Thanksgiving In August

Well, here it is, the last three tracks from the Christmas in July 2020 folder, and they just happen to be for Thanksgiving. Some things that I recorded since I shared out the first few Thanksgiving tracks back at the end of June, so I suppose it's fitting that we end at the same place we began. I had really hoped to bring you 1000 tracks this season, but I didn't get quite that far. I think we're just a little over 900, which is still a record, but not quite to my goal. And I figure it's as good a time as any to tell you that this is most likely going to be the last Christmas in July celebration for the foreseeable future, at least in this form. It's a huge investment of time and energy and money that I don't think I can continue.  I love going out and finding these records, but I've finally run out of space in the condo to store them all. And for every record I buy with a Christmas track or two, I usually buy ten more that just go into the stacks.  Being stuck at home during the pandemic has shown me how much money I was spending on these records, and it's no small amount. With my girlfriend moving in with me next month, I figure I can put my money and my space to much better use.  The records are going into storage, and that means I certainly don't need more of them.  I'll miss it, believe me, I already do.  But things have to change.  It's been fun, I hope for you as much as it's been for me. I'll be back at Christmas, but things aren't likely to be the same then, either. I have big plans, we'll see how that goes. And I owe you a best-of from last year and this year, at least one of which I am almost done with, so you'll see that someday.  So until next time I see you, thanks for all your support, and I'll see you around the thrift stores!

MEGA

Chanukkah In August

 And here's the inevitable Chanukkah post for the season.  Not too many songs this year, I'm afraid, only nine, and many of those are repeats from previous years. But it's still a better selection than you'll find elsewhere, since you're unlikely to find a selection anywhere else.  That's one of the reasons I started to do this sort of Christmas in July celebration. No one else was doing it, and I thought it was a worthwhile contribution. I hope you agree. Anyhow, here's a link to the Chanukkah portion of the season.  Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-45

 Last full part for Christmas in July.  Just a couple of clean-up posts after this, and I'll be done for the season. It's been a blast ya'll. This moving hasn't left much time for posting, so I'm sorry if the quality of the posts has gone downhill in recent days. I don't think the quality of the music has changed, however. I've made it a point of spacing out my favorite tracks throughout the season, and I think there are a couple of my favorites here in the last batch. Since I'm late anyway, let me go ahead and detail out for you what's in tonight's share.

1. Ave Maria by Notre Dame Glee Club-Professor Daniel H. Pedtke, Conductor from The Notre Dame Glee Club (MGM E3212, Mono, 1956). A glee club recording on a major label, we haven't seen too much of that this month.

2. Greensleeves by Charlie Fox And The Ring Of Sound from All (Current 474, Mono).  The ring of sound? I'm not quite sure what's going on here. A little Herb Alpert, a little, umm, something else.

3. Christmas by The Metro Strings (AKA MGM Studio Orchestra) from The Perfect Background Music For Your Home Movies (MGM PM-4, Mono). If memory serves, one band name was on the front cover, the other was on the label.  Good stuff, if you have a home movie to score.

4. Ave Maria (again, sorry) by Chet Atkins from Class Guitar (RCA Victor LSP-3885, Stereo, 1967). We've heard from him a few times already this month, and it's always a pleasure.

5. Jingle Bells by The Sportsmen from Sing Along With The Sportsmen (Sutton SSU 213, Stereo). I don't think this is the same Sportsmen who recorded for Capitol in the late forties and early fifties, but it's a budget label, so anything is possible.

6. Hallelujah Chorus by Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). Can't go a day without some high school kids singing for you.

7. Commentary By The Composers-Part 2 (Excerpt) by Merrill Bradshaw & Reid Nibley from Music For Worship-Piano Preludes For LDS Worship Services (Sonos SMR 3051, Stereo, 1972). This is a little bit of spoken word commentary that I should have shared out with the track it discusses. (That track was shared two days ago...)

8. Winter Wonderland by Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians-Glee Club And Orchestra from The Best Of Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians (MCA 2xLP MCA2-4008, Mono). A request from years and years ago.  Not a familiar version from one of his many Christmas albums, but a lost side from 78 that seemed to disappear for a long time. Good stuff.

9. Communio by The Slovakaires, Organ Accompaniment By Sr. M. Eugene Prolop, O.S.F. from Christmas With The Slovakaires (Pav Records PAV 666, Stereo). Last track from these folks, I promise.

10. Jingle, Bells (SIC) (again, sorry, again) by Don Wilson from Christmas Ain't Over Yet! (Or, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Don Wilson!) (No Label RC 108/RC 107, Mono). Last track by this guy, also.

And there you have it, the last full share of the season.  Good stuff, and a great finale. Hope you enjoy it.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-44

Another day, another stack of boxes moved. I'm starting to see some progress, so that's good.  And we're almost to the end of Christmas in July! I guess that's a sad thing, but all good things must come to an end eventually.  There are only 10 files in the share tonight, but they are good ones, trust me.  Here's the link, see you again tomorrow.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-43

Another day, another three carloads to the storage facility. I can certainly get more in a van and make fewer trips, but then I exert myself so much between trips that I question whether or not it's worth it. I'm starting to see a little bit of progress, but I've still got a long way to go. Do yourself a favor, and never buy more records than you can fit in a box. They aren't worth it kids. Pretty sure the records used for Christmas In July this year filled five boxes!  So there's that.  Anyhow, here are fifteen more random tracks for you.  Hope there's something enjoyable in there. I think there is, but I have horrible taste.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-42

42! The answer to life, the universe and everything! It's taken more than a month, but we made it to 42.  Still not done though, the pot has more music in it.  And I'm still busy moving boxes of records, so no tracklist for you again today. Plenty of good stuff in there though, I promise.  Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-41

I had really hoped to be done with the season by now, but I guess I wasn't giving enough stuff out everyday during the month of July. So now that August is here and I'm spending all my free time moving these heavy records, I don't have the time to make snide remarks about all the great songs in the share. I know that makes for a less interesting post, and I apologize.  But I'll be to the end soon enough, and then I can get on with carrying box after box after box down the stairs and not have to worry about a daily post.  But while there is still stuff in the folder, I'm right here with you.  Here's today's share, enjoy!

MEGA

Nutcracker In August 3

I think this is the last batch of songs from The Nutcracker I have for you.  There are lots of versions of Waltz Of The Flowers in here, as well as a couple of versions that just run the whole thing into a single quick medley.  Good stuff, I promise. Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-40

Wow, forty posts! That's just crazy! And I still can't see the bottom of the bowl.  Still moving records today, so I'm tired enough to sleep right here at the computer. Just trust me when I say there's plenty of good stuff in the download tonight. And I don't think I put any demo recordings in there, so there's that.

MEGA

Nutcracker In August 2

Time once again for songs from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, as performed by a whole pile of different artists. You'll have to download the collection to see what's in there, but I'm sure you'll find something worth listening to.  Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-39

Here's some more Christmas in July for you.  Too tired to talk. Put 8000 records into storage so far this weekend.  They're heavy. Haven't made a dent in the pile yet. :(

MEGA

Nutcrackers In August 1

Something a little bit different now that it's August. You may have noticed that I didn't share out any single tracks from The Nutcracker Suite during Christmas in July. That's not because I didn't have any, but because I didn't want to give you too much Nutcracker goodness since I was doing daily posts of entire Suites. So for the first few days in August, I'm going to keep giving you Nutcracker shares, but groups of single tracks. I don't think they're going to add up to entire suites, I'm not that good. But there are some great versions in there.  I'm a little busy at the moment to post the tracklist, but trust me when I say there are some heavy hitters in here.  Here's a link, knock yourself out!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-38

Good evening, and welcome to share #38, which happens to fall on the last day of the month. And that means I've got a whole pile of New Year's songs for you, along with a handful of Christmas shares just to make it a full-size share. And I'm late with my posting for what I think is the first time this month. I've been putting records into storage ever since I got off work. It's a real pain in the backside, but I've got to do it.  They're everywhere, and I need some space. I think I moved about 3000 records today, and a whole lot more to go.  Wish me luck.  But you want some Christmas and New Year's music, so let's see what's in the share tonight.

1. An English Christmas Portrait by the fine, but unnamed artists at Jenson Publications, from the LP Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23 (Jenson Publications 2xLP CB23A88AD, Stereo, 1988). Is there only this one demo recording tonight?

2. C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S by Little Marcy, everyone's favorite Christian doll, from her album Marcy Favorites-20 Songs From Her Best Selling Albums (Corner Stone/Singcord SLP 473, Mono). Based on the album title, I'm guessing this is a track from another album, probably one of her multiple Christmas records. Pretty sure there are some of those in the archives if you want to take a look, I'm too lazy to search and post a link.

3. Gloria In Excelsis by John Klein At The Schulmerich "Carillon Americana" Bells from The Call Of The Carillon (RCA Victor LSP-2255, Stereo, 1961). It's Christmas on the carillon!

