Christmas In July 2020-26

Another weekend almost over. Just enough time for one more Christmas in July share.  Hope you enjoy these fifteen tracks.

1. Joyous Yuletide, from the unknown artists at Jenson Publications and their album Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23 (Jenson Publications 2xLP CB23A88AD, Stereo, 1988). I suppose these demo tracks wouldn't be too bad if they just played out full-length.  Those fades always seem to come just as the track is getting interesting.

2. Little Drummer Boy by Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra from A Taste Of Mauriat (Philips (UK) XL2, Stereo, 1967). One of the better Christmas tracks that got left off of a great artist's Christmas record.

3. Snowballs by an unknown group on Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record IV (Silver Burdett Records 75 180 4, Mono, 1966).  At least it's a song I doubt you're gonna hear elsewhere.

4. Ave Maria by Pinellas Park Senior High Chorus-William Renfroe, Director from Choral Sounds 1977-1979 Volume 1 (Suncoast Recording Service KM 3668, Stereo, 1979). Not one of the usual versions of Ave Maria.

5. Advent Motet by Wagner College Choir-Dr. Sigvart J. Steen, Conductor from Wagner College Choir (Recorded Publications Company Z-33971/33972 (Staten Island, New York), Mono).  A somewhat rare song for Advent.

6. Deo Gracias by The Texas Boys Choir-George Bragg, Conductor-Sydney Laudenslager, Harp from Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols-Gregg Smith: Bible Songs For Young Voices (Vox Turnabout TV-S 34544, Stereo, 1973).  Back to Texas for more from the boys.

7. F Is For Frankincense, A Gift For The New King by Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey from The ABC Stories Of Jesus (Columbia CS 8675, Stereo, 1962).  Still wondering how many letters they did?  There are more...

8. White Christmas by The Women's Ensemble Of Bethany Lutheran Church, Melodie Bollman-Director, Eleanor Peura-Accompanist from The Ensemble Sings (Century Advent Recording LRS-RT-6062 (Astabula, Ohio), Stereo). A nice Christmas song for you here.

9. Cold Weather Papa by Clara Smith from Clara Smith Volume Two 1923-1924 Recordings In Chronological Order (VJM Vintage Series VLP 16 (Originally Recorded 10 April 1924), Mono, 1968). An oldie but a goodie.

10. Snowbird by Mike & Rita from Party Time With Miller & Co. Featuring Mike & Rita (Mike Miller 20519 (Lockbourne, Ohio), Mono) Not exactly sure about this one, some sort of lounge act, I think.

11. Sleigh Ride by 101 Strings from Victor Young & Leroy Anderson (Alshire S-5012, Stereo, 1964). A good version here, with lots and lots of strings.

12. Toyland by The Longines Symphonette from Sweet Voices Of Inspiration (The Longines Symphonette Recording Society LWS 173, Stereo, 1966). This is a weird outfit.

13. Silver Bells by another unknown artist, this time from the LP Warner Bros. Finest For Concert Band (Jenson Publications JP-3900, Stereo, 1983).  The second demo track of the day.

14. April-Snowdrop by Yevgeny Svetlanov Conducting The U.S.S.R. Symphony Orchestra from Tchaikovsky-The Seasons (Columbia Masterworks/Melodiya 2xLP MG 35184, Stereo, 1978). From Russia, by Russians, for Americans.

15. Hodie Christus Natus Est by The St. Olaf Lutheran Choir-Dr. Olaf C. Christiansen, Conductor from Twentieth Century Psalms And Hymns/The Birth, Life, Death And Resurrection Of Christ (Mercury SR 60636, Stereo, 1961). Not one you hear every day.

And that's it for today, another fifteen tracks in the books.  Got a favorite? How about a favorite from the entire month? Anything standout yet? I've got a folder full of favorites, but I keep adding and removing stuff, depending on my mood.  Sometimes I add something, only to find out it was already in there from back when I first recorded it. Hopefully you've got a few tracks that are in the keeper folder.  Lemme know what you've enjoyed so far.  Here's the link for tonight, see you tomorrow.

MEGA