Christmas In July 2018-Day 46

46 days!  Well, still not as many as last year, but getting close.  Let's jump right in, shall we?

1. Moonlight In Vermont by The Jimmy Smith Trio from Jimmy Smith Plays The Standards (Sunset (Liberty) SUS-5175, Stereo, 1967).  OK, not exactly Christmas, but it's nice filler.  And technically it's an organ record, but you might like it!

2. Rockin' Jerusalem by The Antioch Sanctuary Choir-Soprano Solo: Ms. Shirley Lawrence, from Spirituals Of The Sanctuary-85th Anniversary Album Of The Antioch Sanctuary Choir (Century Advent Recording ANT-6-789, Stereo). I don't remember if this one said where Antioch Sanctuary was located.  It may not have, because I didn't note it in the comments, but there are nights when I do everything wrong, so who knows...

3. Satin Doll by Jess Parker from Standing Room Only With Jess Parker At The Hammond X-66 And B-3 (Concert Recording CR-E048, Stereo).  B-3, that could be interesting.  Maybe.

4. Snow-Drift-Eyes by Karel Gott With The Czechoslovak Radio Dance Orchestra/Josef Vobruba from The Golden Voice Of Prague (Supraphon SUA ST 53643, Stereo, 1970).  Who could have imagined, a second share this year from Czechoslovakia and the Supraphon label!

5. Swiss Holiday by Homer Dennison And The "Night Strings" from Night Love (Evolution 3002 (SMAS-91634), Stereo).  Major schlock, but for some reason I liked it.

6. Waltz Of The Flowers by The Kingsway Strings from Symphony On Ice-Music For Skaters-Waltzes Recorded For Ice Or Rink (Somerset SF-28200, Stereo).  I think this may be the track I pulled from off-center vinyl.  I usually play all the tracks I'm posting as I post them, but it's still back on Satin Doll at this point, so I'll know in a second as soon as it starts to play.  I apologize if I damage your hearing.

7. When The Toy Soldiers March On Parade by Grandma's Boys from I Had A Dream, Dear... (No Label 32857, Stereo, 1978).  Should have shared this way back on Barbershop Day, but I didn't see it there in the stacks until too late.

8. Winter Sky by Judy Collins from The Judy Collins Concert (Elektra EKS-7280, Stereo, 1964).  The folk years were an odd time. I saw Inside Llewyn Davis in the theater back when it came out, and I was just scratching my head through most of it.  Then when he turned up in Star Wars, I was really confused.

9. Yuki No Genso (Snow Fantasy) by Kimio Eto from Art Of The Koto-The Music Of Japan Played By Kimio Eto (Elektra EKS-7234, Stereo, 1963).  The Elektra label really took some chances back in the day.  From folk to Japanese koto music, that's diverse, baby!

10. Yuletide Is Here Again, my personal favorite by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  I think this one is based on a Swedish Christmas song that I've always liked.  I don't know the Swedish words, so I like this one because I can hum along.

That's it, another big batch of goodies.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 45

Day 45, a month and a half into this thing, sorta.  How do I do it? I don't know, someone tell me, seriously.  And not just how, but why?

1. Blues For The Camels by Osie Johnson's All-Stars from the album Swingin' Sounds With Osie Johnson's All-Stars (Jazztone J-1234, Mono, 1956).  What does it have to do with Christmas?  Well, the wise men rode in on camels.  I dunno, reminded me of that LP I used to share, Blues For Baby Jesus, one of the cover variants had camels on it, I think. Nope, just some kings.  I can't catch a break today.

2. Bugler's Holiday by Richard Ellsasser Playing The Baldwin Electric Organ (obviously not on the bugle...) from Leroy Anderson Favorites (MGM 3174, Mono, 1955).  This man recorded a lot of organ albums.  Good luck finding them all.  Not sure why you'd want to, but good luck anyway!

3. The Merry Merengue by Monchito And His Orchestra from Cha Cha Cha-Every Pick A Hit With The Orchestras Of Monchito And Ramon Marquez (Fiesta FLP 1235, Mono).  Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

4. Twinkle Toes by Helen Westbrook At The Mighty Wurlitzer Oriental Theatre, Chicago, from Helen's Holiday-The Little Mite At The Mighty Wurlitzer (Replica 10" 33 RPM 33x512, Mono).  No, really, Twinkle Toes was one of Santa's reindeer.  Probably a different song though.  I gotta try...

5. Waltz Of The Flowers From The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, by Andre Kostelanetz Conducting The Robin Hood Dell Orchestra Of Philadelphia from Music Of Tchaikovsky (Columbia Masterworks 4x12" 78 RPM M-601, Mono, 1946).  While I was ripping 10" 78's the other day. I went ahead and threw this big 12" monster up there.  Pretty good sound I thought.

6. We Need A Little Christmas by Joe Berl-Music Direction: Joseph Berlingeri, from Mame "The Greatest Girl In Town" (Parliament Center Stage Series PLP 901, Mono).  Don't know what to think of this one.  Don't know if it's homemade, low budget or something else entirely.

7. Baby, It's Cold Outside, a creepy duet by Al Hirt And Ann-Margret-Orchestra Arranged And Conducted By Marty Paich, from the LP Beauty And The Beard (RCA Victor LSP-2690, Stereo, 1964).  Is this the only Al Hirt LP where he sings?  Why?

8. Carol Of The Bells by Geneva And Westminster Choirs from Christ Presbyterian Church (Custom Fidelity CFS-3002 (Largo, Florida), Stereo).  Largo is fairly local to me, about an hour away.  I'll be up there tomorrow shooting some band pictures, though nothing to do with Christ Presbyterian Church.  You should see the picture of the place on the LP.  The building has a lot in common with the church on The Simpsons.  Very much of it's era.

9. Come, All Ye Shepherds by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  They're good, aren't they?  Probably nobody left alive who played on this record.  Sad...

10. Greensleeves by Eric Rogers At The Kingsway Hall Organ from King Of Sound (London Phase 4 SP 44068, Stereo, 1965).  More organ music, but this time from a major label.

And that's it.  Gotta be something in there worth the download, don't you think?  At least you didn't have to pay for all these albums like I did.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 44

Is it really day 44?  No, it's actual day 53 or something like that, but I missed a few days over all that time.  So we'll just keep on soldiering forward until we get to the end, no matter how many days it's been or how many days it takes.  But I'm hoping it doesn't take too many more days.

1. The Big Clown Balloons by The Merrill Stanton Voices, from that great Christmas musical Meredith Willson's Here's Love (Columbia CL 2099, Mono, 1963).  This isn't the official soundtrack, but you see it a lot more frequently.

2. Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy by Ernest Ansermet With The Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden, from Ballet Favorites-Highlights From The Nutcracker, Carnaval, Coppelia, Giselle (RCA Victrola (Canada) VIC-1066, Mono, 1964).  I've been going easy on you with the Nutcracker stuff here lately.  Hope you appreciate that.

3. A Dreamer's Holiday by Eileen Wilson And Gordon Jenkins And His Orchestra from Dreamer's Holiday (Vocalion (Decca) VL 3615, Mono, 1958).  Nice little song, but not the type of holiday we celebrate around here.

4. Long, Long Winter by The Impressions from Keep On Pushing (ABC-Paramount ABC-493, Mono, 1964).  Pretty rare to find a seasonal track like this from a name band, but here you go!

5. Pastores Dicite (Speak, Shepherds) by The Sistine Chapel Choir from The Sistine Chapel Choir Sings-The Vatican Pavilion At The New York World's Fair (Kaye Records SC 1000, Mono, 1964). More fun from The Vatican.

6. The Toy Trumpet by Helen Westbrook At The Mighty Wurlitzer Oriental Theatre, Chicago, and the LP Helen's Holiday-The Little Mite At The Mighty Wurlitzer (Replica 10" 33 RPM 33x512, Mono).  A ten inch record I didn't have the other day when I shared out all 10" tracks.

7. Brassman's Holiday by Ralph Wolf At The Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ from Holiday For Pipes (Concert Recording CR-0093, Stereo).  Every time I think I've gotten to the end of the organ tracks, I find another stack.  It's never ending I tell you!

8. Carol Of The Bells by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  I think this album is going to be the deciding factor in how long I decide to drag out Christmas In July.  There were 18 hand bell tracks on here I wanted to share, and I'm not very far into that.  So unless I start doubling up, that's how many days are left.  We'll see.  Wish I'd pulled this LP out at the beginning of the month, we might be done already.

9. Merry Christmas by Melanie from Born To Be (Buddah BDS-5024, Stereo, 1968).  What a surprise this was.  I picked up the album because I recognized the cover artist (Mozelle Thompson), but when I opened up the gatefold, there was a Christmas track!  I knew Melanie had a Christmas song back in the day, but I thought it was a single.  And it ain't bad.

10. This Day Is Born In Bethlehem by The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Rev. John J. Bonzagni, Director, from The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Lee, Massachusetts (Vogt Quality Recordings 2xLP CSRV 2754, Stereo).  Am I done with this one yet?  Gotta be getting close.

One thing I do know, I'm done with this share for tonight.  Hope there's something in there you enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 43

I can't think of any good jokes for 43.  Is it prime?  Well, there is that, I guess.  Here's some music.

1. Hodie Christus Natus Est (Today, Christ Is Born) by The Sistine Chapel Choir from The Sistine Chapel Choir Sings-The Vatican Pavilion At The New York World's Fair (Kaye Records SC 1000, Mono, 1964).  Do these folks actually sing in The Sistine Chapel?  I saw where they recently play at The Met for the annual Met Gala.  I wasn't invited, but maybe next year.

2. It's Snowing In Hawaii by Alfred Apaka, With Orchestra Directed By Harold Mooney from the LP Blue Hawaiian Moonlight-Island Favorites Sung By Alfred Apaka (Decca 8820 (Reisuue of 10" LP from 1953), Mono, 1959).  I've shared this out before, but I didn't know back then that it was a reissue of a 10" album.  I'll have to see if I can dig that up somewhere.

3. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (No. 10 From Cantata 147) by Virgil Fox At The Organ Of The Riverside Church, New York, from Organ Reveries By Virgil Fox (Columbia Masterworks ML 4401, Mono, 1951).  Virgil Fox was pretty prolific during his career.  I've got multiple Christmas albums by him, as well as plenty of stray tracks like this one.