4. Co Je To Za Svit by The Slovakaires, Organ Accompaniment By Sr. M. Eugene Prolop, O.S.F. from Christmas With The Slovakaires (Pav Records PAV 666, Stereo). I have more tracks left to share from this record than any other. I guess I haven't been doing a very good job at parceling them out on a regular basis.

5. Empty Stocking Blues by Don Wilson from Christmas Ain't Over Yet! (Or, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Don Wilson!) (No Label RC 108/RC 107, Mono). This is probably the record with the second-most tracks remaining, in case you're keeping count.

6. Auld Lang Syne, the first of many versions tonight, this one by Vaughn Monroe from Racing With The Moon (Hamilton (Dot) HLP 137, Mono, 1965). This is a later re-recording of a song he did back in the day for RCA Victor.

7. Auld Lang Syne, again, by The Loch Chorus from Favorite Songs Of Scotland (London, International Series TW 91413, Mono, 1966). I assume these singers live near a lake, or maybe in a lake. Wouldn't that be something!

8. I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen; While Strolling Through The Park One Day; Auld Lang Syne by The Krauts-German Bierstube Boys from Honky Tonk Piano With Rhythm (Rondo ST 588, Stereo). Budget label weirdness. People actually bought this stuff.

9. Auld Lang Syne by The Palace Of Varieties Chorus And Orchestra from Palace Of Varieties (London FFRR LLP 297, Mono). What was the Palace of Varieties? A music hall? TV show? Nothing in particular, just a name? I am too lazy to use Google.

10. Auld Lang Syne by Massed Children's Voices From Westminster Abbey And St. Paul's With The Longines Symphonette from Sweet Voices Of Inspiration (The Longines Symphonette Recording Society LWS 173, Stereo, 1966). There's the Longines Symphonette again...

11. Auld Lang Syne by Bob Johnson And The Lonesome Travelers from Twelve Shades Of Bluegrass (Parkway P-7017, Mono, 1962). Cool, bluegrass.  You don't find that every day!

12. Auld Lang Syne by Thumbs Tubby from 24 Honky Tonk Piano Selections  (Hudson 270, Mono). More budget label dreck.

13. Auld Lang Syne by George Hamilton IV, Arranged And Conducted By Don Costa from George Hamilton IV On Campus (ABC-Paramount ABC-220 "Promotion Copy Not For Sale", Mono, 1957). Finally, a real artist!

14. Violets; Tell Me Why; Auld Lang Syne by The Living Voices from Living Voices On The Campus (RCA Camden CAL-715, Mono, 1962). Budget from a major label.

15. New Year's Resolution by Jim Mandell With Mary Hylan & Debby James from Action Songs For Holidays And Special Days (Rhythms Productions/Tom Thumb T 312, Stereo, 1979). Finally a different New Year's song. A record for the kiddies, but still.

16. Auld Lang Syne by The Band Of Her Majesty's Royal Marines And Pipes & Drums Of The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Under The Direction Of Lieutenant Colonel Graham Hoskins MVO ACAM RM from 1985 North American Tour Highlights (ESI Records ESI 109, Stereo, 1985). Good gravy at all the initials. Oh well, I guess I didn't come with any really exciting New Year's stuff this year.

There you have it, sixteen more goodies for you.  I won't even pretend that this is the end.  Come back tomorrow to see what else is in the bin.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 31

Hello, and welcome to the last full episode of Nutcracker In July! It's the last day of the month, and thus our journey must come to an end. And while I didn't really save the best for last, let's call it second best. How'd you like to hear Dom Frontiere play the entire Nutcracker Suite on his accordion? This is from the LP Dom Frontiere Plays The Classics (Liberty LRP 3032, Mono, 1957), where I believe it took up the whole second side.  If, like me, you've been finding a lot of these versions sound the same, this one certainly doesn't sound anything like those others.  Enjoy!

MEGA

And as a special bonus, because I can, here's a link to a stereo release of this same music that I shared out some years ago, on a track-by-track basis, during a previous Christmas In July. I believe it's the same recording, released on a retitled version of the LP a year or so later. Pretty cool, anyway you want to listen to it.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-37

Thursday night, and time for some more Christmas music. Can you handle it?  I hope so, there's plenty in the pile tonight.

1. Troika En Traineaux-November (From "The Months" Opus 37a) by The Imperial Concert Orchestra Directed By Irving Riskin from A Tschaikowsky Concert (Concertone 5x10" 78 RPM Album No. 15, Mono). This is the leftover track from the album I pulled the Nutcracker songs from that I shared yesterday. Seems to be some difficulty in tracking down the origin of the tracks on that set.  This one is by a different artist than the tracks from yesterday, so maybe someone will have better luck with this than those. It's mighty long for a track from a 10" 78 RPM record, but they got it on there somehow.

2. Disco Toyland by The Babes from The Babes In Toyland (Dream Music Company BIT 91550, Stereo, 1979). Yep, it's a disco version of the Victor Herbert classic Toyland that you didn't know you needed. Enjoy!

3. Santa's Coming by an unnamed artist from Sing A Song Of Holidays & Seasons (Bowmar Educational Records ?x10" 78 RPM B-1680, Mono, 1959). I love some of these kiddie songs, they're what Christmas is all about.

4. Good News, Great Joy by another unnamed artist, this time from demo LP Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-3500, Stereo, 1983). You'd think I'd be out of these demo tracks this late in the system, but you'd be wrong. Maybe I should go record a few more of them just to make sure they never, ever run out.

5. X Has No Word For These Bible Stories by Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey from The ABC Stories Of Jesus (Columbia CS 8675, Stereo, 1962). Finally, the last of these letter songs, and the most pointless of them all. I guess they had to use something for X.

6. The Story Of Christmas by Little Johnny Everything And His Sister Judy With The Norman Leyden Child's World Orchestra from Fun For Everyday With Little Johnny Everything & His Sister Judy (RCA Victor Children's Bluebird Records LBY-1005, Mono, 1958). If this song sounds familiar, it's because I shared a version of it as recorded by Jose Melis many years ago.  Took me a while to place it, too.

7. Ave Maria by Liberace from 20 Great Piano Performances (American Variety International Records AVI 1041, Stereo, 1975). Not sure if this is old recordings or stuff knocked out in a hurry for this slightly dodgy looking release. Anything is possible when you're talking about Liberace.

8. The Hallelujah Chorus by American Christian College Choir from An Evening With Billy James Hargis And His Kids (Christian Crusade Recordings LP30002, Stereo, 1971). We haven't heard much from The Messiah this year for whatever reason.  You never know is going to turn up when you go out hunting.

9. Snowbird by Bert Kaempfert And His Orchestra from Orange Colored Sky (Decca (MCA) DL75256, Stereo, 1970). Not the most Christmassy recording Bert ever released.

10. Finale: Merry Christmas From Our House To Your House; We Wish You A Merry Christmas by The Murk Family With Accompanist Betty Bowman from Holiday Musicale (Sacred Knof Recordings SKR-LP-1170, Mono). I think this is finally the end of the Murk Family's contribution to the season.

11. Christmastime In Florida by John McGee from Songs Of Florida (No Label 8011N8, Mono). I wish I knew more about this one. I think it's a local artist, and I believe this record was a compilation of two earlier releases. One side was mono, the other was stereo. I had to buy it because of the Christmas content, but I may have gotten it anyway for the Florida connection. If you want another great Florida Christmas song, go look in the comments here. Maybe now is a good time to remind some newer visitors that there was a small series of shares earlier this year during the early days of the COVID lockdown. The series didn't last long, but there were some interesting things in there, and most of the posts had a bonus share in the comments for those who were kind enough to leave a comment.  Check 'em out! (Huh, I just realized they're both the same Florida song! How weird! What's up with that?)

12. My Favorite Things by Kokee Band from Hawaii And Other Exotic Movie Themes (Solid State (United Artists) SS 18010 "Not For Sale" White Label, Stereo, 1967). A slightly Hawaiian version of this old Broadway chestnut? Yes, please! Is it just me or is there also a distinct James Bond thing going on here?  I'm moving this one into the best-of folder.

13. Sussex Mummers Christmas Carol (From "British Folk Music Settings"), No. 2 by Percy Grainger from Percy Grainger Plays Grainger (Everest 913, Stereo, 1966). Anyone familiar with the Sussex Mummers Christmas Carol? Not I...

14. Midnight Bells by Alfred Newman And His Hollywood Symphony Orchestra from Music For Your Listening Pleasure (Mercury MG 20038, Mono, 1955). A very early release on LP for Mercury. I think it was in one of those paper envelope sleeves.

15. Greensleeves by George Feyer At The Piano With Orchestra Conducted By Dick Jacobs from Golden Waltzes Everybody Knows (Decca DL74455, Stereo, 1964). I wish I could share Feyer's Christmas album with you, but I got a request from his family years ago to not share it, and I've done so. But maybe someday...

