B.B. King
A Christmas Celebration of Hope
(MCA Records © 2001; 088 112 756-2)
by Ray Stiles
This is BB's first ever Christmas recording-surprising after more than half a century of playing and recording-and certainly a welcome offering. Unlike some holiday albums by blues bands that just play holiday songs, this one sounds like a blues album doing songs that have a Christmas theme. Actually many of these songs (two penned by BB with the newly written instrumental "Christmas Love") would be welcome listening any time of year. Highly recommended.
Websites: www.bbking.com or www.mcarecords.com
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Various Artists
A Motown Christmas, Vol. 2
(Motown a Universal Music Co. © 2001; 440016 364-2)
by Ray Stiles
Its been more than two decades since the release of Motown's first Christmas album in 1973. This album features previously recorded songs (and a few never before released) spanning more than 40 years by some of Motown's biggest hit-makers, including The Supremes, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers as well as Kim Weston and The Twistin;' Kings. The songs include a collection of well recognized Christmas fare as well as some more obscure gems like Marvin Gaye's "Purple Snowflakes," and the Twistin' Kings singing a Barry Gordy penned "Xmas Twist." My favorite? The Miracles singing Irving Berlin's wonderful "White Christmas," first recorded and released in 1963).
Universal Music Enterprises, 2220 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-865-7812; Fax: 310-865-0119; Email: sujata.murthy@umusic.com

Various Artists
The Best of The Temptations Christmas
(Universal Music Co. © 2001; 440 014 594-2)
by Ray Stiles
This holiday album features a dozen songs, six previously released in 1970 on the album Christmas Card, five released in 1980 on the album Give Love At Christmas, and one previously unreleased track from that 1980 album, "Oh Holy Night." You get to hear the group from two different time periods with slightly different personnel featuring their lush harmonies and distinctive lead vocals. My favorite on this album is the previously unreleased "Oh Holy Night." If you are a Temptations fan get this one, if you like more variety get the previous Motown Christmas, Vol. 2 (above).
Universal Music Enterprises, 2220 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Phone: 310-865-7812; Fax: 310-865-0119; Email: sujata.murthy@umusic.com

Various Artists
Blues Xmas: Christmas Blues Instrumentals
(Evidence Music © 2001; ECD 26118-2)
by Ray Stiles
One of the goals on this remarkable album was to take a familiar (easily recognizable Christmas) song, have it played by some of the best blues musicians living today and have them all instrumentals. In addition the goal was to fit the right lead instrument to the right melody (harmonica, guitar, saxophone, keyboards, etc.). The result is a collection of time honored Christmas songs performed as blues-the real result is a very good album. The list of musicians on the CD reads like a modern day blues whose-who: Otis Rush, Roy Gaines, Roy Rogers, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Paul Oscher, Kim Wilson, Guitar Shorty, Rusty Zinn, Becky Barksdale, Jake Andrews, John "Juke" Logan, Charlie Musselwhite, Son Seals, Walter Trout, Joe Louis Walker, Tommy Castro, Sugar Blue, Michael Burks, and more. Whew, that's some list and this album is highly recommended.
Evidence Music; 1100 E. Hector St., Ste. 392; Conshohocken, PA 19428: or e-mail EvidenceMusic@aol.com

Various Artists
Stony Plain's Christmas Blues
(Stony Plain Records © 2000; SPCD 1269)
by Ray Stiles
This 14 track CD offers some alternative or non traditional Christmas songs performed by blues and soul artists like Duke Robillard, Sonny Rhodes, Jimmy Witherspoon, Jay McShann, Rosco Gordon, Long John Baldry, Maria Muldaur and even Asleep at the Wheel (with the Roomful of Blues horns). Some of the best cuts feature Duke's exceptional guitar playing ("Duke's Christmas"), and Rosco Gordons vocals on "Merry Christmas Everyone." Plus a raw sounding acoustic "Santa Come Down" by Dave McLean. A good choice if you are looking for some non-traditional holiday sounding blues.
www.stonyplainrecords.com

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These reviews are copyright © 2001 by the writers and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.