When the holidays approach and the various top-40 commercial radio stations begin their annual clamor of the same old ho-ho-horrible, pasteurized, standardized, pop, x-mas muck, I just turn my radio off for a month. I won’t listen to the Back Street Boys singing Silent Night; or The Miami Sound Machine ruining I’ll Be Home For Christmas. I’d as soon jerk the wheel of my car and plow into the nearest telephone pole. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas music. It just has to be the right music, played in a cozy living room, with the right drink in my hand.

Cocktailing and the holidays work perfectly together. You’re at home, a cozy bar, or a friend’s place. Fireplaces are involved; twinkling lights and cheese make appearances. The music, which accompanies this festive time of year, is absolutely key. Jazz, kitsch, standards and retro cocktail music all become a part of the Christmas equation. Take a look at a few of the following picks, and make your holiday season a bit merrier. If you like what you see, let me know and I’ll post more.

Christmas Cocktails V 1, 2 & 3 – I’ll be quick and to the point with these. You want to have a 85 proof Christmas party, you’ve planned the menu, the drinks to pour and what kitschy decorations to hang. All you need are party appropriate X-Mas songs to play. Throw these disks in with your regular Christmas album rotation. You’ve heard a lot of them, Deano’s Rudolph, Nat Cole’s The Christmas Song, Peggy Lee’s Winter Wonderland, but there are plenty of rum soaked selections you may not have heard.

Warm December by Julie London, Wayne Newton’s version of Jingle Bell Rock, Exotic Night by Martin Denny all add up to a cool Christmas play list. You have enough to worry about throwing a X-Mas bash, don’t let the music be one of your worries.

June Christy, This Time of Year – Readers of the regular Mr. Booze album review page should recognize this name. June Christy was herself, a jazz instrument. She sang unlike any other female singer of her era. The misty Miss Christy just had a remarkably personal way of interpreting a song, and this Christmas album is an absolute jewel in her crown. Shame we have such a short block of time to play this one. Her choices have always been a bit avant-garde and off the beaten path, and this album is the same way. Personally, I like a Christmas album with more than a few songs I don’t hear played to death come the season. Songs include The Merriest, Sorry To See You Go, Seven Shades Of Snow and Christmas Heart. This one works quite well with a cold Manhattan, a dim room, and a bright tree.

Jack Jones, Christmas – This would be a great team-up album with June Christy’s This Time of Year mentioned here. Jack Jones is another one of those soft singing, jazz-balladeers of a bygone era. Fortunately for us, he still occasionally tours and is sounding better than ever. This Christmas album is a quiet one. I wouldn’t lean on this one during a big party; this record is better for a night ‘round the tree or in the basement bar with another couple or just a few friends. This is an intimate holiday album that never fails to eventually hush the room in a good way. Songs include Little Alter Boy, Silver Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Oh, Happy Day. A great cocktail album when you’re just having a few friends over for drinks and snacks.

Snowfall, The Tony Bennett Christmas Album – He may look silver haired and older on the cover, but this record was actually released back in 1968. I have the original vinyl and you can really feel, while listening, that this was recorded at the height of the singer-standard period in popular American music. This album is one of my favorites for a reason — it swings when it wants to, goes soft and silky at times, plays wonderfully in a crowd or with just a few, and always entertains. Tony’s arranger uses jazzy brass on some songs, and yet on others it’s just Bennett’s soft-as-silk voice. You’ll recognize most of the chestnuts on this record yet there are a few surprises. Songs include Snowfall, White Christmas, and Santa Clause Is Coming to Town. This one goes well with something festive to drink. A Brandy Alexander would be perfect.

The 25th Day of December With Bobby Darin – Back when Darin sang, you’d put on a sport-jacket and tie when you headed out to a neighbor’s holiday party. This album feels like that; it feels like 1960, the year it was first released. I confess that when I purchased this CD, I was expecting the Darin I knew and loved, the swinging, finger-snapping Bobby Darin. I was wrong. This album doesn’t swing too much. What it does do is celebrate the true season with songs leaning surprisingly towards the holiday’s true meaning — the birth of Christ. Darin sings beautifully spiritual carols on this record but in a sophisticated manner that carries quite easily into the land of cocktails around the tree. Sometimes, and especially during the holidays, it’s nice to be reminded of the important things. Go figure…. Bobby Darin pulls it off splendidly with this record. Songs include Go Tell It On The Mountain, Baby Born Today and Silent Night. This one will profoundly and pleasantly surprise you.