16. Oh, You Beautiful Doll, a not very Christmas track by Eddie Osborn At The Replica Wurlitzer from Fabulous Eddie, Vol. 2-Fabulous Eddie...Again! (Replica 33x515, Mono). A bonus 16th song again today.

And that's it for now.  More tomorrow, I promise.  Still stuff in the pile.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 30

Almost to the end now, and I've got a weird one for you today. I pulled this one from a set of five 78s, so the sound leaves a little something to be desired. But it's not something you see every day, so I want to get it out there.  This is Jack Shilkret And His Concert Orchestra and the album is entitled A Tschaikowsky Concert (Concertone 5x10" 78 RPM Album No. 15, Mono). Not entirely sure what the vintage on this one is, and the recordings could be a lot older than the pressing. Sound was much rougher than what I can usually coax out of a 78, so either there's an issue here or I've lost my touch. Anyhow, try to enjoy as best you can.

MEGA

Update: Since there's been some discussion, and while I have it handy, here's the cover for this one.

Christmas In July 2020-36

The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting longer. Must be close to the end of the month. But I've still got a pile of music to see us through the cold lonely winter.  Here are another fifteen tracks for you.

1. Snowflakes by Marni Nixon from Songs From "Singing Fun" (Bowmar 4x10" 78 RPM 1650/1651/1652/1653, Mono, 1956). This may have been my favorite from this series of tracks.

2. Let It Snow, by an unlisted group for Jenson Publications from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23 (Jenson Publications 2xLP CB23A88AD, Stereo, 1988). Your demo recording for the day.

3. Christmas In The Trenches by John McCutcheon from Rounder Folk 2 (Rounder AN-05, Stereo, 1984). A sampler from the well-known label. Not familiar with the artist or the record that may have spawned this, but at least I checked the track list when I saw it!

4. Snowbird by Chet Atkins from For The Good Times And Other Country Moods (RCA Victor LSP-4464, Stereo, 1971). Any excuse for a Chet Atkins track is a good one.

5. Moonlight In Vermont by The Johnny Smith Quintet Featuring Stan Getz from Moonlight In Vermont (Roost LP 2211 (AKA RLP 2211), Mono, 1956). In the early stages of collecting tracks for this Christmas in July, I created a folder with jazz tracks that I thought I would share all together one of the days. Turned out I couldn't put enough tracks together to make a decent share, but it was a nice idea while it lasted.

6. Toyland by Percy Faith And His Orchestra from The Columbia Album Of Victor Herbert (Columbia 2xLP C2S 801, Stereo, 1958). Did this track wind up on the big Percy Faith Christmas collection from Real Gone a few years ago? Probably. This thing is lush.

7. Epiphany, by another unknown artist for Jenson Publications, this time from Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983). I appear to have spelled this Ephiphany more than once this year. Sorry about that. Another demo track in case I need to tell you.

8. Carol Of The Bells by Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). This has got to be one of my favorite Christmas songs. One of these days I need to learn the words.

9. Hodie Christus Natus Est (Today Christ Is Born) by The Modern Choir-Directed By Warner Imig from The University Of Colorado And The College Of Music Proudly Present Songs By The Modern Choir (Recorded Publications 32M-32181/32182 (Dedicated to Miss America of 1958, Marilyn Elaine Van Derbur), Mono). I thought I shared out all the music from this one ages ago, but i guess not. That just means I'm sharing out too much music!

10. Glory Be To God by The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director from The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir Sings '61-'62 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 126 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1962). High school, college, I've got it all covered today. Do I have an elementary aged group for you anywhere?

11. Four Seasons by Polly Bergen With Frank DeVol And His Orchestra from Polly Bergen's Four Seasons Of Love (Columbia CL 1451, Mono, 1960). More from Polly, but without her pop.

12. Holidays by Patti Page from Aces (Plantation PLP-548, Stereo, 1981). This is much, much later Patti Page, as evidenced by it appearing on the quirky Plantation label.

13. The Skaters-Waltz, Op. 183 by The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy, Conductor from Hi-Fi 3/4; Waltzes And Songs By Waldteufel And Lehar (CBS Masterworks (South Africa) BLD 7031, Mono, 1956). More from Shorty von Muggins, and a copy from South Africa no less!

14. My Favorite Things (From "The Sound Of Music") by Neil Wolfe from Piano-My Way-The Unique New Sound Of Neil Wolfe (Columbia CS 9039, Stereo, 1965). I guess Neil was the piano prodigy of the month at Columbia for a while. As far as I know, he didn't go very far.

15. The Christmas Story by The Östlund Family from I Lift Up Mine Eyes Unto Thee (CLAV (Sweden) CSLP 80065E, Stereo, 1980). A religious family LP from Sweden? Sometimes I think these things find me.

And that's the list for today.  Gotta be something in there for everybody.  Here's the D/L, see you again tomorrow.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 29

Before I share today's Nutcracker with you, I just wanted to say how surprised I've been with the reaction to this series. I figured it would be the red-headed stepchild to the normal Christmas in July posts, but you folks have really welcomed it and made it seem like a worthwhile addition to the month. Good to know that there are people out there who are interested in these sorts of things.  Tonight's version is no mystery whatsoever, it's a real group, a real person, and a real recording.  This is The New York Philharmonic-Leonard Bernstein, Conductor from Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf/Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite (Columbia Masterworks MS 6193, Stereo, 1960). Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-35

Welcome back! I know why you're here, so I'll jump right in.

1. Dream Toyland by The Babes, another track from The Babes In Toyland (Dream Music Company BIT 91550, Stereo, 1979). This must have been something to see. There was a clipping from my hometown newspaper in the sleeve of this record, with a review of the show from someone who hadn't actually seen the show. Turns out the showing he was headed to got cancelled because the earlier show that day had been poorly attended, and the later show was up against a Kenny Rogers concert. He still had some good things to say about it, but I'm not sure what he based that on.

2. Jingle Bells by Pied Piper from Sing A Song Of Sixpence/Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star (Pied Piper 10" 78 RPM PP-51, Mono). This isn't really by a group or a person called Pied Piper, that's the name of the label that put out this kiddie record. But I had to put a name on there, and I was tired of saying Unknown Artist for everything.

3. Christmas Gifts by an unknown artist from Sing A Song Of Holidays & Seasons (Bowmar Educational Records ?x10" 78 RPM B-1680, Mono, 1959).  See, too many unknown artist tracks around here this season.

4. On A Christmas Night by Richard Robinson from Songs From "Singing Fun" (Bowmar 4x10" 78 RPM 1650/1651/1652/1653, Mono, 1956). You may have noticed that this record and the previous one share a label. I actually found the previous one in the box for this one. I hunted around at the store where I found them both to see if I could complete the set, but no such luck. They probably got misfiled years ago in some classroom somewhere and stayed mixed up until the got donated to Goodwill decades later.

5. A Babe Is Born, again by an unknown artist, this time from Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-3500, Stereo, 1983). This may be the only demo track for the night.

6. There Is No Rose by The Texas Boys Choir-George Bragg, Conductor-Sydney Laudenslager, Harp from Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols-Gregg Smith: Bible Songs For Young Voices (Vox Turnabout TV-S 34544, Stereo, 1973). I think this is the last one from the boys of Texas.

7. I Is For An Infant, A Tiny Baby by Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey from The ABC Stories Of Jesus (Columbia CS 8675, Stereo, 1962). On the other hand, this is not the last track from this album.

8. The Skater's Waltz by Vienna State Opera Orchestra, Conducted By Armando Aliberti from The Skater's Waltz And Other Favorite Waltzes (Westminster WST 14034, Mono, 1957). Good stuff from the Westminster label.

9. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Morgana King from Everybody Loves Saturday Night (Ascot ALM 13020 (AKA AM 13020) D.J. Copy, originally issued 1959, Mono, 1965). One of the better tracks for today.

10. Winter's Night by Pete Brady from Sing Me A Smile (Moonraker 001, Stereo). I don't think this guy is a member of The Brady Bunch, and I don't believe his label is named after a James Bond film. I do know this is a cover of a Gordon Lightfoot song, even though the title is a bit edited.

11. Holiday For Strings by David Rose And His Orchestra from Holiday For Strings And Other Favorites (RCA Victor LPT 1011, Mono, 1954). This is a different recording from the stereo remake I shared earlier this year. Is this his original recording? I'm not sure.

12. A Star Shall Rise by The St. Olaf Lutheran Choir-Dr. Olaf C. Christiansen, Conductor from Twentieth Century Psalms And Hymns/The Birth, Life, Death And Resurrection Of Christ (Mercury SR 60636, Stereo, 1961). Gotta keep an eye out for records that claim to be about the birth of Jesus.

