Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates it! Here are some of the Christmas gems I've heard on the radio since late last night:
KDHX 88.1 FM
- White Christmas-Otis Redding (Steve and Cat Pick are doing their usual reliable job of providing a mixed, varied Christmas soundtrack on "Sound Salvation." Redding's emotive take on this carol is among the highlights so far.)
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-Kate and Anna McGarrigle (The McGarrigle sisters and special guests bring out this carol's serious nature vocally.)
- It Came Upon The Midnight Clear-Rosanne Cash (Steve Pick gave the "Acoustic Christmas" various artists compilation its due on the air and said that he keeps going back to this track every year. That's understandable, as it's one of the most effective, intimately sung renditions.)
- White Christmas-Beegie Adair (Adair captures the essence of this carol on the piano with her customary elegance and taste.)
- Good King Wenceslas-Manfredo Fest (An uptempo, Latin-influenced highlight from the compilation, "A Concord Jazz Christmas 2.")
- O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree)-Bruce Barth (A cool piano-based rendition with a bounce.)
- Driving Home For Christmas-Chris Rea (Rea's rasp suits this tune that deserves more airplay well.)
- Go Tell It On The Mountain-Little Big Town (Solid guitar, lead and backing vocals in one of the stronger renditions I've heard.)
- Santa Claus Is Coming To Town-Harry Connick, Jr. (A smart jazzy arrangement that brings to mind Raul Malo and Shelby Lynne's version of "It Takes Two To Tango.")
- Winter Wonderland-Andy Williams (One of the most optimistic renditions; if you listen closely, the bluebird comes back and decides to stay.)
- Celebrate Me Home-LeAnn Rimes featuring Gavin DeGraw (I think Kenny Loggins and Al Jarreau recorded the two best versions, but this rendition deserves its due, as well.)
- I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day-Harry Belafonte (Thought-provoking lyrics sung with the necessary gravity.)
