Various Artists — “Walking in a Winter Wonderland — Nola Blue Records
I know, I know. Christmas holiday music is everywhere. But I like to think that some of it is a little different — especially if you’re a blues (or even close to blues) fan, as am I.
So, here’s a sparkling session featuring artists from Nola Blue Records with a handful of songs designed to provide some memorable blue Christmas music.
The nine tracks (just enough to enjoy without shopping mall overload) range from the ribald — “Slim Down Santa” by Jim Koeppel to the spiritually soulful — “Go Tell It On the Mountain” by Trudy Lynn.
“I Want Some Christmas Cheer” by Benny Turner is a sweet, soulful opener with a bouncy, bluesy beat that’s good all year round. Trudy Lynn’s “Go Tell It On the Mountain” is spiritually suitable for any season. Tiffany Pollack’s plaintiff “River” is a gorgeous song, beautifully sung, for any season. “Christmas on Bourbon Street” is an appropriate Nola tribute from Gregg Martinez, and Sugar Ray Norcia lends his romantic pipes and soulful harp to “That’s What I Want for Christmas.”
“Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” is a soulful gem from the late Frank Bey, then Clarence Spady struts in with a bouncy “Christmas,” leading into the horn-laced closer, “Funky Mistletoe,” by Willie J. Laws.
Altogether, this eclectic collection adds just the right note for the holiday season. Or, really, good music has no season. But if your holidays threaten to be unnecessarily blue, some of this bluesy music just might help.
Trudy Lynn’s version of “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” from the album:
Tracks and personnel:
I WANT SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER
Benny Turner: Bass, Vocals
Jack Miele: Guitar
Keiko Komaki: Keyboards
Jeffery “Jellybean” Alexander: Drums and percussion
GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
Trudy Lynn: Vocals
Steve Krase: Harmonica
David Carter: Guitar
Tamara Williams: Drums
Jon Cometta: Rhythm guitar
Eugene “Spare Time” Murray: Bass
Barry Seelen: Organ
SLIM DOWN SANTA
Jim Koeppel: Guitar and Vocals
Gene “Daddy G” Barge: Tenor Saxophone
Tennyson Stephens: Piano
Welton Gite: Bass
James Gadson: Drums
Backup vocals: James Gadson, Tennyson Stephens, Cash McCall, Welton Gite, Stanley Behrens
RIVER
Tiffany Pollack: Vocals
Eric Johanson: Vocals, guitar
Jack Miele: Bass, Additional Guitar, Percussion
Brentt Arcement: Drums, Organ, Piano, Percussion
CHRISTMAS ON BOURBON STREET
Gregg Martinez: Vocals
Kris Landrum: Keyboard
Shawn Faulk: Drums
Tony Goulas: Guitar
Ronnie Eades: Saxophone
THAT’S WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
Sugar Ray Norcia: Vocals, Harmonica
Marty Ballou: Bass Guitar
Ricky Russell: Guitar
Bobby Christina: Drums
EVERY DAY WILL BE LIKE A HOLIDAY
Frank Bey: Vocals
Anthony Paule: Guitar
Paul Revelli: Drums
Paul Olguin: Bass
Tony Lufrano: Hammond B3 and keyboards
Nancy Wright: Tenor saxophone
Mike Rinta: Trombone
Tom Poole: Trumpet
Loralee Christensen: Background vocal
CHRISTMAS
Clarence Spady: Vocals, Guitar
Andy Galore: Bass Guitar
Dave Archer: Organ
Dave Archer: Piano
Barry Harrison: Drums
FUNKY MISTLETOE
Willie J. Laws: Vocals, Guitar
Roberto Morbioli: Guitar
Steve Bigelow: Bass Guitar
Bobby Christina: Drums