13. Ave Maria, Op. 52, No. 6 by Christopher Lynch, Tenor, With Warner Bass, Organ from Bless This House-The Children's Hour (Columbia Entre RL 3016, Mono). Not sure if this album was recorded as such, or if it was an assembly of tracks from singles.  Doesn't matter, I guess, but sometimes I wonder such things. One of the all-time great Christmas albums, Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby, isn't really anything more than a collection of single tracks.

14. Mary Had A Baby by The Tuskegee Institute Choir, Directed By William L. Dawson from 15 Spirituals (Westminster (ABC) W-9633 (Later reissue), Mono, 1955). Haven't seen the original Westminster issue of this one, but I'm keeping my eyes open.

15. The Marvellous Toy by Tom Paxton from The Marvellous Toy & Other Gallimaufry (Flying Fish FF 408, Stereo, 1986). Not the original recording, but a worthwhile version.

16. Star Of Bethlehem by The Turners Creek Girls from He'll Pilot Me (Sunrise Recordings CR-1015-22587/8, Mono). I'm afraid I have no memory of this one at all.  Looks like some sort of private thing though.  Could be good.

That's another sixteen count night for you.  Hope you enjoy it.  Here's the download, I'll see you tomorrow.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 28

Time once again for Tchaikovsky's immortal Nutcracker Suite. You've heard it 27 times this month, and today is probably no different than any of those. But it's a tradition at this point, so You're just going to have to live with it through the end of the month.  Today's version is by the absolutely pseudonymous International Festival Orchestra (the copy on the back of the LP pretty much said it's a name for the quality musicians they assemble for all their records). And the album is Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite And Romeo & Juliet Overture (Paris International Music Appreciation Library Volume 13, Mono). The best part about this version is the cool names they've given to some of the tracks. I'm not sure if they're correct or not, but they're interesting. I don't think I'll be seeking out the other volumes in this series though.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-34

Good evening, and welcome to part 34 of our month-long celebration of Christmas in July! I wish I could say the fun is just getting started, but that's not strictly true. I may run a little bit over, but it's not going to last through September like has happened in the past. Too many things to do other than find and post Christmas music.  But we've got a little way to go still, so enjoy it while it lasts.  Here's what's in the download for tonight.

1. Christmas Tree Angel by Marni Nixon from Songs From "Singing Fun" (Bowmar 4x10" 78 RPM 1650/1651/1652/1653, Mono, 1956). This is one of the very few shares I pulled from 78 RPM shellac this season. And if memory serves, it was equalized with the normal RIAA curve, so I didn't have to do anything special with it like most older 78s.

2. Sing Gloria In Excelsis Deo from the anonymous artists at Jenson Publications from Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-3500, Stereo, 1983). Demo #1.

3. Navided Nuestra-La Huida (Vidala Tucumana) by Los Fronterizos-Cantoria De La Basilica Del Socorro-Directed By Father R.P. Segade-Conducted By Ariel Ramirez from Misa Criolla-From The Argentine-A Folkloristic Expression Of Religious Emotions (Philips (Netherlands) 6527 136, originally released 1964, Stereo, 1980). I dunno, these tracks haven't sounded all that Christmassy to me.

4. We Wish You A Merry Christmas by the anonymous artists at Silver Burdett Records from Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record IV (Silver Burdett Records 75 180 4, Mono, 1966). Not strictly a demo recording, but instead designed for classroom use.  Still no artist attribution, though.

5. The Christmas Song by Brookside Jr. High School Music Department-Symphonic Band-Bernard Rightmyer, Conductor from Winter Concert-Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 1971 (United Sound USR 4026, Stereo, 1972). To be honest, I didn't know the Van Wezel was this old, but I guess I have no real idea how old it is. It's right up the road from me, I see it all the time.

6.  Recession by The Texas Boys Choir-George Bragg, Conductor-Sydney Laudenslager, Harp from Britten: A Ceremony Of Carols-Gregg Smith: Bible Songs For Young Voices (Vox Turnabout TV-S 34544, Stereo, 1973). I think we're almost to the end of the tracks from this one. Sure were a lot of them.

7. Carol Medley by The Women's Ensemble Of Bethany Lutheran Church, Melodie Bollman-Director, Eleanor Peura-Accompanist from The Ensemble Sings (Century Advent Recording LRS-RT-6062 (Astabula, Ohio), Stereo). More music from Bill Medley's sister.  That's a joke folks.  Think about it, you'll get it.

8. Oh, Holy Night by The RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer from The Sounds And Music Of The RCA Electronic Music Synthesizer (RCA Victor Red Seal (Experimental) LM-1922, Mono, 1955). This one has a bit of a story behind it.  It's music made by a very early synthesizer, but that's not the story. The story is that I've had the record for years and years, and I could never get it to play without skipping. Every year I'd come back to it and try again.  Well, this year I finally got a decent rip out of it. I'm excited to be able to finally share this rare slice of history with you, even though it's not musically all that exciting. But try to imagine creating this music back in 1955, before the microchip, before a lot of the music making equipment we now take for granted. I've shared out other electronic Christmas music experiments in the past, but this is the earliest.

9. Bells, by what is probably a different anonymous artist with Jenson Publications, this time from Superior New Works For Concert Band Vol. XV-Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications JP-5100, Stereo, 1984). Demo #2 for the day.

10. The Skaters-Waltz by Robert Stolz And His Concert Orchestra from Kalman And Waldteufel Memories (London LL 143, Mono, 1949). I don't think this actual record came out in 1949, but the recording appears to date from then.  Some records I just can't pin a good date on.

11. January-By The Hearth by Yevgeny Svetlanov Conducting The U.S.S.R. Symphony Orchestra from Tchaikovsky-The Seasons (Columbia Masterworks/Melodiya 2xLP MG 35184, Stereo, 1978). We've heard a lot of music from this double album this month, and I'm still impressed by the music that came out of the then-Soviet Union to the USA. Pretty impressive to me.

12. White Christmas by The Murk Family With Accompanist Betty Bowman from Holiday Musicale (Sacred Knof Recordings SKR-LP-1170, Mono).  More music from our favorite musical family this month.

13. Glory To That New-Born King by Duke University Men's Glee Club-Paul Young, Conductor, James Young, Director from Duke University Men's Glee Club (Century 27105, Stereo). I've tried to make sure I spread things out as much as I could this season, so that it wasn't too loaded up with good stuff at the beginning and then nothing but dreck near the end. I don't think we've heard from these guys so far this year, so I've still got some new stuff to share with you.

14. O Holy Night by Maplewood Glee Club, Warren G. Schmoll-Director, Rosalind Dobie-Accompanist, Roy Stocker-Solo, Janice Nieman-Organist from Maplewood Glee Club 1965-Maplewood Community Recreation Service (HMR Productions RC-94 (AKA RC-134) Side 2-1965 Winter Concert, Mono, 1965). However, some records we just keep returning to again and again and again. Whoops, this is the second appearance of this song tonight. I try to avoid that when possible, but I let it slip through again.  Been a bad year for that.

15. One Little Candle by Fred Waring And His Pennsylvanians from This I Believe-Songs Of Faith And Inspiration (Capitol ST 2054, Stereo, 1964). Latter-day Fred, when he recorded pretty much his entire Decca catalog over again for Capitol. Well, almost.

16. Sound The Trumpet by Okemos High School Concert Choir from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981). Another record that we've visited again and again and again this season. And it looks like I've dropped sixteen tracks into the bucket again tonight. Hope I don't run out of tracks before the end...

That's it for now.  Gotta be something in there you like. And I keep forgetting to ask if you have any favorites from the month so far? Gotta be something in there you love and can't live without. Leave me a comment and let me know what you've loved. Or, if you prefer, what you've hated. That's fun too.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 27

Are you tired of the Nutcrackers yet? No? Good, because they just keep coming. Today's version is by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra-Sir Thomas Beecham, Bart., Conductor, from the LP Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Columbia Masterworks ML 5171, Mono, 1956). Nothing budget about this one. Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-33

Welcome to a Sunday afternoon edition of Christmas in July. We've got less than a week to go, so I've got a lot of stuff to get out.  Let's jump right in.

1. The Babes doing March Of The Wooden Soldiers from The Babes In Toyland (Dream Music Company BIT 91550, Stereo, 1979). Now this is a weird one. Turns out to be the soundtrack of a touring show based on the Victor Herbert Operetta, but with the added attraction of disco arrangements and staging designed by Sid & Marty Krofft. Doesn't look like it was too successful.

2. Richard Robinson-Walking Weather from Songs From "Singing Fun" (Bowmar 4x10" 78 RPM 1650/1651/1652/1653, Mono, 1956). Not much winter content in this one, but a little.

3. Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey-H Is For A Little House In Bethlehem from The ABC Stories Of Jesus (Columbia CS 8675, Stereo, 1962). The letters just keep right on a'comin'.

