it Christmas In July for short.

1. Unknown Artist-Bells Of St Mary's from Organ Melodies From Hobby-Lesson Course For Wurlitzer Organs (Rite Record Productions For The Wurlitzer Company 12183/12184, Mono).  A record that showed you all the wonderful songs you could play on your new home Wurlitzer organ!

2. Len Krisson-Greensleeves from Organ Moods With Len Krisson (Hurrah (Pickwick) H-1016, Mono, 1962).  More organ music from a budget reissue of a budget label.  It doesn't get any more bottom of the barrel than this.

3. Regina Music Box-Hark The Herald Angels Sing 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).  From the organ we move along to the music box.  Not the worst possible transition...

4. The Ray Charles Singers-June In January from Lovelier Than Ever (Metro (MGM) M-562, Mono, 1965).  The other Ray Charles gets his months seriously mixed up, but it's a nice tune.

5. Wesley Seminary Singers-J. Edward Moyer, Director-O. Alan Lumpkin, Soloist-Mary Had A Baby from Surely The Lord Is In This Place (Capitol Custom PB-832/833 Wesley Theological Seminary-Washinton, D.C., Mono). From our nation's capitol. Well, assuming you're in the USA, as most of my visitors are.  But we get visitors occasionally from all over the world!

6. Leonard Pennario, Pianist-Troïka En Traîneaux (Sleigh Ride) Op. 37a, No. 11 from Humoresque (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2731, Stereo, 1964).  How do you take a sleigh ride on a piano?  Well, here's your answer right here.

7. The Ringers On-The-Green-Variations On A French Carol from Ring And Sing-A Festival Of Music (Dharma GFL 1077 (Morristown, New Jersey), Stereo).  More handbell music from my favorite handbell group!

8. Unknown Artist-We Three Kings from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  I can't believe how many of these demo recordings I ripped this year.  I should have stopped at less than half.  Sorry.

9. Connee Boswell, Orchestra Conducted By Warren Vincent-White Christmas from Miss Connee Boswell Sings Irving Berlin-A Golden Anniversary Tribute (Design Stereo Spectrum Records SS 26, Stereo, 1958).  From a budget label before they went seriously off into the budget depths and still had a few scruples left.

10. Gordon Bok-Wind And Snow from Coaster-The Adventure Of The John F. Leavitt (Atlantic Film Group AFG-1-001, Stereo, 1981).  Soundtrack for a movie that I've never heard of.

And that's it.  Gotta be something in there you'll enjoy.  Thanks for stopping by.  Here's the link to the download.  Enjoy!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 56

Good morning!  Time to go back to work for the week, gotta get stuff done. Before you get started with your day, here are ten more Christmas in July songs for you to add to your collection.  You can read the list below, or you can just go all the way to the bottom for the download link and listen for yourself.  I don't mind either way.

1. Leopold Stokowski And His Symphony Orchestra-Lucile Lawrence, Harp Solo-Waltz Of The Flowers from The Heart Of The Ballet (RCA Victor Red Seal LM (x) 1083, Mono, 1950).  I think that (x) in the catalog number makes this a reissue, but I'm not positive.  Doesn't matter, really, it's a nice straightforward version of the Tchaikovsky chestnut.

2. Bedford High School-Go Tell It On The Mountain from Bedford High School, Temperance, Michigan (API ARIS 8022, Stereo).  Lots of good high school choirs this year.  Or maybe I should just say lots of high school choirs this year.  Your mileage may vary. This seems to be a non-Christmas version, but you get the idea.

3. The Northern Illinois University Wind Ensemble-Stephen Squires, Conductor-Medley Christmas from Alfred Concert Band Music (Alfred Publishing No Number, Stereo, 1988).  A creatively named demo track.

4. The Yale Glee Club-Fenno Heath, Director-Tennor Soloists: Laz Ekwueme, Grad., Daniel G. Wright, '67-O Mary, Dear Mother (Nigerian Carol) from The Yale Glee Club In Concert (Yale University LP-321, Stereo, 1967).  I'm telling you, everyone gets their own carol this year.  Every one!

5. Jamall Badry-Some Children See Him from Listen To The Children (Triangle Records TR 111, Stereo, 1977).  I was excited to find an Alfred Burt carol!  They're sorta few and far between.

6. Jimmy Jenson-That Old Christmas Goose (Snowbird) (aka Christmas Goose) from The Swingin' Swede (aka This Is Jimmy Jenson...The Country Swingin' Swede!) (Jay Records LP-1001, Stereo).  It's Jimmy Jenson doing a version of a Stan & Doug parody of the Anne Murray song.  And she probably didn't originate the song, but I'm too lazy to look it up.

7. Neville Marriner-Academy Of St. Martin-In-The-Fields-Toy Symphony: III. Allegro Moderato from A Little Night Music (Angel S-37443, Stereo, 1977).  I think this is finally the conclusion of this piece.  Though I could be mistaken...

8. E. Power Biggs Playing The Organ At St. George's Church, New York City-Variations On A Noél (Moderato-Larghetto-Poco Animato-Cantabile-Vif-Vivace-Plus Modéré-Vivace-Cantabile-Animé-Fugato-Presto) from A Festival Of French Organ Music (Columbia Masterworks MS 6307, Stereo, 1961).  A long piece with lots of interesting little parts.

