Tag: Guitar

Suggested Listening February 21, 2025

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, welcome to our Suggested Listening posting for this week!

Suggested Listening postings are published on Fridays; and our next Suggested Listening posting will be out on Friday, February 28, 2025.

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This week I was inspired by finding out more about session guitarist Corki Ray Casey O’Dell, who as a female teenage guitarist in Phoenix, Arizona, happened to wind playing with another young guitarist – Duane Eddy. She played on a number of  his bigest hits including Rebel Rouser and Because They’re Young – and I thought, gee, wouldn’t it be fun to spotlight some of the early female rock musicians this week!

So I’ve done just that!

And here are the 10 recommended songs of the week, most of them recorded before 1965; sans our Hoopla artist of the week, Bonnie Raitt, who came along a bit later – but then the Hoopla music catalog has newer and more popular music —

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Drug Store Rock & Roll by Janis Martin 

About The Musician: Janis Darle Martin began playing the guitar at the age of 6. An energetic performer, she won several talent contests as a youth and subsequently made appearances on the WRVA’s classic radio show “Barn Dance.” She was signed by RCA Records and appeared on American Bandstand, The Tonight Show & The Grand Old Opry. Her most popular songs include Will You Willygum, Drugstore Rock and Roll, My Boy Elvis and Bang Bang. In the late fifties, she toured the country making many radio and TV appearances; and then she secretly got married and was a expecting a baby when RCA, in keeping with the rigid social roles society expected of women at the time, dropped her. In essence, her career was over by the time she was twenty; though she later returned to performing, and experienced renewed popularity in the 1980s as mainstream music fans rediscovered Rockabilly music, with help from The Stray Cats.

 

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Dust My Blues by Margaret Lewis 

About The Musician: Born in Texas, singer and guitarist Margret Lewis formed her first band, The Thunderbolts, while in high school and went on to make several appearances on the popular radio show Hayride. She went on to record a series of great swamp rock and Rockabilly singles for the Shreveport, LA, label Ram; she was one of the few female musicians of that era to play and record swamp rock music and the music, I’m sure you’ll agree if you take a listen – still sound great today.

 

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Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys, with Carol Kaye on Bass 

 

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And here is a much later version of the same song:

Good Vibrations by Brian Wilson & Carol Kaye 

About The Musician: Carol Kay was born in Everett, Washington and began playing guitar professionally in 1949. She became a studio musician, and in 1963, when a bassist didn’t’ show up to record on a session she was asked to fill in; and she discovered she preferred playing the bass over the guitar. She wound up a member of the Los Angeles-based group of outstanding session musicians known collectively as “The Wrecking Crew.” She played on thousands of songs.  A few of the songs she played the bass on include Good Vibrations, Help Me Rhonda, Wouldn’t It Be Nice & California Girls by The Beach Boys, Something Stupid by Frank Sinatra, Romeo & Juliet by Henry Mancini, Indian Reservation by Paul Revere & The Raiders & Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jr.

She also played the guitar on many songs including the songs La Bamba by Richie Valens, Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers, What A Wonderful World by Sam Cook and Do You Love Me by The Isley Brothers.

 

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Have I The Right by The Honeycombs featuring Honey Lantree on drums  

About The Musician: In the U.K., in the early sixties, Honey Lantree was an assistant hairdresser working for her friend Martin Murray, who played guitar in a band on the side. One day, while at his apartment she noticed a drum set, left behind by the former drummer in Murray’s group, and asked if she could try it out – she turned out to be a natural. She was then asked to join the band – the Honeycombs. The group had a big hit in the United States with Have I The Right and had greater success, in sales and tours, in Europe and the far east but are notable for having one of the first female rock drummer in Honey Lantree.

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Rockaway Rock, Beetle Bug Bop & Just Because by The Collins Kids (featuring Lorrie Collins) 

About The Musician: Lorrie Collins played the guitar and sang as half of the Rockabilly duo The Collins Kids, with her brother Larry. The duo got their big break in 1954 when they appeared on the Los Angeles variety show Town Hall Party. The duo’s performances were well received by viewers and concert goers, but they had some challenges in getting their songs played on the radio as their song lyrics were considered a bit raunchy as were Larry’s Elvis-inspired gyrations while he played the guitar.

Their hit songs include Whistle Bait, Hot Road, Soda Poppin’ Around and In My Teens.

Lorrie eloped with Johnny Cash’s manager Stu Carnall in 1961 and retired from her music career.

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Rock Your Baby by Wanda Jackson 

About The Musician: Wanda Jackson was born in Maud, Oklahoma in 1942 and began playing the guitar and singing as a youth. As a high school student, she performed for the local radio station KLPR. Her music was heard by country musician Hank Thompson who was impressed and arraigned for her to record her first sides for Decca Records in 1954. Her hits include You Can’t Have My Love, Fujiyama Mama, Let’s Have A Party, The Right To Love and If You Know What I Know. As Rockabilly popularity dipped in the early sixties, Jackson transitioned into playing music that was less rock and more country. She had dozens of hits on the country music charts and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a pioneer in 2009.