4. Symphonic Variations On In Dulci Jubilo from the unknown artist performing on Superior New Works For Concert Band Vol. XV-Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications JP-5100, Stereo, 1984). Speaking of something that keeps coming...

5. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, again, by an unknown artist from Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983). Just like the Energizer Bunny.

6. Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director-Comfort Ye; And The Glory Of The Lord from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). A little something from a high school chorus is always welcome.

7. Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director-You Better Watch Out from Ambassadors Of Song '63-'64 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 151 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1964). And another high school.

8. Franco Corelli-Orchestra And Chorus Conducted By Rafaele Mingardo-Adeste Fideles From Franco Corelli Sings Great Religious Songs & Aries (Angel S 36208, Stereo, 1964). Seeing a lot from this guy lately.

9. The Handbell Choir Of St. James Methodist Church, Olney, Philadelphia-Eleanor C. Thompson, Director-Joy To The World from Sacred And Secular Music (Magnetic Recorder And Reproducer Corp. MRR-397, Mono, 1963). Handbells! This has to be the highlight of today's share!

10. Moe Koffman-Snowflakes (Largo) from The Four Seasons (GRT Of Canada 2xLP 9230-1022, Stereo, 1972). Nice and chilly.

11. Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Stuttgart-Rolf Reinhardt, Conductor-Toy Symphony-Menuetto from A Musical Joke; Eine Kleine Nachtmusik; Toy Symphony (Vox PL 9780, Mono, 1956). Everyone wants a new toy for Christmas.

12. United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale-Sing We Now Of Christmas from Seasons Greetings From The Men & Women Of The United States Air Force (No Label 2xLP No Number, Stereo). I love these military Christmas recordings. I hope you do as well.

13. The Slovakaires, Organ Accompaniment By Sr. M. Eugene Prolop, O.S.F.-S Touzebnostou Pri Chadzame from Christmas With The Slovakaires (Pav Records PAV 666, Stereo). More Christmas from Slovakia, no bells this time.

14. Kenneth Wilson, Organist-Fanfare For A Christmas Day: Christmas Song; On This Day Earth Shall Ring from Christmas At The Castle/Kenneth Wilson Celebrates (AFKA HCM101/S-4665, Stereo, 1981). Some more Christmas from the castle!

15. Liv Ullmann & Rock Hudson-Baby It's Cold Outside from Stars On "Norway" (Polygram (Norway) 202 001, Stereo, 1980). Yep, it's Rock Hudson, from some sort of cruise ship promotional piece. Or maybe it was a sort of souvenir. Not sure.

16. Marie LeBlanc-Man's Best Friend, The Alligator And Alligator Shoes For Christmas from Cajun Stories (One Way T112, Stereo, 1980). Another rare spoken word piece.

Likes like I gave you an extra track today. I hope it was one you enjoy.  Here's the link, see you tomorrow!

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 26

Today is a follow-up to the Nutcracker from yesterday, featuring an earlier, mono version from the same artist.  And thanks to some clever detective work by my talented followers, I can put a real name to the artist.  The name on the record is The Philadelphia Orchestra-Eugene Ormandy, Conductor, but you guys discovered the actual name of the band is Symphonic-Philharmonia Orchestra and Organ Grinder's Society of Baden-Baden under the direction of Herr Doctor Shorty von Muggins. How's that for some serious detective work? I did a bit of hunting myself before the post, and I didn't come up with anything even remotely plausible. The album I pulled this version from is called Nutcracker Suite + The Sleeping Beauty Ballet (Columbia Masterworks ML 4729, Mono, 1953). Give it a listen, and let me know which one you like more, this one or the stereo re-make from yesterday.

MEGA

PS-By mistake, I seem to have ripped this one twice. First from the album above, and later from a reissue that I didn't realize was the same version.  That one was called Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a; The Sleeping Beauty-Ballet Music, Op. 66 (Columbia Masterworks ML 4729, Mono). I'm convinced they're the same, but if for some reason you don't believe me, or you're an OCD completist, here's that rip for you.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-32

Part 32! We're really cooking now! Jumping right in...

1. Rudolph's Christmas Overture by an unknown artist from Warner Bros. Finest For Concert Band (Jenson Publications JP-3900, Stereo, 1983). I can almost see the end of these demo recordings. Of course, I can also see the end of the month...

2. Venite Adoramus by yet another unknown artist from Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5 (Jenson Publications JP-4000 w/ Book, Stereo, 1983). I said I could see the end, I didn't say I was at the end.

3. A Merry Christmas by Battle Creek A Cappella Choir from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981). Sure were a lot of Christmas songs performed at this festival.

4. A Bleak And Chill by Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). Writing credit for this one just said Burt. Is it an Alfred Burt carol?

5. White Christmas by The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director from The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir Sings '61-'62 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 126 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1962). What's with all these high school choirs in a row?

6. Moonlight In Vermont by Polly Bergen With Frank DeVol And His Orchestra from Polly Bergen's Four Seasons Of Love (Columbia CL 1451, Mono, 1960). We'll, this one has nothing to do with high school.

7. Tortorella: Ave Maria by Franco Corelli-Orchestra And Chorus Conducted By Rafaele Mingardo from Franco Corelli Sings Great Religious Songs & Arias (Angel S 36208, Stereo, 1964). An unfamiliar Ave Maria.

8. Silent Night by The Handbell Choir Of St. James Methodist Church, Olney, Philadelphia-Eleanor C. Thompson, Director from Sacred And Secular Music (Magnetic Recorder And Reproducer Corp. MRR-397, Mono, 1963). It's about time I find some more handbell music with you. I haven't shared nearly enough this year.

9. Holiday For Strings by Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians-Concert Orchestra And Voices from The Best Of Fred Waring And The Pennsylvanians (MCA 2xLP MCA2-4008, Mono). An oldie originally released on 10" shellac, but pulled here from a two record best-of collection.

10. Winter-Concerto No. 4 In F Minor-Second Movement-Largo by Societa Corelli-Vittorio Emanuele, Violin Solo from The Four Seasons (RCA Victor Red Seal LM-2424, Mono, 1960). The second part of this suite.

11. Little Drummer Boy by United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale from Seasons Greetings From The Men & Women Of The United States Air Force (No Label 2xLP No Number (Side 2-Christmas From The Air Force Academy), Stereo). There sure are a lot of good songs in tonight's share.

12. St. Mark's Church Bells by St. Mark's Church from Christmas With The Slovakaires (Pav Records PAV 666, Stereo). Everybody loves the bells!

13. Greensleeves by Jo Basile's Accordion & Orchestra Featuring Massed Strings from Paris! (Audio Fidelity AFLP 1955, Mono, 1961). A mono album on Audio Fidelity. It happens, I guess.

14. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen by Don Wilson from Christmas Ain't Over Yet! (Or, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Don Wilson!) (No Label RC 108/RC 107, Mono). This is just a weird album, that's all I can say about it.

15. Winter Wonderland by Paul Anka from his LP Diana (ABC-Paramount ABC-420, Mono, 1962). This was a sort of best-of, and thus it included some tracks from his Christmas album.

And that's it. I'm a little late tonight because I got caught up in an episode of Emergency.  It was probably supposed to be the pilot of a new similar show that centered around a couple of animal control officers in LA instead of a couple of paramedics. One of the animal control guys was a very young Mark Harmon. They saved a baby goat with some help from the doctors at Rampart. Not a dry eye in the house.  Anyhow, here's the download for tonight. Enjoy!

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 25

More nuts, more cracks!  Here's your daily version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, as rendered today by The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy, Conductor. And it's taken from the LP Swan Lake-The Nutcracker (Columbia Masterworks MS 6807, Stereo, 1966). Yes, once again they combined The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Not a whole lot of creativity there. Anyhow, enjoy this version, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-31

Part 31, a whole months worth of postings, but there's still a week left to go. Don't worry, there's still plenty of stuff in the pile to see us through to the end.  Now before I fall asleep, let's see if I can write up what's in the download tonight.

1. Marni Nixon-Funny Little Snowman from Songs From "Singing Fun" (Bowmar 4x10" 78 RPM 1650/1651/1652/1653, Mono, 1956). A cute little song from a rarely heard artist. I think the records were sold for educational use, and you could also order a songbook to help you sing along. Good stuff.

2. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, by someone who chose to remain anonymous, from Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-3500, Stereo, 1983). This demo LP was the last thing I ripped before I got tired of ripping back at the beginning of the pandemic.  I only recently got back in the mood and finished it. I was depressed to remember that the entire first record was unplayable because it was badly warped.  There were also probably a dozen more demos on there that I could have shared with you, too.

3. Nick Kenny-Scattered Toys from Nick Kenny Reads Nick Kenny (From His Book "Poems To Inspire") (Dot DLP 3427, Mono, 1962). A rare spoken word track. Some years I've had enough spoken word pieces to fill up an entire day, but not this time around. Funny how that works.