4. O Come Little Children by an unknown artist from Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 10 From Book 3 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-330, Mono, 1956).  Good stuff from a mid-sized record.

5. Wedding Of The Painted Doll by Leon Berry from Glockenspiels, Trap And Plenty Of Pipes With Leon Berry At The Hub Rink Chicago-Volume 1 (Replica 33x2501, Mono).  This is a track that was omitted from the 10" version of the LP, luckily I had a 12" version right here at hand.

6. Autumn Leaves, a ringer from The Mills Brothers-Arranged And Conducted By Larry Gordon, taken from the album The Mills Bros. Sing (Dot DLP 25237, Stereo, 1960).  Not the right season, but Stubby wanted something by The Mills Brothers.  This is the best I can do this year.

7. Il Est Né, tonight's track performed on the hand bells, by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from their LP Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  I just love this stuff, can you tell?

8. Satin Doll (Theme) by The Saint And Sinners from The Saints And Sinners Catch Fire At The Sheraton-Jefferson In St. Louis (Seeco CELP-4540, Stereo, 1960).  Standard hotel lounge stuff.

9. Silent Night by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  Hey, at least it's a Christmas song.

10. Sleigh Ride by Eddie Higgins With Milt Hinton And Bobby Rosengarden, from By Request (Statiras SLP 8079, Stereo, 1986).  A rerun of a really good track.  Love the Prokofiev thrown in there.

And that's it, another day's worth of music from me to you!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 42

What's the answer to life, the universe and everything?  Why 42 of course!

1. Na Leanbhai I Mbeithil (The Children In Bethlehem) by Mary O'Hara from Songs Of Ireland (Tradition (Everest) TLP 1024, Mono, 1958).  Just yesterday I was thinking that I hadn't found any Irish Christmas music to share with you this year, and then what do I find in the stacks today?

2. Baby, It's Cold Outside by Gordon Jenkins from Gordon Jenkins Conducts 26 Years Of Academy Award Winning Songs (CG Records CGS 3002, Stereo, 1959).  26 songs crammed onto this record, so don't expect too long of a song.

3. Doll Dance by Bill Dalton from The Fabulous Fingers Of Bill Dalton Playing The X-66 Organ (Amherst SLP-1203, Stereo).  More organ music.  There was a note on the sleeve and a concert flyer inside the jacket of this one, both mentioned 1970, but I don't know if the record is any older than that perhaps.

4. Greensleeves by Liberace And Gordon Robinson from their shared LP The Magic Pianos Of Liberace And Gordon Robinson (Coral CRL 757305, Stereo, 1960).  Robinson was the orchestra director for Liberace, but on this one album, they shared credit.  Liberace's name is in a much bigger font, however.  Much, much bigger.

5. Hallelujah Chorus From "The Messiah" by Walt Strony from Listener's Choice (Organ Stop Pizza (Phoenix, Arizona) OSP-108, Stereo, 1984).  I told you I was broke out in organ records still.

6. Have A Merry Christmas Day by Asa Duncan And Frank Sullivan-Sung By All The Kids from Sing Holiday (Rhythm Band Inc AR-3280, Stereo).  What an odd record.  Nice song though.

7. I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony) by Ray Conniff And The Singers from I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (Columbia KC 31220, Stereo, 1971).  From a few years after Ray Conniff ceased to have any relevance in the real world.  But he kept pumping out the vinyl.

8. Mary Had A Baby by The Antioch Sanctuary Choir-Soprano Solo: Ms. Shirley Lawrence from Spirituals Of The Sanctuary-85th Anniversary Album Of The Antioch Sanctuary Choir (Century Advent Recording ANT-6-789, Stereo).  More homemade music from the Cleveland area of Ohio.

9. Masters In This Hall by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  All these handbells make me want to go buy some M&M's!

10. O' Holy Night by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from the album St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  As good a place as any to end the evening.

Anything good in there?  I hope so.  Let me know what you think.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 41

Another day, another share.  Going to try real hard to get all seven days this week.  I noticed that I haven't gotten all seven days in any of the last four week.  That's pretty sad.  We'll see how I do.

1. Ave Maria by Fritz Weichbrodt from Trumpet Classics (Hamilton (Dot) HLP 166, Mono, 1966).  That's right, it's Ave Maria on the trumpet.  Haven't heard that this year, have we?

2. Dance And Be Merry (Adapted From "Country Gardens" English Morris Dance) by Bob Hannon With Jerry Sears And His Orchestra from the 78 set Songs For Little Folks (Mercury Miniature Playhouse 4x10" 78 RPM MMP 50M, Mono, 1949).  Some more leftovers from 10" record day last week.

3. Dance Of The Flutes by Ernest Ansermet With The Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden, from Ballet Favorites-Highlights From The Nutcracker, Carnaval, Coppelia, Giselle (RCA Victrola (Canada) VIC-1066, Mono, 1964).  Is this actually Dance Of The Flutes?  It wasn't listed on the sleeve, but I sure thought that's what I was hearing...

4. Rorate Caeli (Song Of Advent) by The Sistine Chapel Choir from The Sistine Chapel Choir Sings-The Vatican Pavilion At The New York World's Fair (Kaye Records SC 1000, Mono, 1964).  I think I saw another record by these folks in the stack today, but I skipped over it.  I figure they can show up again next year.

5. Advent Processional by The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Rev. John J. Bonzagni, Director, from The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Lee, Massachusetts (Vogt Quality Recordings 2xLP CSRV 2754, Stereo).  What can I say about this one, I have no idea...

6. Coventry Carol by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, my new favorite group, from Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  I've actually been to Chagrin Falls, almost 20 years ago.  I'm sure I didn't pick this record up then, but I thought it interesting that it was from someplace I'd visited.

7. Greenwillow Christmas (Carol) by The Melachrino Strings from Music From Frank Loesser's Greenwillow (RCA Victor LSP-2229, Stereo, 1960).  Don't think you've seen too many revivals of this show on Broadway...

8. Holiday by Ralph Wolf At The Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ from Holiday For Pipes (Concert Recording CR-0093, Stereo).  Probably the wrong holiday, but close enough.

9. In Dulci Jubilo by Dr. Robert Elmore from Organ Recital/Demonstration With Narrative (Allen Organs AO 3600, Stereo).  An organ record with a generic Allen Organ sleeve, so of course I had to pull it out and see what might be on it. :)

10. Merry Christmas, Pretty Baby by Merle Travis from Rough, Rowdy And Blue (CMH CMH-6262, Stereo, 1986).  I couldn't believe this when I spotted it, but there it was.  Not as great as I had hoped, but still one of those things that shouldn't have been lost to the ages.

And there we are, ten more tracks.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 40

Forty days (and forty nights)!  Seems like only yesterday I started sharing out Christmas music with you, but it's been almost two months.  Surprisingly, there's still some good stuff in the pile.  I keep thinking it's got to come to an end sooner or later, but then I find another clutch of records that I really want to listen to and get out there into the wild.  So we'll keep going, at least for a while.  The audience seems to be shrinking, which is a little bit of a surprise, but I guess not too much.  It was never a large audience to begin with, but you know.  To those of you still hanging around, thanks for your support!  Hopefully these shares will still be available come December so more folks can enjoy these obscure gems.  Anyhow, what's in the pile?

1. Baby, It's Cold Outside by The John Parker Orchestra from The Sound Of Conversation In Music (Medallion (Kapp) ML-7504, Mono, 1960).  I'd not seen this record before the other day, and it's not bad.  Wish I'd found it in stereo though, since it is part of a series of stereo showcase records. It's a whole series of songs that are frequently heard as duets with a bunch of back-and-forth, so I'm sure it's better in Stereo.

2. Chinese Dance by Ernest Ansermet With The Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden, from Ballet Favorites-Highlights From The Nutcracker, Carnaval, Coppelia, Giselle (RCA Victrola (Canada) VIC-1066, Mono, 1964).  Not sure if I cut this one into the right pieces.  The first 1/2" of vinyl was heat damaged, so I couldn't start at the beginning.  I came up with too many tracks, and the lengths of the ones I did get didn't match anything from when I shared the same record back in 2009.  Maybe I'm overthinking this...

3. Des Santificatus (Day Sanctified) by The Sistine Chapel Choir from The Sistine Chapel Choir Sings-The Vatican Pavilion At The New York World's Fair (Kaye Records SC 1000, Mono, 1964).  I've been to the site of the 1964 World's Fair in NYC, also the site of the 1939 fair.  It's a nice little park, and there are a lot of pieces left here and there.  Not sure if it's worth the subway trip way out there, but if you're looking to kill some time in NYC...

4. Green Sleeves by Eddie Layton On The Hi-Fi Organ from No Blues On This Cruise (Mercury MG 20308, Mono, 1957).  The random Christmas tracks I've dug up from Eddie Layton over the years all seem to be better than the tracks on his actual Christmas record.  I wonder why that is?

5. I Saw Three Ships, artist unknown, from Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 10 From Book 3 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-330, Mono, 1956).  Leftover track from Ten Inch Record day a couple days ago.

6. March Of The Toys by Skitch Henderson, His Piano And The Stereosonic Strings from Autumn In New York (Mount Vernon Music MVM 107, Mono).  Yes, The Stereosonic Strings in mono.

7. Moonlight In Vermont by Chris Connor from Chris Craft (Atlantic 1290, Mono, 1958).  My copy is scratchy beyond words, but you'll get the idea.

8. Angels We Have Heard On High by The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director, from the LP Christmas Music/Bicentennial And Old Favorites (United Methodist Church Of Chagrin Falls, Ohio 6093N9, Stereo, 1976).  Just found this record way back in the archives today, and knew I needed to share it, even if it takes the rest of the month to get through all the track on it.  It's handbells!!!

9. Dream Of A Doll by Al Bollington At The Conn Organ from Organ Hues In Hi-Fi (Dot DLP 25110, Stereo, 1958).  The title may say hi-fi, but it's in stereo, aren't you excited?  I ripped a lot of organ records today, and I've got plenty to go.  There is no shortage of organ music hereabouts, no matter what you may hear on the news.

10. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Glen Ridge High School Concert Band With John De Mado, from Glen Ridge High School Band In Concert Highlights '71-'72 (Silver Crest GLE91672, Stereo, 1972).  Possibly the best thing I recorded all day, but you're going to wish you could see what was going on when this was recorded.  And I kid you not, the cover is a closeup shot of some crumpled aluminum foil.