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Thinking About The Good Times by Goldie and the Gingerbreads 

About The Musicians: Goldie and the Gingerbreads consisted of Genya “Goldie” Zelkowitz on vocals, Margo Lewis on keyboards, Carol MacDonald on guitar and Ginger Bianco on drums. They were the first all-female band to sign with a major record label and recorded a string of terrific rock singles between 1964 and 1968.  Their hits include Skinny Vinnie, That’s Why I Love You, Think About The Good Times, What Kind of Man Are You? and Walking In Different Circles. The group struggled to be taken seriously, being seen more as a novelty act instead of a credible rock band; due to their all-female line-up ,and broke up in 1968.

A career retrospective album of their work, Thinking About The Good Times: Complete Recordings 1964-1966, was released in 2021.

 

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We Got Togetherness by The Jewels (Later Lady Bo & The Jewels) 

Lady Bo, born Peggy Jones in New York City in 1940, bought her first guitar in 1955. As a teenager she was a member of the group The Bop-Chords and her work was heard by Bo Diddley who hired her to play guitar in his band; thus, she was one of the earliest female Rock & Roll guitarists. While playing with Diddley, she earned the nick-name Lady Bo; and she played on a number of his hits including Road Runner, Mona, Hey! Bo Diddley, Hush Your Mouth, Gunslinger and Say Man. She went on to on to co-found the band The Jewels, who later updated their name to Lady Bo & The Jewels. And on another interesting note, when she left Bo Diddley’s band, she was replaced by another female guitarist Norma-Jean Wofford, nicknamed “The Duchess.”

 

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Whirlwind by Corki Ray (Casey O’Dell) 

About The Musician: In the late 1950s O’Dell was a rarity in the Phoenix, Arizona area, a young woman who played the guitar. She met and became friends with another local youth, guitarist Duane Eddy. She became a studio musician and played on many hit singles including some of her friend Eddy’s biggest hits including Movin’ ‘N’ Groovin, Rebel Rouser, Ramrod, Peter Gunn and Forty Miles of Bad Road. She earned the nickname “The First Rock and Roll Sidechick,” and was inducted into Nashville’s Musicians Hall of Fame in 2008.

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You’ll Lose A Good Thing by Barbara Lynn

About The Musician: A singer, songwriter and guitarist, Lynn toured with many of the top artists of the sixties including Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Sam Cook Smoky Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Tina Turner. The Rolling Stones even covered one of her songs “Oh Baby (We’ve Got A Good Thin Goin'” (on the LP The Rolling Stones Now!). Finding it difficult to get her record company to properly promote her work, combined with marrying in the late sixties and raising three children, she retired from the music business by the 1970s.

 She received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999 and appeared in the 2015 documentary I am The Blues.

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Hoopla Album of the Week

Give It Up (1972) by Bonnie Raitt

And from the album the song

Give It Up, Or Let Me Go by Bonnie Raitt

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Reference Links (In case you want to know more!):  

Goldie and the Gingerbreads

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/goldie-gingerbreads-interview-genya-ravan-1187909/

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/goldie-the-gingerbreads-mn0001364077

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Carol Kaye

https://www.carolkaye.com/www/library/index.htm

https://www.carolkaye.com/

https://blog.music-man.com/artists/carol-kaye-reflects-on-her-legendary-career-for-85/

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Lorrie Collins

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/08/obituaries/lorrie-collins-dynamic-rockabilly-singer-is-dead-at-76.html

 https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=CO028

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Wanda Jackson

https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=JA002

https://rockhall.com/inductees/wanda-jackson/

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Lady Bo (Peggy Jones)

https://www.the-independent.com/news/obituaries/lady-bo-the-mother-of-the-electric-guitar-whose-rhythm-playing-became-a-vital-part-of-the-bo-diddley-beat-a6670936.html

https://www.thewire.co.uk/news/38813/peggy-jones-aka-lady-bo-has-died-aged-75

https://www.the-independent.com/news/obituaries/lady-bo-the-mother-of-the-electric-guitar-whose-rhythm-playing-became-a-vital-part-of-the-bo-diddley-beat-a6670936.html

https://www.ponderosastomp.com/music_more.php/102/Lady+Bo

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Honey Lantree

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/28/honey-lantree-obituary

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/04/obituaries/honey-lantree-dead.html

Barbara Lynn

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/barbara-lynn-mn0000149973

https://musicenterprisesinc.com/barbara-lynn

Margaret Lewis

https://sunrecords.com/artists/margaret-lewis/

https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/louisiana-maggie-lewis-warwick-dead-pneumonia-8505411/

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Janis Martin

https://www.womeninrockproject.org/reference/martin-janis/

https://edu.lva.virginia.gov/changemakers/items/show/116

https://www.history-of-rock.com/janis_martin.htm

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Corki Ray Casey O’Dell

https://musicrow.com/2017/05/lifenotes-guitar-great-corki-casey-odell-passes/

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/corki-casey-odell-musicians-hall-of-fame-guitarist-dead-at-80-125091/

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Have a great weekend,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

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The Digital Catalog, web version of Libby

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

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The Libby App

Libby

Libby is the companion app to the Digital Catalog and may be found in the Apple & Google app.