4. Frances Lai-The Christmas Trees from Love Story (Paramount PAS 6002, Stereo, 1970).  The last of the Christmas tracks from this soundtrack.  I had no idea there was anything on this record, and must have seen it hundreds of times without checking the track list.  Let that be a lesson to you, always check!

5. The Skaters by the anonymous folks at Silver Burdett Records from Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record IV (Silver Burdett Records 75 180 4, Mono, 1966). Man, it sure seems like there are a lot of tracks from this record. I must have posted one every other day for the whole month.

6. Christmas Spectacular! by another anonymous group, this one from Superior New Works For Concert Band Vol. XV-Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications JP-5100, Stereo, 1984). Yes, it's another demo track.

7. Lutheran High School West Concert Choir-God Rest You Merry Gentlemen from 25th Anniversary Of Cleveland Lutheran High Schools - Commemorative Album 1948-1973 (United Sound Recorders USR 5036, Stereo, 1973). More music from the Lutherans. I suppose now I have to give equal time to all the other religions.

8. King Curtis-Swingin' Shepherd Blues from Soul Serenade (Capitol T 2095, Mono, 1964). I don't think you can go wrong with some King Curtis, and he released so little Christmas music, that makes this track all the more welcome to me.

9. Billy Pressman-Nuttin' For Christmas from Dumb Ditties (K-tel NU 9330, Stereo, 1977).  Yep, another Christmas track from the record. I guess they'd throw anything on there they thought would make them a little money.

10. Hallelujah (From "Mount Of Olives"), performed by an unknown choir from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981).  Funny, but everything else on this record was properly attributed, but this one song seems to have lost it.

11. Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director-Continuing Christmas Eve from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). So would continuing Christmas Eve mean Christmas day? I'm confused...

12. Floyd Cramer-Cold, Cold Heart, the Hank Williams song, from I Remember Hank Williams (RCA Victor LSP-2544, Stereo, 1962). Well, at least it had cold in the title, twice!

13. The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director-Break Forth O Beauteous Heav'nly Light from The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir Sings '61-'62 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 126 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1962). Did we ever decide if this school actually was in the Philly area, or if that was just the record company location?

14. Polly Bergen With Frank DeVol And His Orchestra-June In January from Polly Bergen's Four Seasons Of Love (Columbia CL 1451, Mono, 1960). If it's June in January, that seems backwards from December in July.

15. The World Vision Korean Orphan Choir Directed By Soo Chul Chang With Ralph Carmichael And His Orchestra-O Come All Ye Faithful from The World Vision Korean Orphan Choir (Word W-3167-LP, Mono, 1962). An actual honest-to-goodness Christmas song. I'm impressed.

That's it, fifteen more songs, and I actually typed them all in. Are you proud of me?  Good, I'm proud of you, too, for showing up all these days this month.  Come back again tomorrow for more.  Here's the DL link.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 24

I took a little peek ahead, and I see that I'm getting close to the end of my rips of full Nutcrackers. I've still got a few more, so I'm not calling it quits yet, but I can see the end from where I'm standing, and I don't think it reaches to the end of the month. I guess I could have planned it a little better, but after the Covid thing hit, I just lost all motivation for months on end. But that's neither here nor there. The version tonight is one big long track with the whole suite in one go.  The artist is (allegedly) The Madrid Festival De Matadors' Orchestra-Dr. Edmundo Alava, Conductor, and the album is Carmen Suite And The Nutcracker Suite In Percussive Sound (International Award Series AK-163, Mono). I don't hear a lot of gratuitous percussion in here, like you might expect from something on the Command label, so I suspect they just through that in the title to attract a little more attention. I wouldn't be surprised if I've already shared a version of this one this month, but you never know. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-30

Wow, part 30!  That's a lot of Christmas music!  Well, maybe not as much as last year, but more if I add in the Nutcracker Suites. I think that's fair, don't you?  Anyhow, it's been a rough week, and once again I'm just throwing up a share without telling you what's in it. I appreciate those of you've been willing to download the music with no idea what's in the package, and especially those who then listen to it and comment.  Makes my job easier when I know folks are listening.  Hopefully this weekend I can get caught up a little and go back to fill in some of these blanks. I will go ahead and mention that there are 16 tracks in the download tonight. Two of them kind of go together, and I probably could have shared them as a single track, but I chose to split it into two.  It's all good stuff, don't worry.  See you tomorrow for more!

MEGA

Update-25 July 2020-I'm adding in the tracklist as exported and reformatted slightly. It's only a little faster than typing it all in, and you don't get my metacommentary on all the tracks, which may be a good thing.  But at least the info is there for the search engines.

Maurice Abravanel Conducting The Utah Symphony Orchestra--Sleigh Ride--Fiddle Faddle And 14 Other Leroy Anderson Favorites--1967
The Murk Family With Accompanist Betty Bowman--Christmas Medley: It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas; I'm A Little Christmas Tree; All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth; I Don't Want A Lot For Christmas; The Only Thing I Want For Christmas; Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas--Holiday Musicale   
Arthur Whittemore And Jack Lowe, Duo-Pianists--Intro To Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring--More Major Classics For Minors--1964
Arthur Whittemore And Jack Lowe, Duo-Pianists--Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring--More Major Classics For Minors--1964
Tommy Stark--Joy--The Many Moods Of The Magnificent Möller! Theatre Organ-Organ Power Pizza--1976
Richard Robinson--Ten Little Jingle Bells--Songs From "Singing Fun"--1956
Unknown Artist--Toyland--Songs From Walt Disney & Others (AKA Walt Disney Favorites & Others)   
Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Robert Mersey--G Is For God, Is For God Who Loved And Sent Jesus--The ABC Stories Of Jesus--1962
The Singing Nuns Of Jesus And Mary--Patapan--The Singing Nuns Of Jesus And Mary   
Los Fronterizos-Cantoria De La Basilica Del Socorro-Directed By Father R.P. Segade-Conducted By Ariel Ramirez--Navided Nuestra-Los Reyes Magos (Takirari)--Misa Criolla-From The Argentine-A Folkloristic Expression Of Religious Emotions--1980
The Stockholm Concert Orchestra-Conducted By Hugh Ross--The Messiah-Overture--The Majesty Of Sacred Music--1966
Silver Burdett Records--March--Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record II--1966
Alexei Cherkassov, Piano--April-Snowdrop--Tchaikovsky-The Seasons--1978
Jenson Publications--Santa Baby--Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23--1988
Jenson Publications--Sing Alleluia For Your Soul--Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition--1983
Brookside Jr. High School Music Department-Concert Chorus-William Bent, Conductor--White Christmas--Winter Concert-Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 1971--1972

Whew, that's a lot of formatting by hand. Hope it's right...

Nutcracker In July 23

Happy Thursday!  Time for another edition of The Nutcracker Suite! The version today is credited to The Ballet Francaise Symphony Orchestra Under The Baton Of Francoise Renault and taken from the album Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Suite And Swan Lake (Valiant VM-4920, Mono).  Will it turn out to be the real artist, or merely a clever pseudonym made up by someone who drove a French-made car? I don't know the answer myself, but there are clever people leaving comments here, and I bet one of them will figure it out!  In the meantime, download and give it a listen.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-29

Another long day, and I'm pretty beat, so I'm just going to throw up the share for now and call it good.  But I'm going to stay up late listening to my buddy CaptOT play Christmas in July music on the radio, and so should you. Head on over to WBOI.org and listen live from 9-11 PM EDT tonight. And find it on Facebook, too, where we always have a raucous time commenting on the songs playing.  Sure to be a hoot.  But that's after you download the share of the day, please.

MEGA

Update-25 July 2020-I'm going to try and paste in the contents of this download below. Wish me luck!

Unknown Artist--Come See The Baby (A New Youth Musical)--Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5--1983
Dave Harris And The Powerhouse Five--Siberian Sleigh Ride--Dinner Music For A Pack Of Hungry Cannibals--1961
Anita Bryant-Arranged And Conducted By Frank Hunter--When The Snow Is On The Roses--In Remembrance Of You (The Story Of A Love Affair)--1968
Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director--Caroling, Caroling--Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978--1978
Grand Rapids Christian High School Chamber Chorale--Hacia Bele'n Va Un Borrico--Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival--1981
South Denver High School Choir-Richard B. Eichenberger, Director--The Three Kings--The South High School A Cappella Choir 1954--1954
Dartmouth College Glee Club-Paul R. Zeller, Director--Hanover Winter Song--A Program Of Dartmouth Music--1950
Children's Choirs Of First Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Director: L. Campbell Bunting, Organist: Jan Birtcil--What Child Is This--Great Hymns For Children-Album 2--1963
Lenny Seidel-Pianist--Angels We Have Heard On High--The Glory Of God's Seasons   
Members Of The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Conducted By Richard Jones-Solo Violin: Samuel Thaviu--Snowfall--Moonlight And Violins--1955
Burl Ives--The Deepening Snow--True Love--1964
Silver Burdett Records--Mary Had A Baby--Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record IV--1966
The Cantata Singers In Quakertown, Ifor Jones Conducting, Bonnie Fix Keller At The Organ--Past Three O'Clock--A Service Of Lessons And Carols--1975
Alexei Cherkassov, Piano--November-"Troika" (Sleigh Ride)--Tchaikovsky-The Seasons--1978
Jenson Publications--Sanctus (From Faure's Requiem)--Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition--1983

That's not too bad...

