Highlights from yesterday afternoon and evening:
WSIE 88.7 FM
- Skating-Erin Bode (I've always enjoyed hearing Bode sing this in concert; one of many highlights from Bode's album, "A Cold December Night," it's suitable for any time of year, especially when you're relieved to be returning home. Also recommended: "The Holly And The Ivy" and "The Star's Song.")
- There's No Time Like Christmas Time-Chris Standring & Kathrin Shorr (Listing things you enjoy about Christmas while creating an inviting, memorable melody is a tall order. Shorr and Standring pull it off, however.)
KLOU 103.3 FM
- Joy To The World-Percy Faith & His Orchestra (This is an excellent instrumental rendering of the carol, I've always thought, with a perfect opening trumpet proclamation. This is a great example of harmonious strings and brass.)
- Silver Bells-Andy Williams (A clear, reliable voice for conveying the anticipation of Christmas Day. This rendition has held up well over the decades.)
K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2
- In Dulci Jubilo-Mannheim Steamroller (This ensemble is usually at its best when it backs off from the synthesizer. The instrumentation and a slower tempo make this one of the better, more demure versions of this carol. Also recommended: "Wassail, Wassail.")
- Wassail Song-Philadelphia Brass Ensemble (Appropriately stately.)
- Martin: Nouvelles, Nouvelles (The Boston Camerata/Joel Cohen, conductor) (I'm pleased that during or after Christmas dinner in three different years, I've heard this French carol on Classic 107.3. It has such a memorable, welcoming chorus, so I'm surprised I haven't heard it on other Classical stations or streams.)