That's it for today, plenty of good stuff in there.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 39

Here we go again.  I've waited too late to get all the tracks for today written up, so I'm just gonna throw the lot up and tell you about it tomorrow.  For now, I need some sleep.

1. Holiday For Trumpet, Al Hirt
2. Greensleeves, Admiral Dan's Pandemoniacs
3. Arabian Dance, Ernest Ansermet
4. Drummer Boy, St. Albans Childrens Chorus
5. Adeste Fideles (Oh Come All Ye Faithful), The Sistine Chapel Choir
6. White Christmas, Nolan Strong And The Diablos
7. Let There Be Peace On Earth, The Imperials
8. The Bells Of St. Mary's, Jane Morgan
9. Skaters Waltz, Leon Berry
10. The Christmas Song, Tony Mottola

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 38

Hello! And welcome to day 38!  And for the first time in a long while, we have a theme day!  It's taken forever, but I have collected up a whole double handful of tracks from those most curious of records, the 10 incher!  This post is dedicated to by buddy Buster who has a whole blog devoted to 10" record, though he does often stray from the format (and I always give him a hard time for such dalliances).  Some of these are from 10" vinyl, but some are from the original style of 10" record, the shellac 78 RPM model.  Those are generally older, more fragile, and incredibly hard to record sometimes.  I've spent the past four hours trying to get decent rip of five songs from four records, and I'm pooped.  So I hope you enjoy what you get because it's been a real pain.  I don't know how Buster does it sometimes, he shares ten things a week sometimes, and I can't seem to go a whole week without missing a day.  But anyhow, let's jump into this 10" deep pile and see what's in it.

1. Sleigh Ride by Ethel Smith from Galloping Fingers (Decca 10" 33 RPM DL 5327, Mono, 1951).  I'm starting out with one that I recorded in 2016, but never shared out.  I think that was because I wound up pulling the same track from a 12" record, and didn't want to repeat myself.

2. Sweet Little Jesus Boy by Lyle Richardson, Baritone; Alexander McCurdy, Organist, from the LP Hymns Of The World (Fidéle 10" 33 RPM MRR 328, Mono).  Lots of obscure artists and labels in these 10" records.  And a lot of it has not made it to the digital age for whatever reason.  The recordings are just more obscure I suppose.

3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Les Brown And His Band Of Renown from Musical Weather Vane (Coral 10" 33 RPM CRL 56077, Mono, 1952).  Somehow I wound up with two copies of this one, which is good because one of them was pretty rough.

4. Satan Takes A Holiday by Hal Pearl from Hal Pearl At The Aragon Pipe Organ (Replica 10" 33 RPM 33 x 502, Mono).  The wonderful world of organ music is not limited to 12" vinyl, as we shall see at least once more.

5. Ave Maria by Hour Of Charm All Girl Orchestra And Choir Featuring Vocal Solo By Jeanne And Evelyn And Her Magic Violin Under Direction Of Phil Spitalny, taken from Favorite Melodies From The Hour Of Charm (Columbia 4x10" 78 RPM C 108, Mono, 1952).  This is the first selection taken from shellac, one of the most fragile substances ever made.  So of course they used to make records out of it.

6. Bells, performed by and unknown artist but taken from Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 09 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-329, Mono, 1956).  From a large series of records, only some of which had Christmas related tracks, and thus the only ones I picked up.  They all had those old pockets taped to the front that held a little card so you could check it out from the library.  None of them ever showed being checked out.  I guess they weren't very popular.

7. Carol Of The Birds, again by who-knows-who from the next record in the same series, Now And Long Ago-Silver Burdett Songs From Music For Living-Album 10 From Book 3 (Columbia 10" 78 RPM Microgroove JS-330, Mono, 1956).  Never seen this series, but it's on Columbia, so it can't be that obscure...

8. Doll Dance by Leon Berry from Glockenspiels, Trap And Plenty Of Pipes With Leon Berry At The Hub Rink Chicago-Volume 1 (Replica 10" 33 RPM 33x501, Mono, 1956).  As often happens, I've seen the same material on 12" vinyl, featuring additional tracks.  But sometimes, the stuff on the 10" record is unique.

9. The Hanover Winter Song by Dartmouth College Glee Club-Director: D.E. Cobleigh '23, from Dartmouth In Song (James Campion Inc 3x10" 78 RPM BS 065750-55, Mono).  More shellac.  And you thought homemade records were unique to vinyl...

10. In The Good Old Winter Time (Adapted From "Amaryllis"-Air Louis XIII By Ghys) by Bob Hannon With Jerry Sears And His Orchestra from Songs For Little Folks (Mercury Miniature Playhouse 4x10" 78 RPM MMP 50M, Mono, 1949).  Kiddie records aren't unique to vinyl either.  How these things survived being played with all those years ago, I'll never know.  Both front and back covers were torn from the package, but they were there, along with two song sheets.  Maybe it never got played with.

11. The Skaters, Op. 183 (Schlittschuhlaufer) Waltz by Prague Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Dr. Vaclav Smetacek, from Famous Waltzes (Supraphon (Czechoslovakia) 10" 33 RPM HLPM 392, Mono).  That's right, Czechoslovakia!  I go to the ends of the Earth to get music for you folks!  This isn't even a single country anymore!

12. Yuletide, Park Avenue (From Musical Revue "Call Me Mister") by Betty Garrett, Comedienne And Vocal Septet With Call Me Mister Orchestra Under Direction Of Lehman Engel, from Call Me Mister (Decca 5x10" 78 RPM 466, Mono, 1946).  Last but not least, this is my favorite song, but worst recording.  Turns out the record has an almost inch and a half chip in one edge, it's still attached, but it's hanging on by a thread.  It gave my needle a double whammy every time it spun around, so you're going to hear a lot of thunks and crunks in the first minute or so of the song.  Bear with it.  Other than that, it's an interesting idea for a Christmas song. Never heard Hammacher-Schlemmer name-checked in a song before!

And that's it, couple of extra songs thrown in because a couple of them are so short.  Hope you enjoy this selection of small-sized recordings.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 37

I feel like I should have been on Day 37 some weeks back, but I'm still happy to get here.  Not a special milestone, but a good point to be at either way.  How many days did I do last year? 51.  Hmm, not sure if I'll make it that far this year.  I shared out a lot more tracks last year, too, they just seemed to keep coming and coming and coming!  But we'll see.  What's in the pile tonight?

1. We Need A Little Christmas by The Monterey Brass With Vocals By Mary Louise & The Michaels Brothers, a real budget recording from The Hit Songs From Mame (Diplomat DS-2385, Stereo).  The side I recorded this track from listed three songs, but there was clearly four tracks on the vinyl.  I had to listen first to be sure I was getting the track I wanted.  Not sure what that bonus track was.

2. Ave Maria, Vergine Fiore (Hail Mary, Virgin Flower) by The Sistine Chapel Choir from The Sistine Chapel Choir Sings-The Vatican Pavilion At The New York World's Fair (Kaye Records SC 1000, Mono, 1964).  From a nice gatefold souvenir album that I assume you could pick up at The Vatican Pavilion.

3. December: The First Snow Of Winter by Arthur Godfrey With Orchestra And Chorus Under The Direction Of Archie Bleyer from Arthur Godfrey's TV Calendar Show (Columbia CL 521, Mono, 1953).  I thought I'd already shared this out with you this season, but I saw it was still in my folder.  I hope I'm not screwing something up here.  Arthur Godfrey showed up sometime recently on my TV in a small cameo bit during Four For Texas.  Not the best Rat Pack film, but it has another nice cameo from the very old Three Stooges!

4. Mary Born A Baby by The Lycoming College Choir-Walter G. McIver, Director, from Let Us Break Bread Together (Lycoming Records LLP 500, Mono).  Not sure if I've ever heard this song before.  I guess that's a good thing about these home-recorded records, you hear stuff that you've not encountered before.

5. My Favorite Things by Don Baker from The Great Songs From The Motion Pictures My Fair Lady, The Sound Of Music, West Side Story (Kapp KL-1411, Mono, 1964).  Because you needed more organ music from The Sound Of Music.

6. Sugar Plum Cha Cha by Ray Rasch And The Pipers 10 from Flutes Front & Center!-The Persuasive Flutes (Warner Bros W 1454 Promotion Not For Sale, Mono, 1962).  I can't tell you how excited to give you cha cha Nutcracker music performed on the flute and organ!  It's like four great tastes that taste great together!

7. Amen by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist-Solist, Kenneth Burney, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo). Not bad, but a big let down after cha cha Nutcracker organ flute music...

8. The Bells Of Saint Mary's by The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Rev. John J. Bonzagni, Director, from the LP The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Lee, Massachusetts (Vogt Quality Recordings 2xLP CSRV 2754, Stereo).  You know what this needs? A cha-cha beat.

9. The Snow Maiden: Dance Of The Buffoons by RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra-Robert Russell Bennett, Conductor, from It's Classic But It's Good (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2238, Stereo, 1958).  I saw Robert Russell Bennett and knew I had to try and find something on this one to share.

10. March Of The Lunatics by Leonard Pennario from The Two Pianos Of Leonard Pennario (Capitol SP 8517, Stereo, 1960).  I have no idea what's going on here.  Something about two different tracks in two different keys played by the left and right hands.  Someone smarter than I can figure it out, I'm sure.

And that's it, ten more tracks.  Is it Friday yet?

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 36

And...I'm back!  Sorry about the little intermission there.  Had some intestinal issues that kept me close to a toilet for a few days.  Not pleasant, believe me.  Got an appointment with a specialist next week, hopefully they can do something to keep my insides on the inside where they belong. Still not 100%, but I'm a lot better than I was Saturday morning.  Still hoping to drag Christmas in July out a bit more, so thanks for sticking with me. I had big plans to spend the whole weekend recording more stuff and now here it is Wednesday and nothing for almost five days...

1. Seasons Reasons by Ann Richards from The Many Moods Of Ann Richards (Capitol T-1406, Mono, 1960).  The title certainly sounds like a good holiday title, but the lyrics are a little hard to follow.  What's going on here, can anyone tell?  I've got another Kenton alumni to share with you, I should have done them together... Not too late, I guess.

2. Love Turns Winter To Spring by June Christy-Orchestra Conducted By Pete Rugolo from Gone For The Day (Capitol T902, Mono, 1957). I like this one.  Listening to it, it sounds familiar, but I don't know why.  Doesn't look like I've ever shared the track out before. But good stuff.

