Who doesn't have at least one Snoopy ornament on their Christmas tree, as my family did in 2005? This ornament has the bonus of bringing to mind the excellent Vince Guaraldi tune, "Skating."
Standout Christmas morning selections:
KRCL (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Winter Wonderland-The Count Basie Orchestra (A swingin' trumpet-led big band rendition.)
- White Christmas-Darlene Love (This version has a bounce in its step that most renditions lack.)
KSLC (Portland, OR)
- O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) (Emily Mitchell, harp) (Mitchell's rendition opts for warmth over stateliness, which does the tune justice.)
- Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (David Russell, guitar) (The guitar playing isn't stiff or academic, so this is a successful rendition.)
KWMU-2 (St. Louis, MO)
- Sleigh Ride-The John Pizzarelli Trio (This is one of the best instrumental versions of "Sleigh Ride" due to Pizzarelli playing it as a fast piano romp.)
- Sussex Carol (Canadian Brass) (Ordinarily, I prefer bouncier, more upbeat versions of this carol, but this slower, sleepier approach serves the carol just as well.)
- Wassail Song (Here We Come A-Caroling)-Joel Mabus (A melodic, music box-style guitar interpretation. Also recommended: "The First Nowell" and "The One Horse Open Sleigh," also known as "Jingle Bells.")
- Light Of The Stable-Emmylou Harris (The guitar intro draws me in every time. The lyrics about going to see the Christ child are some of the more compelling ones I've heard.)
- Hark The Herald Angels Sing-11 Acorn Lane (If you're up for a quirky, brassier take on "Hark...," you might enjoy this fit-for-a-variety-show instrumental.)