Doris Day, The Complete Christmas Collection – If you only remember Ms. Day from her older television programs, I’ll remind you that she started as a big-band singer. Sure, she’s a bit sweet and sugary, but she’s also a bit sophisticated and smoky. There are 22 songs on this Christmas album which makes it perfect for a gathering where you know you’ll be busy. I just throw this one on in a mix and relax and concentrate on mixing drinks. This is fun, old-school 60’s, Martinis and Manhattans x-mas music. Songs include Silver Bells, I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, Winter Wonderland and White Christmas. Doris could sing, people.

The Sinatra Christmas Album – There are a ton of Sinatra holiday records available and I’m pretty certain I’ve heard them all. I have a few but … I always go back to this one. This is a fantastic Sinatra album period. It just happens to have a short shelf life. He recorded the lion’s share of these songs in the mid 60’s when I feel he was at the top of his game. Granted, there’s the almost unbearable 12 Days of Christmas sung by the whole Sinatra clan to slog through, but the rest of this album is pure Christmas gold. One song, Whatever Happened To Christmas, is just an amazingly beautiful song of regret and remorse, and who does that better than Frank? I tell ya, a couple Bourbon on the rocks and this song, and you may very well have to hit the bathroom to dry your eyes. I play the hell out of this record starting Thanksgiving night. Songs include We Wish You The Merriest (w/ Bing), Little Drummer Boy and Whatever Happened to Christmas.

Dean Martin, Making Spirits Bright – Can’t mention Frank without bringing Dean Martin to the party. If you’re planning a holiday bash this season, this record is a must. Probably one of the most 80 proof Christmas records I own, this Deano’ album positively rings with the spirit of the season. He just couldn’t sing any cooler, with any more sparkle than he does here. This album pairs wonderfully with the sounds of tinkling ice, boozy laughter and doorbells chiming. Retro-Christmas squared. Songs include Blue Christmas, A Marshmallow World, and Rudolph The Red Beaked Reindeer. Stir up a glass pitcher of Peppermint Martinis and put this record on.

The Don Ho Christmas Album – Well, welcome to the Christmas party Mr. Ho, and thanks for bringing your A game. Don was just so damn cool. He got it … life is tough; you gotta chill sometimes with palm trees, white chino pants, tiki drinks and canvas shoes. I knew I was going to like this record even before I put it on. Hawaii and Christmas, what a groovy combination, and it positively shines through on this album. If you’re like me and get a little tired of the same old x-mas sounds, let Don Ho mix it up for you. This album mixes wonderfully with other singers of the 60’s era. Songs include Silver Bells, Mele Kalikimaka (better than Bing’s version) and It’s Christmas Time Again. This guy sang like he didn’t have a care in the world … and it’s infectious. Whip up a Harvey Wallbanger, fire up the outside Christmas lights, and mellow out with Don Ho around the tree.

Jo Stafford, Happy Holidays – Former big-band Singer Jo Stafford really hit one out of the park with her Christmas album entry. She chose quite an eclectic group of winter-themed songs here. Sure, you have your 40’s/50’s Christmas favorites like Baby It’s Cold Outside and Jingle Bells, but she also throws harder-to-find tunes like By The Fireside and I Wonder As I Wander. This is a very nostalgic record that probably wouldn’t go over too well in a large gathering. However, if it’s going to be just you, maybe the kids or a few close friends, this album is very toasty. Put on your cardigan, spike a batch of eggnog, and loose yourself in some snowy woods with Jo Stafford.

Christmas With Buck Owens and His Buckaroos – I’ve been thinking it might be high-time I started introducing fans of Mr. Booze and his music picks to the wonders of 1960’s Country Music. I know, I know…I love my jazz, I love my standards, I love my pianos and saxophones … but, I’ll tell you drinking and 60’s country often walked hand in hand. I’ll hold off a bit before I begin pouring the occasional whisky soaked, 60’s Country album reviews on the regular music page, but I’ll be damned if I won’t mention Buck Owens and his Christmas entry here. This album is pure twangy, California toe-tap fun. You put this one on during a holiday party and I’ll guarantee you’ll have a good time. This is just uncomplicated, unfiltered Christmas Spirit. I promise I won’t go all Barbara Mandrell on you in the future, but a little country, and especially this caliber, deserves a mention and a spot on your player. Songs include Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy, Blue Christmas Lights and Because It’s Christmas Time. C’mon, why not take a chance with this one.