3. Sugar Plum by Joe Harnell And His Trio from The Piano Inventions Of Joe Harnell And His Trio (Jubilee LP-1015, Mono, 1956).  A rerun, but I think it's a good one.

4. Ave Maria by The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Rev. John J. Bonzagni, Director-Soloist: Mrs. Jacqueline A. Abbott, from The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Lee, Massachusetts (Vogt Quality Recordings 2xLP CSRV 2754, Stereo). A little something for everyone on this sprawling set.

5. A Cold Wind Is Blowing by The Modern Jazz Quartet from Patterns (United Artists (Capitol Record Club) SW-90835, Stereo, 1960).  If I read the entry at Discogs correctly, this is a reissue of a soundtrack recording from the previous year.  Does that sound right?  My rip leaves a little to be desired, I know.  Sorry.

6. Go Tell It On The Mountain by The World Action Singers Of Oral Roberts University-Joyce Lampkin, Soloist-Arranged And Conducted By Ralph Carmichael from Oral Roberts Presents (Light LS-5520-LP, Stereo).  Another rerun, but I remember liking this one, and I saw the LP again, so here you go.  A new copy of the LP, I should mention.  All of these reruns are from copies of the albums I've found since I first shared them.  I don't just go and re-record my old copies of the albums.  The old copies are packed away in a box somewhere, probably never to see the light of day again.

7. Holiday For Strings by The Medallion Piano Quartet from The Sound Of 8 Hands On 4 Pianos (Medallion (Kapp) MS-7510, Stereo, 1960).  I've given you this song on all sorts of instruments this year, so why not pianos? And if you're gonna do pianos, why not four of them?

8. Jesu' Bambino by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  Those kids...

9. Miniature Overture, another Nutcracker track from our friend Dom Frontiere and his LP Mr. Accordion-Dom Frontiere Plays Classical Favorites (Liberty LST 7008, Stereo, 1958).  Thought I'd shared everything I had from this one, but I guess not.  I really should plan these things out better, but I do it by the seat of my pants most days.

10. Satin Doll by Georgie Auld With Don Costa And His Orchestra from Manhattan With Strings (United Artists UAS 6068, Stereo, 1959).  This is very early for the United Artists label, you don't see too much of their stuff floating around from these early days.

That's a nice place to stop, some good stuff in there today.  I think I'm still a little sick.  Hard to concentrate.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 35

Wow, 35 days so far!  Not even close to a record, but still a long time.  I'm too tired to type it all up tonight, I'll try to get the titles and whatnot in there tomorrow for you, unless some kind soul posts it in the comments for me like happened last time.  And I get more downloads if I don't tell you what's in there, I wonder why that is?

Zippyshare

(The next day...)

OK, let's see what's in the pile.

1. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) by Mel Tormé from Gene Norman Presents Mel Tormé At The Crescendo (Coral CRL 57012, Mono, 1955).  Recorded live in 1954, I think this is Mel's first recording of his song written in 1945.  My copy of this LP is pretty beat, so I apologize for the sound quality here.

2. Epiphany by Ray Middleton-Choir & Music Under Direction Of Howard Barlow from the LP Ten Protestant Holy Days (Candle CAN-111, Mono, 1957).  Still not a big fan of this guy...

3. Holiday For Strings, a rare vocal version by The Voices Of Walter Schumann from The Voices Of Walter Schumann-Lyrical Music For Listening (Capitol-The Star Line T-297, Mono, 1962).  I believe this is a straight reissue of an earlier LP, only for Capitol's budget Starline series.

4. In The Bleak Mid-Winter by The Lycoming College Choir-Walter G. McIver, Director, from Let Us Break Bread Together (Lycoming Records LLP 500, Mono). These guys seem to be a step above most of these self-recorded groups.

5. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Alice Faye, from one of her early movies and released on Alice Faye In Hollywood (1934-1937) (Columbia CL 3068, Originally Recorded 1/24/37, Mono, 1969).  I've been hunting for Christmas music by Phil Harris, but haven't turned anything up yet.  All I've been able to find is this song from his wife.

6. Angels We Have Heard On High by The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Rev. John J. Bonzagni, Director, from The Choir Of The Church Of Saint Mary-Lee, Massachusetts (Vogt Quality Recordings 2xLP CSRV 2754, Stereo).  A rare double album from a church group.

7. Ave Maria by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  One of the better kiddie groups I've featured around here, or at least one of the better recorded.

8. The Bells Of St. Mary's by Roger King Mozian And His Orchestra from Spectacular Is The Sound For It! (MGM SE3883, Stereo, 1960).  I'm thinking that I've shared this before, and maybe from the original LP, not from this label sampler.

9. A Child Is Born by Tony Rice from The New Acoustic Music Sampler (Rounder AN-02, Stereo, 1984).  This seems to have been written by Dave Grusin, so I'll need to see if I can track down a version by him.

10. Greensleeves by Dick Schory's Percussion And Brass Ensemble from Runnin' Wild (RCA Victor Stereo Action LSA-2306, Stereo, 1961).  Can't go wrong with anything from the Stereo Action series!

Christmas In July 2018-Day 34

Whoops, missed another day yesterday.  Laid down for a quick nap and didn't get up until the alarm went off the next morning.  So it goes, I guess I needed the sleep more than I needed the Christmas music.  But I've got ten more for you today, no worries.

1. The Blizzard by Billy Walker from The Gun, The Gold And The Girl/Cross The Brazos At Waco (Columbia CL 2331, Mono, 1965).  A rewrite of The Frozen Logger, if you're familiar with that one.  Not the sort of thing you hear everyday.

2. Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, your Nutcracker track of the night, by The Michael Collins Strings from The Lonely Heart (Romantic Themes By Tchaikovsky) (Capitol T10236, Mono, 1959).  Part of the Capitol of the World series, but I really have a hard time putting music from England into that category.

3. England: Holiday In London by Norrie Paramor And His Concert Orchestra from Norrie Paramor's Jet Flight (Capitol T10190, Mono, 1958).  Another one from the Capitol of the World series, and again from England.  Didn't plan that, I swear!

4. Greenslees by Thumbs Carllile from the LP All Thumbs (Smash MGS 27085, Stereo, 1965).  I think Carllile was a discovery of Roger Miller who had a unique way of playing his guitar that involved his thumbs.  Not sure how he got his nickname though.

5. Holiday For Strings by Ray Rasch And The Pipers 10 from Flutes Front & Center!-The Persuasive Flutes (Warner Bros W 1454, Mono, 1962).  That's right, Holiday For Strings on the flute!  And for some strange reason, an organ...

6. Jingle Bells by The Coronet Children Chorus from Sing-Along For Children aka Children's Sing Along (Twinkle (Premier) TW 25, Mono).  That's right, budget label children singing. But kazoos!

7. O Come All Ye Faithful by The Lycoming College Choir-Walter G. McIver, Director, from the album Let Us Break Bread Together (Lycoming Records LLP 500, Mono).  Much better, non-budget label.

8. Away In A Manger by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  Ah, even better non-budget label children singing.

9. Handel's Messiah by The Hell's Gate Steel Band from This Is Antigua With The Hell's Gate Steel Band-Volume 1-A Star Production (Star (Sound, Tapes And Records Limited, Jamaica) No Number, Stereo, 1969).  You wanted some steel drum, you got some steel drum!

10. A Ceremony Of Carols by The Robert Shaw Chorale Of Women's Voices-Robert Shaw, Conductor, from the LP Benjamin Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols; Rejoice In The Lamb; Festival Te Deum (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2759, Stereo, 1964).  Not my best rip of the year, but the longest by quite a ways.  Don't try to make it all the way through in one sitting.

And that's it.  A little something for everyone in this pile, I think.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 33

33 days in and it feels like I just started!  So many things I wanted to share this month and I don't think I'm going to get to even half of it.  I suppose that means more for next year, right?  But I've still got plenty of time, Christmas doesn't start until Thanksgiving, right?  OK, what's in the pile tonight?

1. The Reindeer Hunt by Riz Ortolani from the soundtrack LP Ecco (Warner Bros W 1600, Mono, 1965).  No, it's not Christmas, but with a name like that, how could I not throw it in here?  Remind you of anything?  Carmina Burana perhaps?  That's what I heard...

2. The Skaters--Waltz by The Carnegie Pops Orchestra-Conducted By David Broekman, from the album Pops In The Park (Harmony (Columbia) HL 7113, Mono, 1958).  As I mentioned before when I shared another track from this album, this is a reissue of an earlier Masterworks album.  At least this time it wasn't on big clunky 78s.

3. Skating In Central Park by The Modern Jazz Quartet from Patterns (United Artists (Capitol Record Club) SW-90835, Stereo, 1960).  I was a little confused by the catalog number on this one until I realized it was for Capitol's record club.  I actually had two copies of the LP in the pile, but when I pulled one of them from the sleeve, it was a mono copy in a stereo jacket.  And this was the other one.  Sound is a little rough, but you can still give it a listen.

4. Snowflakes by Skitch Henderson, His Piano And The Stereosonic Strings, from Autumn In New York (Mount Vernon Music MVM 107, Mono).  Hands down, my favorite track of the day!  Just imagine what this would sound like in Stereo!  Not sure where this music comes from or if it's really Skitch.  Looks like a budget label to me, but the tracks sounded OK.  And there was no fine print saying "And Toots McStitch" so that they could pass off the rest of the tracks.

5. Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy, today's Nutcracker installment by Dom Frontiere from Mr. Accordion-Dom Frontiere Plays Classical Favorites (Liberty LST 7008, Stereo, 1958).  I need to record some more Nutcracker stuff before the end of the month, just to get it out of the way.  Makes nice filler. :)

6. Deck The Halls by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  Pretty good for kids singing.

7. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day by The Simon Sisters from The Simon Sisters Sing The Lobster Quadrille And Other Songs For Children (Columbia Children's Record Library CR 21525, Stereo, 1969).  I've shared this with you before from a later reissue that apparently had some additional instruments dubbed onto it.  This is the second issue, so it didn't come with a book, but it is the raw recordings.  And in case you don't know, one of the Simon sisters is named Carly.

8. Sleigh Ride by Marco Rizo, His Piano & Orchestra, from Leroy Anderson In Latin America (Forum SF 9039, Stereo, 1960).  Love this version, shared it quite a few times now.  Uh-oh, the right channel in my amp just started buzzing...  It's always something. I hope that's just in the playback and not in the recording.  Anybody heard anything odd in the downloads?

