just hear the sleigh-bells jingling!

it’s already been a week, so it’s time for another installment of Christmas Caroling.

quite fittingly, plug number 2 goes to A Concord Jazz Christmas 2.

this little hidden gem is another staple in our christmas playlist. 17 different tracks from various collaborators, mixing instrumentals and carols alike.

though the songlist has a lot of standards, this album is remarkably surprising when you hear it. the arrangements are unique and fresh, with that very jazzy feel that you would expect from a jazz album.

it might have a skipper or two, depending on your tastes, but let’s be honest…it’s almost twice as long as the average album, so we can extend a little forgiveness if need be.

so, bottom line: why is this one of our favorites?

couple of reasons…

#1 – we are suckers for jazz. if you’re not into the genre, i suggest you give it an honest try some time. matter of fact, this might be a good place to start.

#2 – there are many times when we’re driving along listening to this album and we hear something and think “wow…that was unexpected!” either in the melody, arrangement or interpretation of the songs.

so, there you have it. a great, easy cd to have on in the background, but challenging enough to bring a smile to your face when you discover something new from a song you’ve heard thousands of times.

get it on amazon or itunes.

as always, love to hear what some of YOUR favorite christmas albums are.

you know, christmas isn’t all that far away.

i know, i know. some of you out there are naysaying my recent rash of christmas-themed posting, but the truth is that christmas is just a very special season in all pensiero households.

a few posts back i confessed how the mrs. and i listen to christmas music starting october 1. in one of the comments it was suggested that a weekly pick be promoted for lovers of yuletide cheer.

so, without further disclaimer, welcome to:

Christmas Caroling @ genepensiero.com!

our first selection is one of my very favorites:

The Sounds Of Christmas: Christmas Symphony by the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

this album is a perfect background companion to decorating, wrapping presents, driving to the in-laws’ or even just working at your desk. the orchestration is beautiful and creative, while never losing any of the stately and formal charm that you’d expect from a philharmonic.

the album has some very popular favorites like Joy To The World and We Three Kings, but also has some less familiar tracks like In Dulci Jubilo and Still, Still, Still, which is part of a ‘manger-medley’.

what i like most about this album is that when it’s on you feel like you’re walking around Disneyland in December. it’s just big and grand and lush and musical. it puts a smile on my face every time.

bad news: this album is not available on iTunes.

good news: it’s available here for $6.98 (cd)

so get in the spirit: cook up some cider, grab a new song or two and let us know what christmas albums make you ready for december 25.

UPDATE

ok…so it seems that they’ve discontinued this album, reworked it and are now selling it under the name Christmas Violin. the song list is a little different, but they’ve added a few tracks to fill out the list.

the best part is that you can get the mp3’s off of amazon or iTunes.

let me know if you get it. and, most importantly, let me know about any christmas music you think i might be missing!