Nutcracker In July 22

Cracking good nutcracker for you today, or at least I hope it is.  They don't get more budget label than this, well, at least not ones that are credited to somebody. I suspect that the anonymous ones are the worst. This one is credited to The Viennese Symphonic Orchestra-Kurst Woess, Conductor, and the LP is titled Tschaikovsky-Nutcraker Suite-1812 Festival Overture (MasterSeal MSLP 5004, Mono, 1957). Hope it's worth a listen.

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-28

Well, it's finally caught up to me.  I'm pretty tired tonight, so I'm not going to take the time to spell out everything that's in the download.  Hopefully I'll find time to come back and list it, especially for the search engines, but for now, here're fifteen more tracks, more of the same, really.

MEGA

Update-25 July 2020-Let me see if I can post the contents of the download here.  Trying to automate the export of this info a little bit, make it easier, but it may be more trouble than it's work.  Depends on how the format comes over...

Well, the first try didn't work. Let's try something else...

The John Payne Band--Snow--Bedtime Stories--1975
Dave Brubeck Quartet--My Favorite Things--My Favorite Things--1966
Don Wilson--Away In A Manger; We Three Kings Of Orient Are--Christmas Ain't Over Yet! (Or, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Don Wilson!)   
Felix Slatkin Conducting The Concert Arts Symphony Orchestra With Victor Aller, Piano--Variations On A Nursery Tune--Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra; Variations On A Nursery Tune--1957
Kenneth Wilson, Organist--Scottish Legend (Opus 54 No. 1)--Christmas At The Castle/Kenneth Wilson Celebrates--1981
The Slovakaires, Organ Accompaniment By Sr. M. Eugene Prolop, O.S.F.--Graduale--Christmas With The Slovakaires   
United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale--Chorale Medley: Come All Ye Faithful; Little Town Of Bethlehem; Joy To The World--Seasons Greetings From The Men & Women Of The United States Air Force   
Unknown Artist--Good News, Great Joy--Jenson Publications' Choral Celebration Vol. 5--1983
Casey Siewierski, His Concertina & Orchestra--Snowball Hop Polka--New Hits   
Mark Murphy, Conducted By Ernie Wilkins--My Favorite Things--Rah--1961
Societa Corelli-Vittorio Emanuele, Violin Solo--Winter-Concerto No. 4 In F Minor-First Movement-Allegro Non Motto--The Four Seasons--1960
Richard Ellsasser--Hallelujah Chorus--Richard Ellsasser At The Conn Organ--1964
Friends From Rio--Cherry Tree--Billy Vaughn Presents Friends From Rio Playing "Somethin' Stupid"--1967
The Hammond Chord Organ--Christmas Music On The Organ-O Holy Night--A Music Kaleidoscope With The Hammond Chord Organ--1955
Jenson Publications--The Christ Child Is Born--Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition--1983

Well, that's about as good as it's going to get for now. You'll get the idea.

Nutcracker In July 21

Must be that time of day, I've got a new Nutcracker to share with you.  Well, maybe not new, but new to you, I hope. I'm hoping most of these versions have been new to you, I hate to think I'm boring you with repeats and old hats.  This one is by the clumsily credited Symphony Orchestra Conducted By Herbert Williams from the LP Tchaikovsky: Suite From Swan Lake-Nutcracker Suite (Westminster XWN 18223, Mono, 1956). Westminster was a major label at the time, but it's odd that they didn't credit an actual orchestra. All sorts of contractual reasons for that, I suppose. Anyhow, here it is, I hope you enjoy it.

MEGA

A Blast From The Past 2

Time for another installment of my best-of series, this time for 2018. So far we've gotten collections from 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 & 2017, and if you've enjoyed those, this one will be no different. It's got all my very favorite tracks from the Christmas In July 2018 season, which you probably don't remember, but it was a good year.  Here's a list of what's in the download.

1) Dr. Buzzard's Savannah Band--Christmas In N.Y.
2) Homer Dennison And The "Night Strings"--Swiss Holiday
3) C. W. McCall--Sing Silent Night
4) Roger Blackburn--Winter Wonderland
5) Reno & Smiley And The Tennessee Cutups--Christmas Time's A Coming
6) Trombones Unlimited Featuring Mike Barone & Frank Rosolino--Holiday For Trombones
7) Bob Hannon With Jerry Sears And His Orchestra--In The Good Old Winter Time
8) First United Methodist Church, Cullman, Alabama-Bell Choir--Silent Night
9) Johnny Otis Orchestra With Little Esther And Mel Walker--Faraway Christmas Blues
10) The High Society--The Secret Of Christmas
11) Bobby Goldsboro--Look Around You, It's Christmas Time
12) Cliff De Young And Group--Winter
13) Brave Combo--O Holy Night Cha Cha Cha
14) Melanie--Merry Christmas
15) Betty Garrett--Yuletide, Park Avenue
16) Ray Rasch And The Pipers 10--Sugar Plum Cha Cha
17) Joe Berl-Music Direction: Joseph Berlingeri--We Need A Little Christmas
18) John Fahey--Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel
19) Merle Travis--Merry Christmas, Pretty Baby
20) The Ringing Bells-Rachael Kuivinen, Director--Yuletide Is Here Again
21) Willie Dittrich--Jingle Bells/Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
22) The Ventures--Nutty
23) Asa Duncan And Frank Sullivan-Sung By All The Kids--Have A Merry Christmas Day
24) Edmundo Ros And His Orchestra--That Man Over There
25) The McLain Family Band--Christmas On The Farm
26) Sleepless Nites--Children Go Where I Send You
27) Shari Lewis With Lambchop And Charley Horse--Sleigh Ride
28) Skitch Henderson, His Piano And The Stereosonic Strings--Snowflakes
29) June Christy-Orchestra Conducted By Pete Rugolo--Love Turns Winter To Spring
30) Six Fat Dutchmen--Jolly Sleigh Ride
31) The Impressions--Long, Long Winter
32) Tedd Smith, Piano--Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring/The First Noël
33) Pedro Vargas-Henri Rene Y Su Orquesta--Blanca Navidad
34) Unknown Artist--Bells
35) Naval Academy Drum And Bugle Corps--Auld Lang Syne
36) Chris Connor And Maynard Ferguson--Happy New Year

Something in there for everyone, and all of it stands up to repeat listens. This is the best I have to offer, so download it and give it a listen.  This is The Very Best Of Christmas In July From Ernie (Not Bert) 2018!

MEGA

PS-This isn't my best cover ever, but I needed a Christmas picture and happened to remember this. It's from a small Christmas shop inside what may be the kitschiest tourist trap in all of South Florida, The Shell Factory. Located in North Ft. Myers, it's full of weird little roadside attractions that probably haven't changed since 1952, including a Christmas store where I found this TV tableau. If I'd known I was going to use it for a cover, I think I would have composed the picture a little better.

Christmas In July 2020-27

Hello again.  Are you ready for another dose of Christmas in July? I hope so, because I've got fifteen more tracks for your enjoyment.  Let's jump right in, shall we?

1. Away In A Manger by The Mennonite Hour A Cappella Choir, Children's Choir from The Stranger Of Galilee-A Musical Portrait Of The Life Of Christ (Word WST-8436-LP, Stereo, 1968).  Featuring a bunch of Mennonite kiddies.

2. The Virgin Mary by Tabooz from Tabooz 1962 (No Label CO 4038 (Bradford Junior College), Mono, 1962).  Not much info about this one, but from the front cover photograph it's an all-woman choir. Not sure if it's an all-girls school though.

3. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm by Robert Maxwell, His Harp And Orchestra from The Magic Of Robert Maxwell His Harp And Orchestra (Vocalion (Decca, MCA) VL 73858, Stereo, 1965). There's harp in there somewhere, but it's not too prominent.

4. Joyous Season, the first track tonight by an unknown artist, this one from Warner Bros. Finest For Concert Band (Jenson Publications JP-3900, Stereo, 1983). Demo music for your own personal concert band.

5. A Scandinavian Christmas Rhapsody, also by an unknown performer, this time from Superior New Works For Concert Band Vol. XV-Advanced Edition (Jenson Publications JP-5100, Stereo, 1984).  More music for your concert band to try.

