Here from the indefatigable Dave Federman is his contribution to the holiday season - 46 tracks in all. And here's Dave to introduce the proceedings:
Thankfully, Christmas and Hanukkah coincide this year, each of its durations (12 and 8 days apiece) beginning on December 25. So this presents all sorts of opportunities for fresh song synergy as we celebrate a mixed-denomination night of nights. Indeed, this is a time when the holidays regain old meanings of commingling and mixing of traditions - meaning multiculturalism calls the tunes. So I have prepared a dance hall medley where all who celebrate simultaneous Judeo-Christian festivities gather together to dance, sing, and, perhaps, drink. Smoking is prohibited.
Too many compilations don't take dares with their music selection. This is the worst year for holiday music that I, a collector of it for more than 40 years, can remember. Even the vintage Christmas compilations offer slim pickings. The vaults are nearly empty. Only Bear Family found fresh fare in its releases. Who knew Bob Chester made a fabulous recording of “Winter Weather” in 1941? Although I’ve used Joe Williams and Harry “Sweets” Edison’s 1961 recording, Bob's version will find its way into a future mix.
Other selections owe much to my Jewish upbringing and its Latin-laden dance styles. Only Jews could have meshugina mambos, and now the whole world can remember just how Havana-tinged was "Hava Nagila" on these crazy dancehall holiday nights. I get to include recordings by Borscht Belt biggies like Ruth Wallis and Leo Fuchs. Leo Fuld's "Zigany Melody" outdoes "O Mein Papa" for schmaltz and kletzmer trumpet finesse.
Only at the end do I get quasi-religious with two lost 45 treasures by Jo Stafford and Norman Luboff that can speak (or sing) to all monotheists, although they have a strong Christian flavor. Bob and Ray open the festivities with a Christmas murder-mystery that will send you rushing outdoors to escape to my dance pavilion on the edge of town.
While I am holding a combined musical celebration of the two greatest consumerist holidays in the Judeo-Christian world, don't worry. The music is strictly for your dancing pleasure. No mention is made of gifts or gift suggestions given (although there is one inevitable marriage proposal song, "Here's a Little Package," from 1932, that is a private reminder of my long years spent as a jewelry journalist).
Christmas is so much more than a holiday. It is now a global occasion with so many connotations of intimacy, love and sharing. So please enjoy this potpourri of recordings!
