Ah Christmas. So much to say but I will keep it short. I have nothing truly against Christmas, other than being bombarded with holiday music while working retail through college and after grad school. That’s my issue. The family time is wonderful, especially now with my lovely wife and great son….I just can’t deal with the music. Not a fan, never will be a fan.
With that being said, I have curated a collection of seven albums I can approve and ‘enjoy’ listening to during the holiday season. I do feel bad for my wife considering she absolutely adores the music. Luckily she deals with my issues as well as she can and I try to deal with my issues as well. I have been known to break from my approved list if I know it will make her happy. But only for a bit. Then my brain can no longer handle it and I must request a change of station.
https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/altizermd/playlist/0Vz7KwxPurUfK6Dswq9TQO
So here it is…my list of 7 approved albums for the Christmas season.
1. Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra Carol of the Bells
I was luck enough to be a part of the marketing/release of this album during my time at Owl Studios. I do love this album and I think it is because the arrangements are beautiful and I know many of the artists on the album. I can listen to this….I can.
2. Sharon Jones Holiday Soul Party
This is the new one on the list. You can’t go wrong with Sharon Jones ever. So funky, so fun, and makes you want to dance. I can look around the fact it is Christmas music when you have the Dap Kings doing their thing behind the powerhouse voice of Ms. Jones. Yes I can.
3. Vince Guaraldi Trio A Charlie Brown Christmas
This is all about cartoons and Charlie Brown. That is it…that is the truth. Plus it is jazz. Jazz is good food, especially with family around.
4. Ella Fitzgerald Ella Wishes you a Swinging Christmas
I have been on record saying that if one could marry a voice, my choice would be Ella. Such a beautiful tone, great swing, and you can just hear a smile when listening to her sing. However, I will never like “Frosty the Snowman” on this album. No.
5. Duke Ellington: Nutcracker Suite
Somehow Duke knew how to make Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker bearable and boy is it bearable. Many already know I am not a fan of Tchaikovsky either (nor Brahms….NO). Unfortunately, the original Ellington recording is not available on Spotify. However, this group does a decent job.
6. JS Bach: Christmas Oratoria, BVW 248
It’s Johann Sebastian Bach. Enough said
7. George Frideric Handel: Messiah
I’ve always been torn with Messiah. I feel like I will not like it and don’t want to listen to it, but then I put it on and love it. So it will take a place on the list.
mda
Have You Heard 