Jingle Blues

(House of Blues)

First Appeared at The Music Box, December 1999, Volume 6, #12

Written by John Metzger

As the final holiday celebration of this century begins to bear down, the urge to listen to some good Christmas music just seems to grow stronger. Let’s face it, though — there’s only so many times you can listen to Nat King Cole, but the problem lies in where to look for something different. Not that there isn’t a wealth of material out there. It’s just that the best songs don’t ever seem to be in the same place, and most of what you can find is a deluge of horrific renditions by the worst artists that pop music has to offer.

Well then, my friends, look no further than Jingle Blues — a compilation of songs recorded between 1925 and 1995. Some of the finest moments on the album include Albert King’s stirring guitar licks over the funky beat of Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’, B.B. King’s joyous performance of Christmas Celebration, and the slow, slinking groove Louis Jordan gives to Santa Claus, Santa Claus. However, it’s really hard to go wrong with a set that also includes twelve additional tracks from masters like John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Sonny Boy Williamson. So this holiday season, stop fretting over the lack of quality Christmas albums, and give Jingle Blues a ring. ½

Jingle Blues is also available from Barnes & Noble.
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Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 1999 The Music Box