An Oscar Peterson Christmas – Man, this is just the best. My favorite Jazz pianist of all time laying down some of the softest, most beautiful, cocktail party Christmas music you’ll ever hear. You have 14 songs on this album and all are gems. Just five musicians on top of their game playing unbelievable Christmas music. This record is perfect for so many holiday situations: you can enjoy it by yourself with a drink; it’s great for a dinner party; and even works with a house full of boozers. Oscar Peterson demands a listener’s attention while at the same time contributes to the soft celebration. I just can’t recommend this one enough. Songs include God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Away In A Manger, I’ll Be Home For Christmas and Silent Night. No vocals here, just great interpretations by a master.

Croon and Swoon, A Classic Christmas – This is one of those little gems I stumbled upon perusing the Christmas music bins at the old Tower Records. I like the old stuff and figured I’d give this one a shot. It’s a great little collection that covers most of the standards 40’s & 50’s bases. Perfect for a party, you really can’t go wrong, and yet still make a retro Christmas statement. Goes great with stiff drinks and loud-mouths. You get most of the big singers of the day on this one: Doris Day, Perry Como, Gene Autry, Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney and more. Songs include Silver Bells, Frosty the Snowman, We Need a Little Christmas.

A Big Band Christmas – Cheap on Amazon and really a fun Christmas album, I love this hodge-podge collection of 1940’s tunes. One can easily imagine folks gathered ‘round the big living room radio, sipping beer and listening to these forgotten gems. I listen to this one late at night with just the tree lights on and with a fat bourbon. It truly is a big band throwback to a simpler time. Songs include Little Jack Frost Get Lost, There’s Frost On The Moon, Christmas Night In Harlem and Sleigh Ride. This collection sets the mood perfectly and like I said, it’s great to listen to, alone or during a big fun party.

Jim Nabors’ Christmas – Made you look! I won’t even say he’s an acquired taste; this is just a fun record to have around the house at Christmas time. There’s a schmaltzy elegance I find here that, after a few drinks, I simply must share with my guests (a few of whom have been known to leave). This is a throw back album, plain and simple. Originally played in living rooms filled with pipe smoke, cardigan sweaters, and plastic covered furniture, Jim Nabor’s Christmas record just plain old works. Jim believes in his Christmas album, you can tell by listening; so, so do I. I’m not going to apologize. I sometimes like to go back in time with a record. Jim and I, a tasty cocktail and our white shoes will be just fine. Join us, if you dare. Songs include O Come, All Ye Faithful, Little Drummer Boy, and Jingle Bells.

Michael Buble, Let It Snow – Short and sweet with just six songs, this album plays wonderfully. Let’s face it, during the holidays, you’re rushing. Here’s just the record to throw on before you serve dinner or when you’re celebrating for a short while before stepping out. I love this kid’s voice, and feel he’s done wonders to re-popularize crooning. With a voice as smooth as silk, Buble sings the heck out of Let It Snow, White Christmas and The Christmas Song.

Bonanza: Christmas On The Ponderosa – Here’s a weird, fun, absolutely hypnotizing Christmas album that goes perfectly with lots and lots of cocktails (consumed, not choices). If you’re of a certain age and remember Bonanza on TV, or are just an extremely experimental, kitschy, open-minded fan of the holiday, I feel that it’s my duty to point this album out to you. The whole thing is like a weird 1960’s Bonanza episode where the Cartwrights are semi-forced to celebrate Christmas with a bunch of booze-soaked, prairie neighbors. At various points Little Joe, Hoss, Adam and even Ben are all talked into singing cowboy carols. We’re even treated to an uncomfortable scene where a tipsy widow suggestively hits on the Ponderosa’s patriarch. When I’ve had too much mulled cider or too much rum-spiked eggnog, I hit this album. On a weird drunk level, it works splendidly.

Nat King Cole, The Christmas Song – I almost didn’t mention this one, it’s just so obvious. Nat Cole’s Christmas album simply covers all the bases. If a Christmas passes where I don’t play this record, well, I just can’t see that ever happening. We all grew up with this one; we’ve heard it our whole lives, yet it still works on an almost archetypal level. I play this one on Thanksgiving night as the official kick-off to the season. An Apple Ginger Sangaree, spicy Bourbon & Ginger, a Brandy Alexander — all drink exceptionally well with this classic. Celebrate with a crowd or with just a few with this record, just celebrate. Songs include I Saw Three Ships, Deck The Halls, and of course, The Christmas Song.