9. Nantucket Sleighride by Mountain from Mountain Live-The Road Goes Ever On (Windfall-Bell 5502, Stereo, 1972).  Not sure if it's Christmas but it sure is long!

10. Satin Doll by Onzy Matthews And His Orchestra from Blues With A Touch Of Elegance (Capitol ST 2099, Stereo, 1964).  I thought this was old when I bought it, so I was surprised to see the 1964 date.  Looks late fifties to go by the cover.  I guess they were trying to bring back the big bands in the face of The Beatles.

And that's it.  One more night in the can.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 32

That's right, July has 32 days this month (and counting)!  I'll see how long I can keep this up, but as of now I've got about another week in the can.  What's in the pile tonight?

1. Salvation Is Created by The Lycoming College Choir-Walter G. McIver, Director, from Let Us Break Bread Together (Lycoming Records LLP 500, Mono).  As good a place to start as any.  I spent the weekend grabbing a bunch of tracks of these little locally produced records because I didn't think I'd shared out enough with you this year.  So prepare for an onslaught!

2. Blue Holiday by Ralph Burns And His Orchestra from Warwick Records Presents Sight And Sound Percussion Sampler (Warwick-No Number, Stereo).  Is this the same Blue Holiday as the one by David Rose and Andre Previn?  I didn't listen close enough to see, and it's a promo type thing with no writing credits attached.  I suspect the percussion bits at the beginning were tacked on after the fact as a sales gimmick.

3. Hong Kong Holiday by Robert Maxwell And Orchestra from Spectacular Is The Sound For It! (MGM SE3883, Stereo, 1960).  Another track from a percussion sampler, but at least this one is a little more professional and nothing feels tacked on.

4. Ice Run by Rick Wakeman from White Rock (A&M SP-4614, Stereo, 1976).  This is the soundtrack to a film about the Winter Olympics from that year, so if it makes you think of ice, it must be doing it's job.  And there's Moog!

5. I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony) by Chet Atkins from Chet Atkins Picks On The Hits (RCA Victor (Canada) LSP-5754, Stereo, 1972).  I told you there were still Christmas treasures to be found in the Chet Atkins discography.

6. Penguin Polka by Myron Floren from Myron Floren On The Accordion-Polkas, Schottisches, Waltzes (Brunswick BL 754053, Stereo, 1960).  I know penguins are from the wrong pole, but they still remind me of Christmas for some reason.

7. Russian Dance (Trepak) by Dom Frontiere from Mr. Accordion-Dom Frontiere Plays Classical Favorites (Liberty LST 7008, Stereo, 1958).  Can't have a night without a Nutcracker track!

8. Satin Doll by Morty Craft And The Singing Strings from Percussion In Hollywood, Broadway, Television (Warwick W5000ST, Stereo).  Another track that seems to have tacked on percussion, from the same label as the other one...

9. White Christmas by St. Albans Childrens Chorus-Lucille Burney, Director-Ruth Perkins, Accompanist, from St. Albans Childrens Chorus Sings (No Label SXB-600/-601, Stereo).  More local stuff, but I thought this one was pretty good.  Got lots of tracks from this one to share.

10. Wintertime Of Love (From "Wintertime Of Love") by Richard Hayman And His Orchestra from Great Motion Picture Themes Of Victor Young (Mercury SR-60012, Stereo, 1958).  I know I've shared this one out before, but I found a nice stereo copy of the LP and figured why not.

That's it.  Ten more tracks. I haven't asked in a while, but do you have any favorites so far this year?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you've liked.  Or, if you have a strong opinion, tell me what you didn't like!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 31

As is my custom, the 31st of July is when I celebrate New Year's Day in July.  Now I know it's August, but we're just going to keep on pretending.  One thing I will not pretend about this year is the fact that I'm going to keep going for a while longer.  I've got plenty more to share, and I've spent the weekend doing almost nothing but ripping records to make sure I can keep up for a while longer.  If for no other reason, I've got to make these piles smaller.  I can't carry this many record until July of 2019.  I've got to make room for new stuff!  Anyhow, happy fake New Year!  Let's see what's in the pile.

1. Auld Lang Syne by Jimmy Shand And His Band With Chorus from the Robert Burns tribute LP The Immortal Memory (Parlophone (EMI) PMC 1077, Mono, 1959).  Three more years and this little label would be the biggest thing in the world!  But at this point, they were releasing some pretty dodgy stuff.

2. Happy New Year by Chris Connor And Maynard Ferguson from Double Exposure (Atlantic 8049, Mono, 1961).  For my money, this is the best track in the pile today.  I've shared out several versions of this track over the years, including three different recordings by it's author, Gordon Jenkins.  So maybe I just have a soft spot for it.

3. January: Look Ahead by The Mariners With Orchestra And Chorus Under The Direction Of Archie Bleyer, Introduction By Arthur Godfrey, from Arthur Godfrey's TV Calendar Show (Columbia CL 521, Mono, 1953).  I've shared it before, and I'll share it again, but it's still good stuff!

4. New Year's Eve And Day by Ray Middleton-Choir & Music Under Direction Of Howard Barlow from Ten Protestant Holy Days (Candle CAN-111, Mono, 1957).  Once again, he's the worst track of the day.  Was there a script to this?  At times it seems he's making it up as he goes.

5. Violets; Tell Me Why; Auld Lang Syne by Living Voices from Living Voices On The Campus (RCA Camden CAL-715, Mono, 1962).  Didn't think we'd go allmonth without hearing from the Living series, did you?  Not sure if this is the only time, but maybe.

6. Auld Lang Syne by The Banjo Barons-Arranged And Conducted By Teo Macero And Marty Manning from The Banjo Barons Play Music For Happy Times (Columbia CS 8889, Stereo, 1963).  Last track from this record, I'm afraid.  Shame they didn't do an entire Christmas record.

7. Auld Lang Syne by Bob Johnson And The Lonesome Travelers from Twelve Shades Of Bluegrass (Parkway SP-7017, Stereo, 1963).  Good bluegrass from the same label that was pushing out Chubby Checker.  Imagine what a duet that could have been!

8. Auld Lang Syne; Vieni Sul Mar by Eddie Williams And His Orchestra from Fiesta Non Stop Vol. 2 (Polydor (Germany) 236791, Stereo).  Not sure I want to hear volume 1 of this.

9. For The Sake Of Auld Lang Syne by The Vocal Majority from All The Best From The Vocal Majority (Private Pressing VM-5000, Stereo).  One more barbershop song I've been saving for you.

10. To The Year That's Away (Scottish) by The Belafonte Folk Singers-Robert Corman, Conductor, from the LP Cheers-Drinking Songs Around The World (RCA Victor LSP-1992, Stereo, 1959).  A Scottish New Year's track that's not Auld Lang Syne?  Well I'll be! BTW, his name was really Robert DeCormier, not sure when/why he swapped back and forth, but I've seen it credited both ways.

And that's it.  again, Happy New Year to you and yours!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 30

Happy Saturday!  Yes, I know it's August, but I'm still busy celebration Christmas In July, and I will be for maybe about another week or so.  Still lots of music in the pile, and I put new stuff in the pile today, so I've got the tunes.  It's just a matter of finding time to record stuff.  And since today was Saturday, I took the time to rip a big stack of records.  A big chunk of today's share is new stuff, or at least newly ripped, so let's take a look, shall we?

1. Ave Maria by Chet Atkins from Class Guitar (RCA Victor LPM-3885, Mono, 1967).  Chet Atkins had a long and varied career, so it's not surprise that new tracks like this pop up on my radar from time to time.  Now to track down the stereo versions.

2. March Of The Little Lead Soldiers by The Carnegie Pops Orchestra-Conducted By Walter Hendl from Pops In The Park (Harmony (Columbia) HL 7113, Mono, 1958).  If memory serves, I think I read that this was a reissue of material from about ten years earlier on Columbia Masterworks.

3. March Of The Toys by Ron Oliver And His Orchestra from A Treasury Of Victor Herbert In High Fidelity (Harmony (Columbia) HL 7117, Mono, 1958).  Ha! Two releases from the same label in the same year right in a row.  Couldn't have planned that if I tried!

4. Raindrop And The Snowflake by Nancy F. A. Woolnough from The Adventures Of Raindrop (Diadem DLP 142, Mono).  Weird religious stuff... Listen at your own risk.  But the part about going to the snowbank to witchdraw some money is kinda funny.

5. Santa Claus Blues by Turk Murphy And His Jazz Band from When The Saints Go Marching In (Columbia CL 546, Mono, 1954).  Nice jazzy stuff!

6. Skaters Waltz by the great yet forgotten Bob Kames from Golden Years In Hi-Fi-20 Organ Solos By Bob Kames (King 598, Mono, 1959).  I didn't remember this, but I appear to have shared it before, along with I think four full Christmas albums he recorded over the years.  And at least one non-LP single.  The man was prolific.

7. The Big Clown Balloons From "Here's Love" by Werner Müller And His Orchestra from Werner Müller On Broadway (London Phase 4 SP 44047, Stereo, 1964).  I should have saved this one, I've got a stack of Phase 4 LPs to record yet.  Could have made a theme post.

8. March by Dom Frontiere from Mr. Accordion-Dom Frontiere Plays Classical Favorites (Liberty LST 7008, Stereo, 1958).  Yes, it's Nutcracker music, but it's good.  Trust me.

9. Waltz Of The Flowers by Ernie Quelle, Armin Rusch, Walter Geiger Quartets from Swingin' The Classics (Tempo TS 1004 "An Alshire Production", Stereo).  That Alshire connection should tell you about all you need to know for this one.

10. Midnight Sun Schottische by Myron Floren from Myron Floren On The Accordion-Polkas, Schottisches, Waltzes (Brunswick BL 754053, Stereo, 1960).  I assume that they get plenty of midnight sun at the North Pole during Christmas in July.

And that's it.  Hope there's something in there you like.  If not, I'll try again tomorrow.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 29

Good evening!  I'm back with a small pile of Christmas music for you.  Sorry to be dragging this out, but there just aren't enough hours in the day to get done all the things I want to do.  Or need to do, in the case of holding down an actual job and paying the bills.  But that's beside the point, let's get to the music!