6. Go Tell It On The Mountain by American Christian College Choir from An Evening With Billy James Hargis And His Kids (Christian Crusade Recordings LP30002, Stereo, 1971). Not really sure what's up with this one. Is Billy James Hargis a member of the band? A director? Supporter? Just a guy who liked releasing albums? I hope somebody chimes in with some answers some day.

7. My Favorite Things by The Mitchell-Ruff Duo from The Sound of Music By Rodgers & Hammerstein (Roulette Birdland R 52037, Mono, 1960). I'm telling you, every one and his brother did a recording of the songs from The Sound of Music. I could do with it what I'm doing with The Nutcracker Suite, a version a day for the whole month!

8. Winter Wonderland by The Murk Family With Accompanist Betty Bowman from Holiday Musicale (Sacred Knof Recordings SKR-LP-1170, Mono). Lots of good ones on this LP. This may not be one of them.

9. Hanover Winter Song by The Dartmouth College Glee Club-Paul R. Zeller, Director from Reflections On Dartmouth (James Campion OSS-2382, Stereo). Pretty sure I've got another version of this same song by an earlier incarnation of this same group. Glad I didn't share them both out on the same day.

10. Exultate Deo by South Haven High School Choir from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981).  This is pretty late for such a record to have been made. I suspect this was close to the time where such a thing would be put on cassette tape.  But there are always holdouts.

11. Hymn Of The Nativity by The Cantata Singers In Quakertown, Ifor Jones Conducting, Bonnie Fix Keller At The Organ from A Service Of Lessons And Carols (CS CSQ1001, Stereo, 1975). No relation to Quaker Steak And Lube, I hope.

12. Il Est Né; Jesus Borned In Bethlea by Eleanor Newman, Soprano, With W. Lawrence Curry, Accompanist from Let's Sing Songs And Hymns For Primary Children (The Geneva Press 69-0031, Mono). Pretty sure this one originally came with a book and was used to teach you how the songs found in the book were supposed to sound.

13. Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers by Eddie Dunstedter from The Master Makes Melody-Eddie Dunstedter Reminisces (Foremost FML 1003, Mono, 1956).  This guy had a really long career.

14. We'll Dress The House by Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). This is one of those songs I hear occasionally, but don't know anything about.  I'd look it up, but I'm busy posting Christmas music.  Funny how that happens.

15. Alleluia by The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir-Robert G. Hamilton, Director from The Frankford High School A Cappella Choir Sings '61-'62 (Acoustic Arts Recording Studios LP 126 (Philadelphia, PA), Mono, 1962).Frankford High School bringing up the rear today.

That's all she wrote for the day.  Gotta be something in there your ears will appreciate.

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 20

Whoops, I almost forgot about today's Nutcracker in July episode.  Had to zip it up real quick this morning and upload it, now I'm posting at work real quick.  Let's see who I put in the folder. The artist is The French National Symphony Orchestra Conducted By Roger Désormière, and the album is Nutcracker Suite/Suite From The Swan Lake-Tchaikovsky (Capitol P-8140, Mono, 1954).  Pretty sure I've shared this one out in previous years, piecemealing it out one track at a time over multiple days.  Now you've got it all in one nice little package. Enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 19

Good morning!  Hope you're having a relaxing Sunday.  Here's the latest installment of The Nutcracker In July.  This time around the artist is listed as being Wilhelm Von Luden Conducting The Hamburg International Philharmonic Orchestra, and the LP is The American Home Library Of Great Musical Masterpieces-Vol. XIV (The American Home Library Of Great Musical Masterpieces-Milton Cross Series 6014, Stereo). Probably a pseudonym, but you never know. Milton Cross appears to have lent his name to this set of records designed to introduce classical music into the home. His name has shown up here at the blog before, and will likely show up again in the future. But I don't think Milton is actually on this recording, they just used his name to sell records.  Here's the link to download and enjoy!

MEGA

Christmas In July 2020-25

Is this the 25th part? I think it is. I loose track of where I'm at most days. For the first time in months, I ripped some Christmas in July music for you today.  Everything I've been sharing has been in the books for months, but today I was finally able to shake off some doldrums and put some vinyl on the turntable.  And then on the fourth or fifth record I recorded, it turned out to be a 78 RPM and needed the fatter needle.  So I got that all sorted out, then the third side I wanted to rip had a big needle dig on it, and I've been trying to get that to play through for the past couple of hours. But after a lot of time and effort, and some backwards recording, I think I finally got the track to sound correct.  Of course, it's a Thanksgiving track, so you might not get to hear it until the end of the month. But I had to share the story of all my work with you, just in case this post goes up a little later.  We'll see.

1. I Will Carol In The Morning by an unknown artist from Music For The Choral Ensemble Vol. XV-Young Choir Edition (Jenson Publications 2xLP JP-3500, Stereo, 1983). Demo track number one. This was one of the tracks I finished up today for you. Pretty sure I ripped the vinyl a few months ago, but I just finished the work this afternoon. Hope it was worth the trouble.  It was a double album, and all the stuff was on the first LP. But it was too warped to record.  After messing with it for a while, I lost the will to mess with vinyl for a long, long while.

2. Winter Games (1988 Winter Olympic Theme), by who-knows-who, from Superior New Works For Concert Band-Advanced Edition-Volume 23 (Jenson Publications 2xLP CB23A88AD, Stereo, 1988). Demo track number two, but at least it's kind of interesting and Olympics related.

3. Ave Maria by The Eroica Three-Disc Symphonion Music Box from Old Music Box Melodies (Bornand Music Box Co RCB-7, Stereo, 1981).

4. I Saw Three Ships by yet another unknown artist from Making Music Your Own-Kindergarten Record IV (Silver Burdett Records 75 180 4, Mono, 1966).  Not a demo recording, but not far from it.

5. Peace On Earth by Pinellas Park Senior High Chorus-William Renfroe, Director from Choral Sounds 1977-1979 Volume 1 (Suncoast Recording Service KM 3668, Stereo, 1979). I kinda liked this one.

6. Hansel And Gretel-Evening Prayer (Act II) by Christopher Lynch, Tenor, With Eugene Bossart, Piano, And With Orchestra Conducted By Paul Affelder from Bless This House-The Children's Hour (Columbia Entre RL 3016, Mono).  OK, so it's not Christmas, but it could be...

7. Moonlight In Vermont by Jr. Walker And The All Stars from Soul Session (Soul (Motown) SM 702, Mono, 1966). You can never go wrong with a little dose of Motown.

8. Winter Song by Maplewood Glee Club, Warren G. Schmoll-Director, Rosalind Dobie-Accompanist from Maplewood Glee Club 1965-Maplewood Community Recreation Service (HMR Productions RC-94 (AKA RC-134) Side 2-1965 Winter Concert, Mono, 1965). Still lovin' the local stuff.

9. Skaters Waltz by George Wright from Sweet And Low (HiFi Records Life Series L1011, Stereo, 1963). How many versions of this one have I shared in the last week? Pretty sure there are more to come, so I hope you're enjoying it.

10. Baby, It's Cold Outside by Frank Chacksfield And His Orchestra from Academy Award Hit Songs-All 34 Winners 1934 to 1967 (London 2xLP CHA S-1, Stereo, 1969). Another song from the nice double album.

11. Chime Bells by Coleen & John from their self-titled album, Coleen & John (U.A. Recording UA-FSD-1190, Stereo). Not sure if this has anything to do with Christmas or not...

12. This Little Babe by Okemos High School Concert Choir from Sixth Annual Albion College Invitational Choral Festival (Delta DRS81-128, Stereo, 1981).  Still more to go from this LP.  The get-together must have been sometime near the Christmas season.

13. Shepherd's Pipe Carol by The Cantata Singers In Quakertown, Ifor Jones Conducting, Bonnie Fix Keller At The Organ from A Service Of Lessons And Carols (CS CSQ1001, Stereo, 1975). Another one with lots and lots of tracks.

14. Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) by Children's Choirs Of First Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Director: L. Campbell Bunting, Organist: Jan Birtcil from Great Hymns For Children-Album 2 (Graded Press MPH-1299, Mono, 1963). Pretty sure I have other volumes of this one somewhere.

15. Maris Walks Among The Thorns by Regina High School Chorus-Ms. Marianne Antonich, Director from Christmas & Spring Concerts 1977-1978 (Melody Recording KM 2623, Stereo, 1978). I'm guessing this isn't the same Maris who used to be married to Frasier Crane's brother Niles.

And that's it.  I didn't think I was done because I mis-numbered one of the tracks above and my could kept coming out wrong. But I've got it all fixed now.  Here's the download, have a good night!

MEGA

Nutcracker In July 18

Good morning!  Here's your daily dose of nut-cracking good music, courtesy of Frederick Stock Conducting The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, from the album Nutcracker Suite-Tchaikovsky (Columbia/Entré RL 3002, originally recorded 1939, Mono). Yep, a real professional outfit here on a major label.  Sure you'll enjoy this one!

MEGA