Christmas In July 2026-Part 16

Another day, another batch of Christmas music from non-Christmas albums for you. I hope this music is helping you to cool off just a bit, I suspect it's pretty hot no matter where you are in the northern hemisphere. If you're below the equator, then you don't need to worry about the heat for another six months. Enjoy it while it lasts.

1. Archie Fisher & Garnet Rogers-The Long And Lonely Winter (Off The Map, 1986)

Can't tell you much about this one. Just one of those random LPs I picked up for no reason and found a winter-themed song on there. This may turn out to be a track from someone's favorite album, or it may be something that no one has ever heard of before. We'll see.

2. Stanley Black Conducting The London Festival Orchestra AKA The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra-Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (Tchaikovsky-Nutcracker Suite/Serenade For Strings, 1967)

A nutcracker a day keeps the doctor away!

3. Kermit Leslie And His Orchestra-The Little Toy Shop (A Holiday In Hi-Fi, 1958)

This one is a little interesting. I shared this music with you before, but it was from a 10" record. This time it's from a 12" re-release from a few years later with some extra tracks. It didn't go anywhere the second time around since it was mono in a world that was about to go crazy with stereo. But it's still good music.

4. The Bob Brookmeyer Small Band-Moonlight In Vermont (The Bob Brookmeyer Small Band, 1978)

Nice version from this double album. Once again, no idea who Bob Brookmeyer is or what's up with his small band.

5. The Yoder Families-The Bells (Come Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs)

This is a track from the LP proudly displayed up top. I think the song is a version of a track popularized by The King Family and rarely performed elsewhere that I know of. The lyrics are based on an Edgar Allen Poe poem!

6. Don Costa-A Hazy Shade Of Winter (Don Costa's Instrumental Versions Of Simon & Garfunkel, 1968)

Is this the closest Don Costa ever came to recording a Christmas song? That can't be. I think he did some work for Don Ho on his Christmas stuff, but I can't think of anything else. Sinatra maybe. Anyhow, enjoy this Christmas-adjacent song from him.

7. Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation-Mary's Little Boy Child (Savor The Flavors For Chorale Ensemble 1977-1978, 1977)

We sent you a free record! Buy our arrangements, please!

8. The Choir Of Leeds Parish Church-Directed By Simon Lindley-Michael Harris, Organ-Silent Night (Favourite Hymns And Christmas Carols, 1984)

Another track from this record raising some much needed funds for this English church.

9. Madison Junior And Senior Choir, David Alan Ayers-Director-Let There Be Peace On Earth (The Joy Of Christmas And Greats From America Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow)

Not strictly a Christmas song, but pretty tied to the spirit of the season.

10. The Crane Wind Ensemble, State University Of New York At Potsdam-Anthony J. Maiello, Director-Winterset (Music For Concert Band, 1985)

Yes, it's just a sheet music demo, but I always like it when they announce the song first. Hope there's something worth having in the pile today. Enjoy!

MEGA