Over the decades and centuries of Western culture no other holiday music has proliferated or endured like Christmas music. From old English carols to the present favourites, Christmas music can make up a considerable portion of your average collection, which is such the case with my own.
When we’re all tired of hearing the same Sinatra, Martin, Crosby, Lee, Tormé and Cole tunes, that’s when it’s great to dig into the older collections and come up with a few gems that don’t often get into the regular rotation, especially when it comes to the post-war era of Christmas excess. Trust me, “Santa Baby” is nowhere to be found on this list.
First up is Percy Faith, long known as a master of Easy Listening, produced his “Christmas Is…” LP in 1966. Though not the schmaltz of Mitch Miller, you can still sing along with “Happy Holiday.” Yes, you did just hear this at the mall.
Next is Al Caiola and Riz Ortolani ripping it up on “Holiday on Skis” from the Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails I. Caiola was one of the great pop guitarist from the post-big band era, and his picking here makes this a really fun little tune that fits nicely into any Christmas rotation.
Next up is Martin Denny’s “Exotic Night,” which is found on the Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails II. It’s hard to think of the Martin Denny Group when it wasn’t producing some of the finest exotica recordings complete with wild birdcalls and jungle drums. But just for Christmas, Denny and the guys produced this little gem:
Finally, George Shearing’s “Snowfall / Snowfall Cha-Cha” is in my opinion one of the very best of the Christmas songs you’ve likely never heard. Also found on Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails II, Shearing’s piano stylings are just beautiful. This is one of my favourites. Turn the lights out and watch the snowfall outside.
Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.
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