Holiday Party Music CD

Thinking of Christmas, most people will generally bring up memories of Christmas's past. This was my foremost thought while coming up with songs for a great Christmas mix CD. I generally envision this type of CD as being played in the background of a gathering of family or friends, or as a soundtrack to the traditional present opening melee'. Well-known classics are presented in a mix of some being purely instrumental while others include vocals. Adding to the interest level is the use many different musical styles. That said, by new styles I do not mean songs like the Chipmunks Christmas Song, Caroling Dogs or grandmothers being run over by reindeers. These songs, while funny the first and, being generous, possibly the second times heard, quickly turn into a distraction, so are better left off of something that may be played repeatedly at a single gathering.

These songs represent a mixture of religious and secular, but all have passed the tradition test and will smoothly meld to provide a lovely backdrop to your Christmas gathering.

Start off your CD with:

1. Vince Guaraldi Trio, Linus & Lucy. So many Christmas favorites seem to come from the annual watching of favorite TV shows and movies. This song, from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" falls into that category.

2. Perry Como, Jingle Bells. Several songs will fall into the category of classic songs by classic artists. Many of these standards were written during the era of the 40's and 50's and the original performers still provide the purest presentation.

3. Robin Trower, O Little Town of Bethlehem. Several recommendations are purely instrumental, allowing for free flowing conversation without having to compete with odd arrangements or vocal stylings.

4. Nat King Cole, The Christmas Story.

5. Kenny G, Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas.

6. Dean Martin, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.

7. Dave Brubeck, Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

8. Burl Ives, Holly Jolly Christmas. Remember the animated perennial Frosty the Snowman? You will after hearing this.

9. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Eve in Sarajevo. One of many powerful and inspirational songs by this group.

10. Sammy Davis Jr., Christmas Time All Over the World. Sammy Davis Jr. was often overshadowed by his cohorts; this song reminds you what a good singer he was in his own right.

11. Mannheim Steamroller, We Three Kings. Mannheim Steamroller has become synonymous with Christmas music. Here's one of the reasons why.

12. Gene Autry, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The original artist of this classic. You'll see in your mind that blinking bulb whenever you hear this.

13. Mannheim Steamroller, Joy To the World. Another rousing song by this group.

14. Josh Groban, I'll Be Home For Christmas. Relatively new to the Christmas scene, this performer will soon become a holiday favorite.

15. Joe Satriani, Silent Night.

16. Dean Martin, Winter Wonderland. Two Dean songs on one CD is not overkill.

17. Neal Schon, O Come Emmanuel. The Journey guitarist shows his versatility on this lovely rendition.

18. Bing Crosby, White Christmas. As heartwarming now as it was during it's debut in the movie, " Holiday Inn" as well as the classic movie with Danny Kaye, "White Christmas".