848064001966

Funky Christmas

Various Artists

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Format: CD

Cat No: RLGM4001962PMI

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Release Date:  11 November 2013

Label:  Real Gone Music

Packaging Type:  Jewel Case

No of Units:  1

Barcode:  848064001966

Genres:  R&B  

  • Description

    Issued on Atlantic Records' Cotillion imprint, Funky Christmas is part of a venerable recording tradition: the holiday compilation featuring performances by a variety of artists from a single label, Phil Spector's A Christmas Gift for You being the most prominent example. But Funky Christmas actually inhabits two traditions. In addition to being a themed label compilation, it's a new-artist
    sampler.

    All six of the acts represented on it had issued their first Cotillion LPs earlier in 1976 and Funky Christmas was a way to keep those acts in the public eye. The set itself is a moving audio feast, a platter heaped high with holiday standards (eight), newly composed Christmas songs (four), ballads and uptempo cuts, spirited vocal showcases and groovalicious instrumentals.

    The key cuts, or the elephant in the room, are the brace of tunes from Luther Vandross, then just 25 and fronting his namesake quintet (it was signed to Cotillion as Luther), which had made its debut only weeks earlier. Due to a quirk in licensing, this collection is about the only place you can find any recordings by Luther, and their two songs are the clear highlight of the collection.

    But the rest of the roster is top shelf, too; future Spinner John Edwards contributes two tracks produced by Stax legend David Porter, Southern soul star Margie Joseph sings two songs produced by Motown mainstay Lamont Dozier, Hall of Fame vocal group the Impressions stretch out on the album's two longest tracks, and soul-jazz saxmen Lou Donaldson and Willis Jackson trot out some tasty licks on two tracks each. CD debut, with notes by Gene culatti and added photos. Have yourself a Funky Christmas!

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. May Christmas Bring You Happiness - Luther Vandross
      • 2. The Christmas Song - John Edwards
      • 3. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Various Artists
      • 4. Christmas Gift - Margie Joseph
      • 5. Jingle Bells - Willis Jackson
      • 6. Silent Night - Impressions
      • 7. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Impressions
      • 8. White Christmas - John Edwards
      • 9. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Lou Donaldson
      • 10. At Christmas Time - Luther Vandross
      • 11. Feeling Like Christmas - Margie Joseph
      • 12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Willis Jackson