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FEATURE ARTICLE
SOUNDS FOR THE SEASON
by Brian B.P. Pearson
Yes, believe it or not it is that time of year, some say “the most
wonderful time of the year.”
One of the perks of working in the electronic media is checking my
mailbox around late October to see what artists have jumped on the
Christmas CD bandwagon.
With a collection of 300+ CD’s and tons of records covering every
possible format let us dive into BP’s personal “best of” Christmas
treasures.
As everyone should know Christmas in Northwest Indiana is a special
thing, especially if you can remember downtown Hammond at this special
time, well before it all went south and there were Southlake Mall’s and
warehouse clubs.
One person who captured that
very feel and time was Hammond native Jean Shepherd who was responsible
for the classic Christmas film “A Christmas Story.”
Though most of us probably own it on DVD or VHS how many knew that there
is a 3-CD set, read by Dick Cavett that was released last year on Random
House Audio?
It’s affectionate, wacky, and wryly realistic portrayal of an American
family’s typical Christmas joys and travails that take place in Hammond
which enter our imagination and our hearts with a force equal to “It’s a
Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”
Of course if you want the classic Christmas feel in a laid back,
fireplace and cocktail type setting then look no further than Dean
Martin. Making Spirits Bright is the definitive Dean Martin holiday
record because it draws from the crooner’s recordings for both Capitol
and Reprise. The producers of this 1998 collection seem to have culled
the best of both worlds.
As the Nat King Cole and Frank
Sinatra collections will always have their moments, it is Dino who I
always go back to. It’s a pity Christmas only comes one time a year.
For another fun and retro ‘60s “lounge lizard” type CD definitely seek
out 1996’s Christmas Cocktails CD that was issued on Capitol. It
features 18 hot toddies what will be sure to melt your snow cone.
The group Chicago, still going
strong in their fifth decade released, What’s It Gonna Be, Santa, back
in 2003. It is a modern and retro, 20 track Christmas record with Bill
Champlin proving why he is probably the greatest blue-eyed soul singer
around as he delivers a gutsy, funky “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.
James Taylor went into a
partnership with Hallmark (this year it is Michael McDonald) for last
year’s A Christmas Album. It provides a jazzy intimate feel; something
James has always had in him but never really captured on prior studio
recordings.
This year saw another jazzy feel
good Christmas CD from Mrs. Elvis Costello, that being Diana Krall,
who’s Christmas Songs, is a fantastic and festive 12-track effort.
If you’re into that coffee house style, there is 1989’s Christmas At My
House, by stellar guitar virtuoso Larry Carlton along with Snowbound, by
the all-star jazz group Fourplay.
Those looking for the not so repetitive choice of Christmas standards
then seek out Michael Franks’ Watching The Snow, which contains 10
originals, including one of my all-time faves, “I Bought You A Plastic
Star For Your Aluminum Tree.” How can you go wrong with a title like
that?
If we can go back to Indiana, there is Midwest blues legend Duke
Tumatoe’s somewhat “blue” release of 2001, It’s Christmas (Let’s Have
Sex). Filled with sexually charged themes applied to Christmas
traditions, Tumatoe’s humor is not for everyone. But those interested in
a humorous album for the holidays might enjoy his comedy songs, just
keep it away from the kids.
Wanna get beachy and in a tropical Christmas mood? Two easy choices are,
Jimmy Buffett’s (who else) Christmas Island, and the apprentice to the
country flavored-beach bum title, Kenny Chesney who gives us All I Want
For Christmas Is A Real Good Tan. Both mix it up with a country feel,
throw in some steel drums and give it a very unique appeal.
Speaking of Buffett, here is my choice for the BEST and most played
recording of all. Actually it’s two classics that many don’t know about
but should.
Back in 2000, Buffett guitarist
and solo artist Peter Mayer released Stars & Promises. It is a treasured
mix of both new and old classics, done in an acoustic setting with
stings and woodwinds. Some of it has a world music feel and Peter takes
us on a magical journey, giving us the true meaning of Christmas. Peter
continued that feel in 2002 with a “live” version of this CD. He
continues to tour every year with a fantastic “must see” show.
Of course there are tons more that I have omitted, some really worth
mentioning, but there is only so much space.
In closing, I’d like to wish all Midwest BEAT readers the best that this
holiday season has to offer. Be it a star to guide us, or a song to
remind us, that the promises of Christmas are here, alive for any
season.
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