Harry Connick, Jr., What A Night – Before there was Michael Buble, there was Harry Connick, and I really feel remiss for taking so long to mention him on this page and on our regular Album Reviews Page (I’ll fix that mistake soon enough). Connick has three Christmas albums out, but I really feel that this one, his latest, is the best. He’s a modern day, 1950’s singer plain and simple. His love of music and showmanship shine through on all his records. You just can’t help catching his contagious way with a standard. I play this one whenever we’re Christmas socializing because everyone always loves it. Guests are familiar with Connick; he’s modern enough to still be party relevant yet old school enough to fit right on in with your Sinatra, Jack Jones and Dean Martin Christmas albums. This album’s huge, and brassy and fun. Songs include Zat You Santa Claus, Deck The Halls, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and lot’s more.

Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Christmas Album – Recently, BMG re-issued most of Herb Alpert’s records, and I was happy as Santa on his sleigh to see this one included. Herb Alpert, in so many ways, is the 60’s for me. His music permeated popular American culture when I was a kid. Tijuana Brass is just so optimistic, cool and instrumental without being jazz. This record demands a holiday party built around it, or at the very least, a few friends over for a liquor-laden punch or silver shaker. Brassy, toe-tappers include My Favorite Things, Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells … all played, of course, the Herb Alpert way.

Jackie Gleason Merry Christmas – I see that this is out of print and quite expensive if you’re buying new, but I also see that used copies are going for under twenty bucks on Amazon, so it’s worth mentioning. I really like Gleason’s Christmas Album. It’s soft and retro-romantic, so it won’t be the one to go to at a party. That being said, this is the record to put on when it’s you, your significant other, a pitcher of peppermint martinis and a couch lit only by the Christmas tree. The whole album sounds like it was recorded under cold gin. There’s a boozy, rich, unique quality that no other instrumental album has. It feels like Jackie Gleason took his love of the booze and stirred it directly into this recording. It’s a tipsy Christmas album and well worth a track down. Buy, mix a batch, and enjoy. Songs include I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Snowfall, By The Fireside and The Christmas Song. This record is like a soft snow, best enjoyed at home and in quiet.

Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas – I was hesitant to mention this one too, seeing as how you can’t walk into a Pottery Barn department store or Target without having a few songs from this album shoved down your throat. Alas, seems that a few tunes from Ella Fitzgerald’s Holiday Songbook have become exceptionally mainstream. Stores for grown-ups, trying to go for that cinnamon scented sophistication, begin playing a little Ella right after October. Still, there’s a lot of this album that never makes the stores. Songs like Good Morning Blues, What Are You Doing New Years Eve, and Winter Wonderland often get sidelined for the more popular. Bottom line, this is a truly great Christmas album that works so well at holiday gatherings you owe it to yourself to pick it up. She’s just an amazing singer on so many levels, the record’s crazy popular for a reason.

A Dave Brubeck Christmas – Those of you expecting to hear a finger-snapping, jazzy Christmas album may be pleasantly surprised. Sure there are up-tempo, jazzy piano versions of Jingle Bells and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, but there are also deep, lavish interpretations of Silent Night and What Child Is This. This is a sophisticated Christmas album, no doubt about it, and one that calls for a bit more attention than the average holiday fare. But trust me, if you or a few of your guests truly appreciate the challenging jazz I feel Brubeck delivers, then I know you’ll like this album. It’s another soft one, but I kind of like that. Any reason, during the holidays, where I can relax at night with a drink, do a little soul searching and be musically challenged and entertained, I’ll take it! Just dig the vibe…light a fire in the fireplace and dig the whole Christmas vibe.

Merry Christmas Baby, Romance and Reindeer From Capitol Records – Yet another great Christmas record out of print. I’ve included the Amazon link, which leads to affordable, used copies. This is a showstopper of a collection. It has a bizarre, 1951, Guy Lombardo recording of Auld Lang Syne which must be heard to be believed. The whole song takes place in the city apartment of a 1950’s newly married couple and just sort of time trips through the holidays with both husband and wife talking to each other about celebrating. You won’t be able to tear yourself away. The album has two Lou Rawls bombs which don’t really get in the way. Also included are Ring a Merry Bell by June Christy, The Christmas Spell by Peggy Lee, You’re All I Want For Christmas by Al Martino and more. This is a cool album to own, chuck full of swank Christmas music you won’t find anywhere else.

This should provide you with some food for thought. Here’s hoping your Holiday and Christmas celebrating includes some great music.
Cheers & Merry Christmas from Mr. Booze.