An American Christmas

Read About This Recording

This intriguing four-CD set allows listeners to experience Christmas as if they are listening to the radio during the later part of World War II (1943-45). In addition to 30 songs, there are nine historic commercials that perfectly set the tone for the time period as Americans worshipped and did their best to enjoy the Christmas season despite shortages and the war overseas.

Among the performers who are heard doing their versions of Christmas-related material are the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Gene Autry, Perry Como, Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers, Mel Tormé, Doris Day, Judy Garland, Bob Crosby's orchestra, the Guy Lombardo Trio, Larry Clinton and the Yuletide Lounge Band. In addition, Bing Crosby sings three songs including his hit "White Christmas." Other highlights include Glenn Miller's "Frosty the Snowman," Doris Day's "Here Comes Santa Claus" and Larry Clinton's "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies."

An American Christmas is a colorful time capsule full of swing, warm vocals, timeless sentiments and good cheer that will be enjoyed by nostalgia and swing fans of the 1940s.

—Scott Yanow

Contents

While supplies last!

CD 1—I'll Be Home for Christmas (TT: 27:21): Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band: I'll Be Home for Christmas; Dinah Shore: O Little Town of Bethlehem; Frank Sinatra: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Andy Williams: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year; Yuletide Lounge Band: Cool Yule; Historical Commercial 12/16/43; Gene Autry: Joy to the World; Bing Crosby: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen; Historical Commercial 6/29/44; Glenn Miller Orchestra: Frosty the Snowman; Perry Como: Jingle Bells; Historical Commercial 6/15/44; Johnny Mercer & the Pied Pipers: Winter Wonderland.

CD 2—An American Christmas (TT: 31:10 ): Mel Tormé: The Christmas Song; Bing Crosby: White Christmas; Doris Day: Here Comes Santa Claus; Historical Commercial 1/25/45; Glenn Miller Orchestra: Jingle Bells; Louis Armstrong: Zat You, Santa Claus; Frank Sinatra: O Come All Ye Faithful; Historical Commercial 7/6/44; Judy Garland: The Trolley Song; Yuletide Lounge Band: Silent Night; Historical Commercial 1/18/45; Bob Crosby Orchestra: Skater's Waltz (In Swingtime); Gene Autry: Up on the House Top.

CD 3—Home for the Holidays (TT: 27:43): Glenn Miller Orchestra: (There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays; Silent Night; Silver Bells; Frank Sinatra: Santa Claus is Coming to Town; Historical Commercial 1/25/45; Guy Lombardo Trio: He'll Be Coming Down the Chimney; Doris Day: The Second Star to the Right; Historical Commercial 6/15/44; Yuletide Lounge Band: We Wish You a Merry Christmas; Bing Crosby: Away in a Manger; Larry Clinton Orchestra: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies; Historical Commercial 6/29/44.

Bonus CD (TT: 61:43): Bach/Gounod: Ave Maria; Bach: Siciliano; Sarabande (Partita in C Minor, BWV997); Largetto (Concerto for Oboe d'Amore); Praetorius: Christmas Song: Schlaf, Mein Kindelein; Handel: Largo (Xerxes); Air (Water Music); Minuet (Water Music); Krebs: Choral: Herzlich Lieb' Hab Ich Dich; Mozart: Laudate Dominum, KV.339; Bononcini: Lento (Divertimento Da Camera); Motet: O Admirabile Commercium; Ferrabosco: Dovehouse Pavan; Giordani: Caro Mio Ben; Von Dittersdorf: Larghetto (Harp Concerto).