12/17/09

A Visit From The Ghost of Christmas Past





It's that time of year when I like to dust off the old vinyls of Christmas past and listen to classical Christmas tunes that I've grown up on. The crackling of the vinyl and the fuzzy snow-like sound to their voices. There's something about the 'big band' genre of music, the brass I think. All of the different instruments coming together like an orchestra and creating this amazing swing jazz sound. The voices are very distinct. During an era in which radio was the only way to listen to music, the voices are what mattered. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mathis, and Nat King Cole,  really tell a story with the way they each sing. Bing Crosby especially.  He has a very deep voice that mesmerizes me. It truly is of the loveliest sounds I've ever heard. His singing voice is so pure, it's like an extension of his natural speaking voice. He puts little effort into the way he sings and yet it sounds so beautiful. There really is nothing better on a frigged winters night than snuggling up against the fire with a bottle of wine and Bing Crosby on vinyl.

Bing Crosby Key Tracks: I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas , It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas
Andy Williams Key Tracks: Most Wonderful Time Of The Year , Happy Holidays
Frank Sinatra Key Tracks: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas , I'l Be Home For Christmas
Other Key Tracks: Jingle Bells , The Christmas Song  , Baby It's Cold Outside

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