Customer Reviews

Christmas Caravan

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Let me start by saying that you cannot judge this CD after just one listen. It takes several listens to get the full effect of this album. Now, then, let me talk about each track:

1. Winter Weather - This CD starts off with Katherine Whalen singing one of two Christmas classics (the other being "Sleigh Ride"). Not bad, but the other tracks are much better.

2. Indian Giver - Very funny oldies-style tune with special guest Santa Claus giving lead singer Jim Mathus his "Christmas present".

3. A Johnny Ace Christmas - Katherine Whalen's soothing voice tells the story of Johnny, a singer who joins in a card game on Christmas Eve and pulls out an ace.

4. My Evergreen - Tom Maxwell's tribute to the "darling evergreen". Lovely tune.

5. Sleigh Ride - One of the best tracks on the album. Get on your feet and dance for this swingin' instrumental rendition of the classic Christmas tune. The CD insert even includes lyrics so you can sing along.

6. I'm Coming Home for Christmas - Sad song about a man who longs to be with his family for Christmas. Katherine Whalen sings backup on the chorus. Relaxing tune.

7. Carolina Christmas - The shortest track on the album, but it's still a great song. This swingin' song makes you want to dance all the way to Carolina (if you're not already there)!

8. Gift of the Magi - The Zippers turn the classic fable by North Carolina author O. Henry into a song with Jim and Katherine buying gifts for each other this Christmas. Pretty nice song.

9. Hot Christmas - Another swingin' instrumental, this song'll make you wanna shout "Hot Christmas!" along with the band!

10. Hanging Up My Stockings - Originally written by Chris Phillips (the drummer's) grandfather, Chester Church, and then rearranged by Jim Mathus, this is the most bizarre (but also the best) track on the album. Wait and listen for the original version a little while after this track.

In short, if you're a fan of the Zippers, get this album! Or if you just want something different to listen to this Christmas, try these guys (and girl)! They're sure to brighten your holiday!

The Squirrel Nut Zippers offer up a unique Christmas album. They play acoustic instruments mostly in a hot jazz style, although some of the songs veer into traditional country territory. It's nice that 7 of the 10 songs here are Zippers originals, because who needs another version of "White Christmas", really? "A Johnny Ace Christmas" is the best of the originals, it's about the singer who died playing Russian Roulette on Christmas Eve in 1954. There are also three songs here that were not written by the Zippers. "Winter Weather" is a nice version of a song that hasn't been recorded too many times. "Sleigh Ride" is a swinging instrumental. Which brings us to "Hanging Up My Stockings". This song has a copyright of 1952, but this appears to be the first time it has actually been professionally recorded. I don't know this for certain, but it seems that somebody found an ancient demo of this song from the 50s, and the Zippers became the first group to record it. In fact, the original scratchy songwriter's demo is included as an unlisted bonus track at the end of the album. I would recommend this CD to anybody who is looking for something a little different in Christmas music.

The unsuspecting listener might be disappointed in this album at first... I know I was, last Christmas. But this time around, the album had built some memories, and I now thoroughly enjoy it. I especially like 'A Carolina Christmas', 'Gift of the Maji', and 'Sleigh Ride' (which is a plus for all you jazz trumpets out there).

When you get sick and tired of the Morman Tabernacle Choir or Elvis or even Nat King Cole singing the same old tired Christmas caroles, it's time to play the Squirrel Nut Zippers' Christmas Caravan. It's lively, it's fun, it's Christmas with some real spirit. Enjoy!

As opposed to covering the usual cannon of tired Christmas songs, the Squirrel Nut Zippers have managed to record an album of completely original music, save one song, that sounds as though it came from another era. Instead of dabbling in pastiche or novelty, they have created music that is a legitamit entry into whatever genre they choose to tip their hat. It's become a holiday staple in my house, and it seems such a shame to only listen to it precious few weeks of the year. Highly recommend!

This is an exellent Christmas cd by the hot jazz band Squirrel Nut Zippers, though this cd is not strictly jazz, but it has a nice variety of blues and swing too. The cd is worth acquiring alone for Katherine whalen's vocal on Winter Weather(a hit for Peggy Lee). Another highlight is A Johnny Ace Christmas(a tribute to a forgotten blues singer), it is a good example of Whalen sounding great, and not nessicarily sounding exactly like Billie Holiday. The whole band is generally hot and dixieland sounding on Sleigh ride, and Hot Christmas. Overall a unique and interesting jazz Christmas cd, worth acquiring.

I was surprised by some negative reviews for this album. This is one of my most favorite Christmas albums and have been tempted to listen to this album at other points of the year. Some great fun songs that help bring out the spirit of the year and a nice change of pace from the traditional Christmas music that gets played to death during the season. I highly recommend adding this CD to your collection.

Christmas Caravan brings back the traditional jazzy/bluesy style of swing that truly rocks. This CD is perfect for a holiday party, but fun to listen to on your own. Hep cats beware: you might get hooked on this one.

This album is the one I wait all year to listen to. I love the blues and bluegrass songs. That his father's original recording is on the end is really cool.

I stumbled across this record in a used CD store and what a find it was! This CD is a great collection of tunes which bring back Christmas memories for those of us who are the same age as the guys (and gal) who wrote the song. This has quickly moved to the top of the stack of our Christmas favorites.