Some of the more appealing Christmas music I've heard since Tuesday:
KDHX 88.1 FM
- Christmas Is Coming-Vince Guaraldi Trio (Decades ago, I thought this was one of the hippest original Christmas instrumentals anyone had ever composed and that it had to be a blast for Guaraldi to anchor its alternating rhythms on the piano. My opinion hasn't changed in all that time. I'm sure I'm not alone.)
- Silver And Gold-Burl Ives (I'd be happy to swap the lion's share of radio airplay "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" usually gets for this more thought-provoking "Rudolph..." highlight.)
- Silent Night-Mahalia Jackson (Leave it to "The Big Bang"'s host, Dr. Jeff, to select multiple captivating Christmas tunes from distinctly different genres. Jackson's larger-than-life voice brings out the power and tenderness of this carol.)
- O Christmas Tree-Oscar Peterson (A subtle, in-its-own-time piano rendition. Strongly recommended: Peterson's beautiful, sublime version of "Away In A Manger," with excellent flugelhorn emoting from Jack Schantz.)
- (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays-The Carpenters (Karen Carpenter always sang with such sincerity and crisp, clear enunciation. When she sings that there's no place like home for the holidays, I can't imagine doubting her.)
- Leroy Anderson: A Christmas Festival (The Boston Pops Orchestra/Arthur Fiedler, conductor) (The resounding horn intro on this medley's first selection, "Deck The Halls," welcomes in Christmas majestically, and Anderson's arrangement transitions smoothly from one engaging seasonal favorite to another.)
- Suite Of Carols For String Orchestra (BBC Concert Orchestra/Leonard Slatkin, conductor) (The orchestra's vigorous, forceful bowing makes "Wassail, Wassail" especially engaging. As played in this medley, "Wassail, I'm Telling You!" would be an equally appropriate title.)
- Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!-Hampton String Quartet (Played in the style of Mozart, this is one of the best renditions I've heard.)
