It’s hard to believe there was a time when secular Christmas music was not marginalia, and talented musicians were recording holiday tunes. This collection of American festive originals (straight, humorous or just plain eccentric), dating from the 1920s to the 1960s, boasts rare gems as well as famous names like ’50s doo wop band The Moonglows and ’40s swing piano legend Johnny Guarnieri. Even harder to believe?until you hear it?is that this selection will still stand as great roots music long after the yuletide season is over.
Advertisement