9. Madison Senior Choir-Mr. David Alan Ayers, Director-We Wish You The Merriest from The Joy Of Christmas And Greats From America Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow (Mark Custom Records MC 2868 (on Sleeve) UMC 2868 (on Label), Stereo).  A Les Brown song you don't hear often enough, especially in non-Les Brown versions.

10. Gli Accademici Di Milano-Renato Biffoli, Violin-The Winter-Concerto No. 4 in F Minor from Vivaldi-The Four Seasons-Les Quatre Saisons (Vox STPL 511-480, Stereo, 1959).  I've been trying to throw in some more classical-leaning selections this year, so you get Vivaldi and his four seasons.  Enjoy!

There you have it, another ten tracks.  I know you think I'll run out eventually, but we aren't even close.  Trust me, it's a deep well this year for some reason.  Here's the download link, see you soon.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 55

Welcome to part 55!  Did I make it to 55 parts last year? Yes, but it was at the end of August, and it was very close to the end of the whole season. We're not even close to the end yet this year, but I've got a ton more stuff I want to share before the end. So here are another ten tracks to add to the pile of great Christmas music.

1. Madison Senior Choir-Mr. David Alan Ayers, Director-Accompanists, Katherine Sutch, Janis Black-King Of Kings Theme from The Joys Of Christmas And The Sounds Of Today (United Sound USR-4976, Stereo).  More great music from this interesting high school group.

2. Julie Budd, Produced, Arranged & Conducted By Herb Bernstein-Little Toy Store from Child Of Plenty (MGM SE-4545, Stereo, 1968).  Toy themed, but kinda Christmas adjacent.

3. The All Churches Children's Choir-Luther's Cradle Hymn from Sunday School Songs (Pickwick (Camden, RCA) CAS-1201, Stereo, 1975).  A budget label reissue of a budget label release?  Interesting...

4. Unknown Artist-The Merriest Of All Days from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  The demo recording comes early in the playlist today.

5. Robert Shaw, Members Of The Cleveland Orchestra, Chorus Of 200 Voices-Messiah-Hallelujah Chorus from Hallelujah! And Other Great Sacred Choruses (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2591, Stereo, 1962).  This is, to me, what the Hallelujah Chorus is supposed to sound like.

6. Dionne Warwick, Arranged & Conducted By Burt Bacharach-My Favorite Things from On Stage And In The Movies (Scepter SPS 559, Stereo, 1968).  Any excuse to slip some Burt Bacharach into the playlist.  And I remember the credits for this song on the sleeve were for someone completely wrong.  The label had the correct ones, so I went with those.  I see that a lot more often than you might expect.

7. William Flanders-Second Guitar, Dave Parker-Sing Then, Noel! from Fishers Of Men (No Label CSM 410, Stereo, 1969).  A little home brew Christmas goodness.

8. William Harrison, Pianist-Toyland from Familiar Themes And Easy Classics-Music Minus One Flute (Music Minus One MMO 7035-39, Stereo). Submit your version with added flute in the comments, please.

9. Bells Of Grace-Robert L. Neumann, Director-Mrs. Fred Wilson, Organist-We Three Kings Of Orient Are from Bells Of Grace (Lane Recording 25779/25780, Stereo, 1969).  Hooray, another bell track!

10. The All-Philadelphia Boys Choir And The Men's Chorale With The Philadelphia Symphonic Strings-Robert G. Hamilton, Director-Winter Night from Songs Of Inspiration (Philius Productions PH 1-774, Stereo, 1974). Good local stuff here.

And that's it for today.  Now I get to go work on shares for tomorrow.  Getting close to the point where I can quit doing three a day, but not quite yet.  Turning into a great July, methinks.  Here's the download link, see you manana!

Christmas In July 2019-Part 54

High Noon!  Time for another round of great Christmas music that you've likely never heard before.

1. Mitch Ayres And His Orchestra-Vocal By Meredith Blake-The Angelus Rings Again from Dance Time (RCA Camden CAL-266, Mono).  OK, I don't know if this song has anything to do with Christmas or not.  I remembered some chatter last Christmas about the ringing of the Angelus, and I didn't follow it all, but I was reminded of it when I saw this track.  So take it for what it's worth, and please feel free to leave me your opinion in the comments.

2. Ursuline Academy Glee Club-Director, Sister Pius Dowd, OSU-Piano, Mrs. Bailey Guard-Ave Maria from Spring Into Song (Recorded Publications Company JZ-88621/88622 (Bethesda, Maryland), Mono).  I'm getting down to the end of the pile of Ave Maria versions.  Not all the way done, but a lot closer than I was.

3. The Brick Church Choir-A. Irvine McHose, Organist And Choir Director-The Birds from Lift Up Your Hearts (Kendall Recording Corporation LP389, Mono, 1959).  Yet another Christmas selection from Buster's favorite new artist of the season, A. Irvine McHose!