1. Christmas by Ray Middleton-Choir & Music Under Direction Of Howard Barlow from the LP Ten Protestant Holy Days (Candle CAN-111, Mono, 1957).  This is, without doubt, the worst thing I have shared with you all season.  Maybe the worst over multiple seasons.  How did this get released?  And it's part of a series!  I have the Jewish one, too, and I don't remember it being this bad.  Listen at your own risk!

2. Greensleeves by The Melachrino Strings Conducted By George Melachrino from the 45 EP set Music For Reading (RCA Victor 2x7" 45 RPM EPB 1002, Mono, 1955).  This is the first of two selections tonight from 45 RPM 7 inch records.  I don't think these tracks are any different from the versions I've shared in the past from the full sized 12" albums, but you never know until you put the needle in the groove.

3. Winter Wonderland by Guy Lombardo And His Royal Canadians-Vocal By Kenny Gardner from Guy Lombardo In Hi-Fi EP Part 2 (Capitol 7" 45 RPM EAP 2-728, Mono, 1956).  Again, a 45 release of a standard 12" record.  I don't hear a difference, and the timing is almost identical.  Nothing special.  Only 7" version I've discovered that was different from it's 12" release is Arthur Godfrey's Columbia Christmas album.  The 7" set has edits of the album tracks.

4. North Pole-Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer by David Seville And The Chipmunks (Alvin, Simon & Theodore) from the LP Around The World With The Chipmunks And David Seville (Liberty LRP 3170, Mono, 1960).  This one wasn't on cool red vinyl, but it did feature the original cartoon versions of The Chipmunks, not the later TV versions.

5. Snow by The Johnny Mann Singers from I'll Remember You (Liberty LRP-3436, Mono, 1966).  One of those winter songs you don't hear nearly enough.  And it's written by Randy Newman!

6. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by The Airmen Of Note from Serenade In Blue-Series Eleven (Programs 131-143) (United States Air Force 7xLP Suggested Air Date: October-December 1969, Stereo, 1969).  Still one of my favorite finds this season!  I hope it's one of yours as well.

7. Holiday For Trombones by Trombones Unlimited Featuring Mike Barone & Frank Rosolino from Holiday For Trombones (Liberty LST-7527, Stereo, 1967).  The trombones feel the need to get in on the act.

8. Nativity Play by Joyce Grenfell from George-Don't Do That.....-Six Nursery School Sketches (Starline-EMI (UK) SRS 5199, Stereo, 1977).  A little sketch about the Christmas play.  It never goes anywhere, but it's nice filler.

9. Chinoiserie (Chinese Dance) by Duke Ellington And His Orchestra from Nutcracker Suite/Peer Gynt Suites Nos. 1 And 2 (Odyssey (Columbia) 32 16 0252 (Originally issued 1960), Stereo, 1980).  Nutcracker, but I only have a couple tonight, so I'll type up all the details.

10. Arab Dance by Dom Frontiere from Mr. Accordion-Dom Frontiere Plays Classical Favorites (Liberty LST 7008, Stereo, 1958).  Really enjoying the accordion versions from the LP.  And is this Liberty night or something?  Weird coincidence.

That's it, ten tracks, getting near the bottom of the pile, but still plenty to go, long as I can find time to record it.  Give 'em a listen and let me know what you think.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 28

Good evening, and welcome to day 28 on the 31st of July.  Normally I'd be winding things down about now, but I've had some issues this month and fallen way behind, not just on posting but on actual recording.  There's still a big pile of records I wanted to get to, but I just haven't been able to spend the time at the turntable that I would like.  So I may extend things a few days out this month, and hopefully I can find some time to get a few more things recorded before I call it a month.  We'll see.  Anyhow, I've got a full slate for you tonight, so let's dive in.

1. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) by David Seville And The Chipmunks, from their first LP on beautiful red vinyl Let's All Sing With The Chipmunks (Liberty LRP 3132, Mono, 1959).  You're probably more than familiar with this track, ut I just couldn't resist when I saw that beautiful transparent ruby red vinyl!

2. Holiday For Chords by Charles Magnante from Charles Magnante Plays The Accordion (Award Artist Series (Grand Award) AAS-707, Mono, 1958).  Another holiday track from this LP that's not really the Christmas sort of holiday at all, but we'll pretend otherwise.

3. Please Santa Claus, a Christmas music lament from Anna Russell With Jimmy Carroll And His Miserable Five, taken from her LP A Square Talk On Popular Music Or The Decline And Fall Of The Popular Song (Columbia Masterworks ML 5036, Mono, 1956).  I've shared this before and I'll share it again, I just dig it.  This copy was actually autographed on the cover by Ms. Russell!

4. Deck The Hall by Brass Of The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Conducted By Alfred Newman, from Hallelujah! (Capitol SP8529, Stereo, 1960).  I've tried to be very careful this year and save some actual Christmas music for later in the month.  Here you go!

5. Holiday Polka by Will Glahé And His Orchestra from The Big Polka Band Hits (London PS 344, Stereo, 1964).  More non-holiday holiday music.  But still good stuff. Is that a cow? Wait a second...

6. Tchaikovsky Medley by Victor Borge from his non-comedy LP Victor Borge Plays And Conducts Concert Favorites (Columbia CS 8113, Stereo, 1959).  There's some Nutcracker right at the beginning, but not as much as I had hoped for when I found this album.  You'll just have to suffer through the rest of the fifteen minutes.

7. Nutcracker by Kai Winding And His Septet Featuring Four Trombones from the album The Trombone Sound (Columbia CL 936, Mono, 1956).  Not the first track this month that tried to trick me into thinking it had something to do with Tchaikovsky, but then didn't.  Unless I'm missing something.  Does anyone hear something in there that I'm missing?

8.-10. More tracks from The Nutcracker Suite, including, for some unknown reason, two tracks from that new Dom Frontiere album I mentioned yesterday.  I don't know how or why I grabbed two tracks from the same LP, but I'm too tired to go back and fix it now.

That's it, another day full of fun!  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 27

Whew, long day, and I haven't done a thing.  There are only a few days left in the month but I'm running out of songs to share.  I've got plenty of records still sitting here, I just haven't had time to record enough stuff.  Going to have to figure something out.  Anyhow, I've got another ten tracks for you here, so let's see what's what.

1. Holiday For Bass by Charles Magnante from Charles Magnante Plays The Accordion (Award Artist Series (Grand Award) AAS-707, Mono, 1958).  Probably not the type of holiday we celebrate around here, but beggars can't be choosers, right?

2. Jungle Holiday by Tito Puente from Tambó (RCA Victor LPM-2257, Mono, 1960).  Still the wrong holiday, but good stuff!

3. Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella by Chamber Singers-Robert Summer, Conductor, from the LP University Of South Florida Chamber Singers And University Singers (Suncoast Recording Service KM 4471, Stereo, 1979). How many tracks are on this record?

4. Jingle Bells by Danny Kaye-Conducted By Leith Stevens from the soundtrack to the movie The Five Pennies (Dot DLP 29500, Stereo, 1959).  This is the story of Red Nichols, who's band was called The Five Pennies, but you probably knew that.

5. Joy To The World by First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama-Sanctuary Choir, from A Celebration In Song (Prestige 80-157, Stereo, 1981). Another record with a million tracks...

6. Nutty by The Ventures from Where The Action Is (Dolton BST-8040, Stereo, 1965).  This is technically a Nutcracker track, but it's also The Ventures version of B. BUmble & The Stingers Nutrocker.  Good stuff!

7. Put A Little Love In Your Heart by Donna Rhodes from I See Love (Epic E 30136, Stereo, 1971).  This woman must have had connections, the liner notes were penned by Sam Phillips!

8.-10.  The rest is Nutcracker tracks proper.  However, there's a new series I started by Dominic Frontiere that's the whole suite done on accordion!  It's sweet!  Give it a listen!

Well, that's the list, but my internet seems to have just gone down.  Hopefully I can get this posted later on if it comes back up.  I can't even upload the tracks at the moment.  I told you it was a rough day...

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 26

Hello, and welcome to Boxing Day in July!  I missed another day yesterday, sorry.  Had to run after work and shoot pictures at a big show, and didn't get home until after midnight.  I don't think the temps dropped below 90 until after 9, and never got down to 80.  Humidity had to be close to 100% the whole time.  I drank three liters of Gatorade and still felt rough.  But a little Christmas music should make me feel nice and cool, let's see what I can find in the bin!

1. Contraponto Bestiale Alla Mente by 1977 Chamber Singers-Robert Summer, Conductor, from the album University Of South Florida Chamber Singers And University Singers (Suncoast Recording Service KM 4471, Stereo, 1979).  I guess I did have more music from this one.  Can't be too much left...  Wait, are those animal noises? What's going on here?

2. Dance We All To Bethlehem by The Placentia Presbyterian Chancel Choir-Ruth White Miller, Director, from the LP Christmas Chimes 'N Other Times (Monarch Records DBP-226, Stereo, 1977).  Not as many chimes on this one as the name of the album might lead you to believe...

3. Greensleeves by De Wayne Fulton from his album An Evening With De Wayne Fulton, Harpist, Vol. 1 aka An Evening At The Warehouse (Safari Record SS-1001, Stereo).  I think this was a vanity label for Mr. Fulton.  He shows two or three other releases on it.

4. The Jesus Gift by First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama-Sanctuary Choir, from A Celebration In Song (Prestige 80-157, Stereo, 1981).  Getting to the end of a lot of these full-side recordings here at the end of the month.  Finally, I hear some of you say...

5. Medley: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer; Jolly Old St. Nicholas; Jingle Bells, a big beautiful medley by the amazing The Banjo Barons-Arranged And Conducted By Teo Macero And Marty Manning from the album The Banjo Barons Play Music For Happy Times (Columbia CS 8889, Stereo, 1963).  At least this selection features their namesake instrument instead of the organ.

6. Pink Ice by Music Minus One from For Drummers Only!-Jazz Band Music Minus One Drummer (Music Minus One MMO-4002, Stereo).  If it seems like the music is repetitive and dragging in parts, that because they left that space open for you to put in your own drum solo!

7-10. Some more selections from The Nutcracker Suite.

And that's it, ten more tracks for Boxing Day.  Hope you're enjoying them.  Keep cool out there!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 25

Merry Christmas in July to you, and you, and you!  Today is a little bit different because I'm giving you a share full of things that I probably shouldn't share (and some Nutcracker tracks, naturally).  Newer stuff, major artists, big names, the sort of thing that some people wouldn't like shared, if you get my drift.  So I'm not going to tell you what you're getting.  And if one of these doesn't seem very much like a Christmas song, just listen to the end, when he starts talking to Santa. Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 24

Twas the night before Christmas In July, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even Ernie, who was tired after a long day of work.  So you'd better enjoy tonight's Christmas shares!

