Details arriving Thursday on Tracey Thorn's impending holiday set, "Tinsel And Lights".
The release date has been confirmed as October 30 and the cover art and track list have been released, so here we go.
1. Joy [written by Tracey Thorn]
2. Hard Candy Christmas [Dolly Parton cover]
3. Like a Snowman [written by Stephin Merritt]
4. Maybe This Christmas [Ron Sexsmith cover]
5. In the Cold, Cold Night [White Stipes cover]
6. Snow [written by Randy Newman]
7. Snow in Sun [written by Green Gartside of Scritti Politti]
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
9. Tinsel and Lights [written by Tracey Thorn]
10. River [Joni Mitchell cover]
11. Taking Down the Tree [ft. Green Gartside] [Low cover]
12. Sister Winter [Sufjan Stevens cover]
13. 25th December [Everything But the Girl] (U.S. LP bonus track)
So, an interesting track list, to say the least. Covers of Dolly Parton and The White Stripes. A Low cover that isn't "Just Like Christmas". Randy Newman's "Snow" is starting to get covered more and more (the man's a freaking genius, I tellz ya). A couple of originals. And, for once, a U.S. bonus track (albeit of the old Everything But The Girl holiday track). You might notice that the collective theme is more Winter than Christmas and that's what Tracey said she was going for all along. "If they mentioned winter or snow or even just being cold, that was good enough for me." Clearly, "Tinsel And Lights" is poised to be one of the season's brightest stars. Pretty sure it won't disappoint. Now all we need is the pre-order link and we're all set.
You see, there are at least TWO groups performing under the name B3 Kings--both Jazz, oddly enough. One is a Boston based group led by guitarist Johnny Trama and their sound is very much a fusion effort, incorporating lots of roots rhythms and very heavy on the soul, blues and funk.
The other B3 Kings are the creation of sax man Cory Weeds, featuring Bill Coon on guitar, Denzal Sinclaire on drums (and vocals, when called upon), and the B3 organ of Chris Gestrin. Their sound is plenty funky, too, but more in a Jimmy Smith way than a Sly Stone way. Cory is the owner and operator of Vancouver's Cellar Jazz club and the accompanying label, Cellar Live. And, back in 2005, Cory's B3 Kings shared a split album with the Bruno Hubert Trio. "A Cellar Live Christmas" was, for my money, one of the simultaneously hottest and coolest Jazz Christmas albums of the last decade (I'd rank Trio West's first holiday effort highly, as well). In fact, Cory's B3 Kings exist primarily to jam the world with some incredible Christmas arrangements and they've been known to appear magically--like Santa Claus and good will towards men--each holiday season to lay down some smokin' hot holiday Jazz riffs (in cities and towns probably nowhere near where you are). So, needless to say, I was hoping (and believing) that "You Better Watch Out!" was the latest installment from Cory's group (nothing against the Boston group, whom I actually like), and, yes indeed, it is! Nothing says Christmas like a Hammond B3 organ, I swear.
"You Better Watch Out!" is due on October 9 and the B3 Kings won't be splitting this disc with anyone. Not a lot of details on it yet, but listen to this funky festive jazz jam from the B3 Kings and I think there could be some hints of what you might hear.
Rick's been back in the studio and recorded a new holiday album, "Joy", which will be released this fall. So what's the twist on this new Christmas set? Rick sings. Lat year, Rick released the album "Sings With Strings" and reaction to Rick's vocal talents has been quite enthusiastic. And it should be. Rick croons like he's been crooning all his life. Who knew?
So "Joy" figures to be, and Rick himself confirms, a classic big band retro effort with "plenty of strings". As for the playlist, expect that to be pretty classic as well. "There's a reason we listen to ‘The Christmas Song,' ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' and ‘Baby, It's Cold Outside.'," Rick says. Those songs were written by some of the greatest song writers in history during the greatest songwriting period in history. Rick had planned to include a few originals, but that's still an open question. "It's a pretty daunting task to put your little song next to any of the classics." You can also expect plenty as guest stars--including David Benoit, Dave Koz and Mindi Abair. Jeffrey Osborne may even put in an appearance. Figure on something in the grand tradition of Sinatra and Bennett and look for "Joy" in the fall (I thought I read an October date, but I seem to have lost that link).
The reason I chose that particular disc for my personal listening is that, come October 2, Neos Productions will be releasing "Hawaiian Style Christmas 3". I haven't posted a list of the most indispensable Hawaiian Christmas albums (thought about it), but "Hawaiian Style Christmas" would be right up there. The great thing about Neos Productions is that they don't truck with faux Hawaiian music. Their albums are (so far as I know) 100% Island artists. And another great thing about Neos is that they cover the waterfront when it comes to musical styles. A Neos collection can contain Reggae, Rock, Island Soul, Alternative, and Contemporary Pop music--all with that undeniable Hawaiian flavor.
It don't matter what school you went, braddah. Don't be no lolo shark bait. Share da wave, brah. "Hawaiian Style Christmas 3" is da kine. Shootz, yeah. Kden. Mahalo.