4. The Atlanta Children's Choir-Directed By Mr. And Mrs. Haskell Boyter-Accompanist, Miss Adele Dieckmann-Joy To The World from Hear The Church's Song (Covenant Life Curriculum 10" 33 RPM 8536, Mono).  Whenever I see this track on an album, I'm afraid it's going to turn out to be the Three Dog Night song instead.  It's happened to me more times than I want to admit.

5. Eddie Albert-Arranged And Conducted By Milton Rogers-Let There Be Peace On Earth from High Upon A Mountain (Dot DLP 3109, Mono, 1958).  Yep, that Eddie Albert.  I guess before Green Acres, he was active in musical theater and had a recording contract.  You just never know.

6. Lester Lanin-Winter Wonderland from Passport To Pleasure (Columbia Special Products XTV 82095/82096 "Produced Especially For Chemstrand", Mono).  One of two Christmas tracks that inexplicably show up on this promo record for a synthetic fiber manufacturing company.  Great cover, though.

7. Shirley Ellis With Jimmy Smith At The Piano-Come To The Stable from Christ In My Heart (Concert Records USR 9841, Stereo, 1976).  Come to the real nitty gritty with Shirley Ellis and Jimmy Smith!

8. The Re'Generation-Do You Hear What I Hear? from The Best Of The Re'Generation (New Dawn ZLP 3096S, Stereo, 1978).  You just never know what you're going to find, or when, or where.  You've almost got to pick up and scan every single album.

9. Wes Montgomery-Greensleeves from Road Song (A&M/CTI SP 3012, Stereo, 1968). And little jazzy version for you.

10. Unknown Artist-Hodie Christus Natus Est from Hal Leonard Presents Choral Spectrum 1990-Senior Edition (Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation 2xLP HLP-60, Stereo, 1990).  A publisher's demo bringing up the rear.

All good things must come to an end, at least for this episode.  Have a go at the download, and I'll see you right back here later on tonight.

Christmas In July 2019-Part 53

Good morning, happy Sunday! I hope you're up early today, because I've got a lot of Christmas music to give you today.  Here's the first ten tracks.

1. The Friends Academy Band-Rick Van Santvoord, Conductor-Hark! The Herald Angels Sing from The Friends Academy Band 1965-1966 (Audiodisc Recording Blank No Number, Recorded Christmas Concert December 1965, Mono, 1966).  I'm sure some of it is the low fidelity of this home-cut record, but this is just not very good.  The playing seems to be off, and the voices are unintelligible.  So bad it's good, I guess.

2. The Choir Of Christ Episcopal Church-Lo! The Messiah from 75 Men And Boys (No Label 2xLP BL 1500 (Side 4-Christmas Carol Service) (Bloomfield, Glen Ridge), Mono).  This is from The Messiah, is it not?  I'm not as familiar with the whole thing as I should be.

3. Ella Fitzgerald-Orchestra Conducted By Frank DeVol-Moonlight In Vermont from Hello Love (Verve MG V-4034, Mono, 1959).  You can never go wrong with a little Ella.

4. Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians-Glee Club And Orchestra-Rise Up Shepherd An' Foller from Songs In Reverence (Decca DL 8111, Mono, 1956).  Bing Crosby may be the voice of Christmas, but I have to think Fred Waring is the conductor of Christmas.  I can barely count how many Christmas albums he released, and countless little things like this spread over many, many albums.

5. Jerry Bock With Nancy, Debbie, Cathy, Ginnie, Robert, Gary, Seth, David And George-Someone's Coming from New Songs We Sing In School (Golden Record LP-97, Mono, 1962).  Kiddie's singing. Cute.  Oh, and some curious narration as well.

6. Goodfellows Male Chorus (aka RCA Victor Male Chorus)-Winter Song from Hail! Hail! The Gang's All Here (RCA Camden CAL-134, Mono).  Budget stuff from the greatest label of it's time.  Odd.

7. Advanced Girls' Glee-La Palma Choral Music Department-Edwin Grace, Director-Adoramus Te Christe from Concert Favorites '68 (Handel Record Mfg. Co. H-2053, Stereo, 1968).  Hmm, Latin music, but not from Latin America.

8. Robert Thomas Singers With The Hollywood Cinema Orchestra, Conducted By Maximillian-Baby, It's Cold Outside from 26 Academy Award Winning Songs (Dolphin 2xLP D-100, Stereo, 1960).  Nice double LP with plenty of Oscar winning songs. Those kinda collections often feature a couple of Christmas tracks.

9. Jonah Jones-Cool Mute from Jazz Bonus (Capitol ST1773, Stereo, 1962).  Baby, it's cool inside when Jonah Jones is playing.

10. Sistine Choir (Coro Cantori Romani Di Musica Sacra-Capella Sistina C Basiliche Maggiori)-Dies Santificatus (Day Sanctified) from Selections From The Sound Tracks Of The Motion Pictures Christ Is Born And Christ Is Risen (Counterpoint/Esoteric (Everest) CPST-5600, Stereo, 1972). Lots of tracks involving The Vatican this year.

And that's it.  Hmm, no demo this time, I must have forgotten to grab one.  Sorry about that.  I know you were looking forward to that one.  Maybe next time.  Here's the download link, see you later.