1. Look Around You, It's Christmas Time, one of the best Christmas songs I have shared with you this month, and it's by Bobby Goldsboro from his LP Autumn Of My Life (Sunset SUS-5315, Stereo, 1970).  He may have been a teen idol back in the day, but you've probably never heard this song.  It's good stuff!

2. Sing Softly, Angels by First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama-Sanctuary Choir, from A Celebration In Song (Prestige 80-157, Stereo, 1981).  I thought I was done sharing songs from this one sometime back, but I guess not.

3. Sing We And Chant It by Chamber Singers-Robert Summer, Conductor, from University Of South Florida Chamber Singers And University Singers (Suncoast Recording Service KM 4471, Stereo, 1979).  Another one that seems to keep going and going...

4. Wedding Of The Painted Doll by Leon Berry from Leon Berry At The Giant Wurlitzer Pipe Organ Vol. 4 (Audio Fidelity AFSD 5845, Stereo, 1958).  I think Audio Fidelity was the first label to release stereo records to the general public back in 1958.  Some other, larger labels had plans to release some very soon, but Audio Fidelity jumped out in front of them all.

5-10. More Nutcracker.  These Nutcracker dumps are probably going to continue through the end of the month.  Hope you enjoy them!

And that's that.  Be sure you download the shares tonight for that Bobby Goldsboro track.  It's a winner!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 23

I hate being behind, I really do.  But I don't see any chance of getting caught up before the weekend, probably on Sunday.  Just so much stuff to do that doesn't leave much time for Christmas music.  But I'll catch up, don't you worry.

1. Go Tell It On The Mountain by Howard University Choir-Warner Lawson, Director, from Spirituals (RCA Victor Red Seal LM-2126, Mono, 1958).  You can't see it because I didn't scan it, but the cover on this one is by Mozelle Thompson!  And if memory serves, the tracks are divided up into 3 songs each, but I didn't think they were actually a medley, so I cut out just the bit I needed.  Sorry if that offends any purists out there.

2. Greensleeves by The Weavers from The Weavers At Carnegie Hall (Vanguard VRS 9010 (Metropolitan Music Library VG 9010), Mono, 1959).  There are a lot of good songs in the discography of The Weavers.  Shame about the whole blacklist thing, not one of our country's prouder moments. Kinda like, oh, I don't know, now.

3. Capricorn by Hal Mooney And His Orchestra from Any Time-Music For Every Month Of The Year (Mercury SR 60073, Stereo, 1959).  I believe this is a stereo remake and retitle of an earlier album from Mr. Mooney. Each track is named after a star sign, and Christmas falls in Capricorn, as Kris Kristofferson once told us.  I love these kind of theme albums in general, but I wasn't too excited about this one.  I need to hunt down the mono original and see if I like it any better.

4. Catch: Hodge Told Sue, yet another track by 1978 Chamber Singers-Robert Summer, Conductor, from University Of South Florida Chamber Singers And University Singers (Suncoast Recording Service KM 4471, Stereo, 1979).  One of you learned visitors want to clue me in about this one?  I have no idea.

5. Ice Castles (Looking Through The Eyes Of Love) by Hector Olivera from Page Won By Hector-Embassy Theatre, Ft. Wayne (Engle Associates Recording EAR-10313, Stereo).  I should have saved all my "Ice" titled tracks and shared them out together.  Didn't think about that until just now.

6. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear by The USAF Strings from Serenade In Blue-Series Eleven (Programs 131-143) (United States Air Force 7xLP Suggested Air Date: October-December 1969, Stereo, 1969).  Such a good collection of stuff on this one, wish I could finds dozens more like it.  And I assume that with some serious digging, I can find a few more. I would think they did it more than just this one year.

7. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Enoch Light And His Orchestra from his LP Enoch Light And His Orchestra At Carnegie Hall Play Irving Berlin (Command RS 840 SD, Stereo, 1962).  Enoch Light, you know what to expect.

8.-10. More filler from various Nutcracker Suites.  You know the drill.

That's it, another ten tracks.  Stay tuned, another week to go!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 22

I'm back!  Sorry I missed a couple of days.  Had some problems with my insides, but hopefully those are all ironed out for the time being.  It's tough being old.  Anyhow, let's see what's in the bin for tonight, err, I mean for two night ago!

1. Christmas Greetings from Johnny Otis With Little Esther Phillips and Mel Walker from The Complete Savoy Recordings With Johnny Otis (Savoy Jazz 2xLP SJL 2258 (Originally Released 1950), Mono, 1984).  I guess this was a promotional recording that went out to DJs with copies of their Christmas record, which I shared with you earlier this month.  Cool stuff.

2. Jingle Bells Mambo by Pete Rugolo And His Orchestra from Adventures In Rhythm (Phillips (Holland) B 07049 L, Mono, 1954).  Hippest Jingle Bells you'll hear on the internet today.  And from a Dutch pressing no less!

3. Away In A Manger/O Little Town Of Bethlehem by Willie Dittrich from The Singing Zither-Christmas Music & Old Time Hymns (Jim Loyd Presents 1002 (WMT Radio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Stereo).  Nice little medley on the zither for you.

4. Go Tell It On The Mountain by The Scotties Of Saint Andrew's School, Boca Raton, Florida, Under The Direction Of Mrs. Phyllis G. Gould, from Brothers, Sing On! (Mark Records UMC 2323, Stereo, 1970).  Nice local stuff.

5. We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Chamber Singers-Robert Summer, Conductor, from University Of South Florida Chamber Singers And University Singers (Suncoast Recording Service KM 4471, Stereo, 1979).  Am I done with this one yet?  Not sure...

6-10. More Nutcracker.  Think of them as bonus tracks!

I really gotta get busy and record a few more tracks to finish out the month.  I don't want to run out of shares.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 21

Three weeks in, still going strong, though I do need to get busy and record some more stuff.  Only a couple weekends left to crank out some songs.  And tonight is a little special because there is a theme!  I found a large collection of barbershop records a few months back and I flipped through a couple hundred of them, trying to find Christmas music.  And tonight, you get to hear the results of that search!

1. The Bells Of St. Mary's by The Easternaires from their LP Once Over Lightly (RCA Victor LSP-2263, Stereo, 1961).  I believe this was the oldest one I found, and it was something on the great RCA label that I hadn't seen before.

2. The Secret Of Christmas makes it's first appearance by The Vocal Majority, a well-known barbershop chorus, from the LP With A Song In Our Hearts (Private Pressing VM-1000, Stereo).  Like many of these, this was a multi-artist collection.

3. The Secret Of Christmas appears again, this time by The High Society from On The Road Again (Good Vibrations GV 214, Stereo).  I've tried all month to not repeat any songs in the same night, but since it's more barbershop and came from the same collection, I'll bend the rule a bit.  And it's a good song. And this one is ladies singing, not guys.

4. Toy Soldiers On Parade by Mission Viejo Chapter-Sweet Adelines from Phoenix-35th Annual International Convention & Competition (Sweet Adelines 2xLP SHX-81-48, Stereo, 1981).  Well over 3/4 of the records I pawed through were by female groups.  I guess they're part of an organization called The Sweet Adelines.  Only barbershop association I knew about was the SPEBSQSA, but I guess they've changed their name now.

5. White Christmas by The Tetrachords from Early Portraits (Private Pressing TS81-749/750, Stereo, 1981). All of these tracks are really good!

6. Why Doesn't Santa Claus Go Next Door? by Mission Valley Chapter Of The Sweet Adelines Under The Direction Of Gloria Sandstrom, from Sweet Adelines, Inc. 1976 International Convention (Century Advent Recording USR 9851, Stereo, 1976).  A song I've never heard before!  Sweet!

7. Winter Wonderland by Roger Blackburn from Barbershopping In Brass (Sunrise MK 37-128, Stereo, 1972).  Not exactly barbershop, but I guess he got his inspiration from there.

8. Entr'acte by Duke Ellington And His Orchestra from Nutcracker Suite/Peer Gynt Suites Nos. 1 And 2 (Odyssey (Columbia) 32 16 0252 (Originally issued 1960), Stereo, 1980).  And that's it, only 8 barbershop songs, so I have to fill up the rest of the share with Nutcracker tracks.

9. Waltz Of The Flowers by Antal Dorati Conducting The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra from Britten: The Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra/Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Mercury MG 50055, Mono, 1955).  Good stuff.

10. March by Vienna Festival Orchestra Conducted By Herbert Grossman from Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite/Nutcracker Suite (Whitehall WH 20012, Mono, 1959). Not so good stuff, but adequate.

There you go, ten more tracks, and most of them fit the theme!  Wish I could do that every day.  Maybe if I put more time and energy into this sharing...

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 20

Day 20 already?  Seems like only yesterday we were still back in the teens.  Oh well, on with the show!

1. The Bells Of St. Mary's by John Duffy from John Duffy At The Mighty Columbia Square Wurlitzer (Liberty LRP 3004, Mono, 1955). Nice organ track for you to start things off.

2. Born In Bethlehem by The Journeymen from their LP Coming Attraction-Live! (Capitol T1770, Mono, 1962).  Another good Christmas track from an old folk album.

3. Waltz Of The Flowers, your only Nutcracker Track today, by Vienna Festival Orchestra Conducted By Herbert Grossman, from the album Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite/Nutcracker Suite (Whitehall WH 20012, Mono, 1959).  I think this was the most recent Nutcracker version I recorded.  Not sure if I'm done recording them yet, but maybe.  Depends on what else I can find in the stack to share.  Sure is easier to record a handful of tracks from one album instead of one track each from a handful of different albums.

4. Christmas On The Farm by The McLain Family Band from the self-titled LP The McClain Family Band (Country Life Records CLR-2, Stereo, 1973).  Now this is the sort of thing I like to find. And maybe the only bluegrass song of the season.

5. Hallelujah From "The Messiah" by Brass Of The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, Conducted By Alfred Newman, from Hallelujah! (Capitol SP8529, Stereo, 1960).  No voices, just brass.

6. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Paul Anka, Arranged And Conducted By Sid Feller, from Swings For Young Lovers (ABC Paramount ABCS-347, Stereo, 1960).  Nice version that I finally found in stereo.

7. Mary Had A Baby by First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama-Sanctuary Choir, from A Celebration In Song (Prestige 80-157, Stereo, 1981).  I think this is the newest of the tracks I'm sharing tonight, and it's still almost 40 years old.

8. Suser Die Glocken Nie Klingen by our old friend Willie Dittrich and his album The Singing Zither-Christmas Music & Old Time Hymns (Jim Loyd Presents 1002 (WMT Radio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Stereo).  Not sure about this song, but it was on the Christmas side of his LP so I have to assume it belongs here.

9. We Three Kings by The United States Air Force Band-Brass Choir from the LP set Serenade In Blue-Series Eleven (Programs 131-143) (United States Air Force 7xLP Suggested Air Date: October-December 1969, Stereo, 1969).  Plenty of good tracks pulled from this one this year.

10. The Wedding Of The Painted Doll by Ray Bohr from Ray Bohr And The Radio City Music Hall Organ (Audio Veritas Productions Z 564521/2, Stereo).  We started with organ, so we end with organ.  Nice symmetry there.

That's it, ten more tracks for the twentieth day.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 19

Day 19, we're getting there...  It's about that time of the month when I start asking if anyone has a favorite track or two.  I've got a small handful of tracks already in the "Best-Of" folder, but it's by no means full.  Let me know if there's anything you've especially enjoyed so that I don't miss any really good tracks I may have forgotten about.  And now, some music...

1. Sing Silent Night by C.W. McCall from his LP Rubber Duck (Polydor PD-1-6094, Stereo, 1976).  I could swear I've shared this one before, but I can't find it on the blog or on my PC, so my mind may be playing tricks on me.  It's a great track, even if Mr. Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller had a huge hand in it's creation.  He was involved with all the C.W. McCall stuff as far as I know, even Convoy, years before he got the idea to make music for American Gramaphone.

2. Rocking by 1978 Chamber Singers-Robert Summer, Conductor, from their LP University Of South Florida Chamber Singers And University Singers (Suncoast Recording Service KM 4471, Stereo, 1979).  Another track from this good album.

3-11. Another complete set of tracks from The Nutcracker Suite. Same artists, same albums, you know the drill.  I'm too lazy to detail everything.  A couple of the introduction tracks are short, so I threw in an extra track to make you feel like you're really getting something.

That's it, thanks for playing tonight.  And don't forget to leave me a comment about your favorite songs thus far.

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 18

Hello, and welcome to day the 18th!

1. Faraway Christmas Blues AKA Far Away Blues (Xmas Blues) by Johnny Otis Orchestra With Little Esther And Mel Walker from the collection The Complete Savoy Recordings With Johnny Otis (Savoy Jazz 2xLP SJL 2258 (Originally Released 1950), Mono, 1984).  I normally don't grab things from latter-day compilations, but this comp is from over 30 years ago, and the original recording was probably only available on 78, so here you go.  And it's so good!

2. March Of The Toys by Frederick Fennell And Orchestra from Frederick Fennell Conducts Victor Herbert (Mercury MG 20954, Mono, 1961).  About the only thing I remember about this was having to record it a bunch of times to get the levels right.  It just gets louder and louder and louder as it marches along.

3. Northern Lights by Helmut Zacharias And His Magic Violins, from the album Smörgåsbord For Strings-A Musical Trip Around Scandinavia (Decca DL 8753, Mono, 1958).  I shared this one with you last year, but from the original UK release, I think.  This is the US pressing, with slightly different titles. Still a great track!

4. Ave Maria by Leontyne Price, Soprano With The Choir Of Men And Boys Of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City-William Self, Master Of The Choir-George Decker, Organist, from My Favorite Hymns (RCA Victor Red Seal LSC-2918, Stereo, 1966).  Good stuff.

5. Greensleeves by Don Allen from Pop Goes The Organ (Time Series 2000 S/2167, Stereo, 1965).  Yawn.

6. Jingle Bells/Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer by Willie Dittrich from his LP The Singing Zither-Christmas Music & Old Time Hymns (Jim Loyd Presents 1002 (WMT Radio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Stereo).  I don't have to tell you how happy I was to find zither music to share!

7. March Of The Little Lead Soldiers by Del Castillo from Half & Half (Concert Recording CR-0028, Stereo).  No much of a Christmas song, but close.

8. Put A Little Love In Your Heart, again not really Christmas, but brought back to life through it's inclusion in the holiday movie Scrooged, and almost a Christmas song ever since.  This version is by Leslie Uggams With The Jimmy Bowen Orchestra And Chorus, from her album Just To Satisfy You (Atlantic SD 8241, Stereo, 1969).

9. The Village Of St. Bernadette by Andy Williams, Orchestra Conducted By Archie Bleyer, from The Village Of St. Bernadette (Cadence CLP-25038, Stereo, 1960).  Very early Andy here.  Did you know that his very first solo single was a Christmas record?  Yep!

10. Winter by Cliff De Young And Group from the soundtrack to the TV movie Sunshine (MCA MCA-387, Stereo, 1973).  Short but sweet, and one of the three credited writers is John Denver.

Ten tracks, over and out.  Enjoy!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 17

Here's my first day this year where I don't have time to tell you what all is in the download, other than I think there is only one short Nutcracker two-song medley.  Other than that, it's great stuff.  When I get time, I'll try to come in here and type it all up, but this way I don't miss a day of posting.  Thanks for your understanding!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 16

Day 16!  That's past the halfway point of July!  Hopefully by now you've found a few favorite tracks, and you aren't completely tired of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite.  So tell me what your favorites are so far, and in exchange, you only get one long medley about dancing mice and shoe-throwing little girls.

1. Still, Still, Still by The Merrill Staton Children's Voices from the educational album International Song Time (Silver Burdett Company 86 380, Mono, 1968).  I was excited to find this after discovering a great Christmas version of the song last year, but I'm afraid this one may miss the mark.  They seem to have stripped all the holiday references from it.

2. The Star Road by First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama-Sanctuary Choir, from A Celebration In Song (Prestige 80-157, Stereo, 1981).  Does anyone listen to these Church group songs more than once?  I think it's pretty rare to find one that stands up to repeated listening.  And I think it also makes a difference if you've ever performed in a similar group.  In that case, you may listen and sing along.

3. Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers, an old standard by Eddie Dunstedter, an old standard himself, from the LP Mister Pipe Organ!-Eddie Dunstedter At The Morton Pipe Organ (Capitol T1128, Mono, 1959).  If you don't have any Eddie Dunstedter Christmas music in your library, then you need to try harder!

4. Alle Jahre Wieder/O Tannenbaum/Ihr Kinderlien Kommet, a German medley from our new old friend Willie Dittrich, pulled from his LP The Singing Zither-Christmas Music & Old Time Hymns (Jim Loyd Presents 1002 (WMT Radio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Stereo).  Gotta love the zither!

5. Medley: Gold And Silver Waltz; The Skaters Waltz by The Living Strings-Arranged And Conducted By Johnny Douglas from Waltz Time With The Living Strings (RCA Camden CAL-855, Mono, 1965).  Sometimes I find it hard to believe how wildly popular the whole Living series was in the sixties.  I mean, this stuff was competing against The Beatles and The Stones...

6. Winter World Of Love by The Les Reed Orchestra & Chorus from The Spectacular Les Reed Composer Of... (Chapter 1, London 2xLP BP 39004/5, Stereo, 1972).  I guess I didn't realize that Les Reed had written enough hits for a double album.  And I'm not sure I know who Les Reed is...

7. Hallelujah Chorus, a not-unpleasant version by 101 Strings, Recorded Under The Direction Of D.L. Miller, from their album Inspiration And Meditation (Somerset SF-16600, Stereo, 1962). I've certainly heard worse, and so have you, probably right here at the blog.

8. My Favorite Things, your favorite non-Christmas Christmas song, by The Airmen of Note from Serenade In Blue-Series Eleven (Programs 131-143) (United States Air Force 7xLP Suggested Air Date: October-December 1969, Stereo, 1969).  One of my favorite finds of the year! What can I say, I'm easy to please.

9. Panis Angelicus by Bob Beck At The Chapel Organ from The Grotto Organs In Reverie (Adon, Oregon Ltd. V8844, Mono).  Obligatory pipe organ content, beware of blast!

10. Miniature Overture; March; Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy; Russian Dance (Trepak); Arab Dance; Chinese Dance; Dance Of The Reed Pipes, a mega-medley by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted By Sir Adrian Boult from Sir Adrian Boult Conducts Suites From Tchaikovsky's Ballets The Nutcracker And Sleeping Beauty (Capitol SP 8690, Stereo, 1967).  You're welcome!

Ta-da!  Another ten tracks, and a pretty good selection, me-thinks!

Zippyshare

Christmas In July 2018-Day 15

15, that's almost halfway through the month!  Time flies when you know Christmas is coming.  Let's jump right in!

1. Stille Nacht by Willie Dittrich from The Singing Zither-Christmas Music & Old Time Hymns (Jim Loyd Presents 1002 (WMT Radio, Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Stereo).  Really happy with this one, and I found it just in time to share it with you this month instead of next year.  Some of the best Christmas zither since Ruth Welcome!

2. Button Up Your Overcoat by Tom Hazleton from DTOC Command Performances-For Members Only Vol. 2 (Detroit Theater Organ Club No Number, Stereo, 1973).  More organ that you aren't going to find anywhere else!

3. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring-The First Noël, a nice piano medley by Tedd Smith from Meditations (RCA Victor LPM-1636, Mono, 1958).  This is a nice one.  I hesitate to even call it a medley, it's closer to a mashup.  It seems like he's actually playing both songs at the same time and it works really well.  This is another one I brought home recently.  Now I need to see if this one got released in Stereo.

4.-10. An entire Nutcracker Suite consisting of Overture Miniature, March, Chinese Dance, Arabian Dance, Dance Of The Mirlitons, Waltz Of The Flowers and, wait, I forgot to grab a Sugar Plum Fairy.  Hold on, it's not too late, I guess you get 11 tracks tonight.  OK, the artists are all the usual suspects, with spoken word introductions by Peter Ustinov and Deems Taylor.  You don't really need all the info on these, do you?  The info is in the track tags, I promise. When I get done at the end of the month, you can put them all back in their proper artist-album folders.

Zippyshare