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Hoopla

A catalog of instant check out items, including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, comic books, TV shows and movies for patrons of the Southeast Steuben County Library.

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Suggested Listening April 21, 2018

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, here are our five musical recommendations for the week; four streaming suggestions* and one recommended album on CD.

(Click on the photo to stream or request the album you want to listen to!)

Freegal Streaming Suggestions*

Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John (2018) by Juliana Hatfield (Genre: Pop, Rock):

This just released album by Hatfield, who has been a huge Olivia Newton-John fan since she was kid, is aptly described in the AllMusic Review of the LP as a “love letter” by a huge fan of Olivia Newton-John.

Songs on the LP include: I Honestly Love You, Suspended in Time, A Little More Love, Magic, Physical, Please Mr. Please and Hopelessly Devoted To You.

The Complete Beethoven Quartets (2018) by Budapest String Quartet (Genre: Classical):

About the Budapest String Quartet & The Beethoven Quartets: The modern standard of performance in the Beethoven quartets was set by the Budapest String Quartet, wrote The New York Times. One of the 20th century’s very finest chamber ensembles, the Budapest String Quartet recorded the complete Beethoven cycle three times first on 78s in the 1940s, then between 1951 and 1952 in mono, and later in stereo. The 1951-52 cycle, which has acquired legendary status, is now reissued as a complete set, the first time that Sony Classical has published it in its entirety since the first issue. The Budapest Quartet was the quartet in residence at the Library of Congress from 1938 until 1962, a position created so that they could make regular use of the Library’s collection of Stradivarius instruments. Their regular performances at the Library all made use of these remarkable instruments, and the quartet also used them on these recordings, made in the Library itself. This Beethoven cycle has acquired legendary status. Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times wrote that his favorite performances of the six early Opus 18 quartets are the ones included here, supple, luminous and insightful. NPR critic Lloyd Schwartz calls the entire cycle my touchstone for Beethoven quartet recordings. Founded 100 years ago in 1917, the Budapest Quartet was at the height of its success in the early 1950s, under the leadership of first violinist Joseph Roisman. They had settled in the United States in 1938 at the same time as taking up their position at the Library of Congress, and they disbanded after 50 years in 1967.

The Complete Beethoven Quartet collection is available through Freegal as a five album streaming set.

Oriental Jazz (50’s & 60’s Authentic Recordings) by Various Artists (Genre: Jazz):

A great collection of 50’s and 60’s Jazz featuring both western and non-western instruments, including the oud – neat stuff!

In the fifties and sixties they would have called this type of music “Oriental”, today we call it World Music — but it is great music by whatever designation one give it – check it out!

Songs on the LP include: Jazz Araby by Fuad Hassan, Swingin’ The Blues by Chick Ganimian, Caravan by Fred Elias, St. James Infirmary by Gus Vali and Oglan Oglan by Cris Vardakis

Conundrum – Thirteen Down by Bert Jansch (Genre: Folk, Guitar, Pop, Rock):

Bert Jansch was a masterful British guitarist and pillar member of the contemporary British folk music scene. Jansch was not nearly as well known in the U.S. as in the U.K.; however he was a guitar virtuoso and a master of writing accessible folks songs and if you’re not familiar with his music I urge you to check it out!

Songs in this collection include: In My Mind, Sovay, Where Did My Life Go, Time and Love, Nightfall and Sweet Mother Earth.

Recommended CD of the Week:

Starfire (2018) by Caitlyn Smith (Genre: Pop, Rock, Country):

Caitlyn Smith is a talent singer-songwriter whose first album was released in 2001 when she was just 15. Starfire is her brand new album and it features the songs: Before You Called Me Baby, Starfire, East Side Restaurant, Don’t Give Up on My Love, Scenes from a Corner Booth at Closing Time on a Tuesday and House of Cards.

Videos of the Week:

A Little More Love by Juliana Hatfield:

Beethoven String Quartet – Quartet No. 11 in F Minor, Op. 95: IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto by the Budabest:

Oud in Blues by Lloyd Miller: 

The Night by Ahmed Abdul-Malik:

Let Me Sing by Bert Jansch:

60th Birthday Concert by Bert Jansch and friends:

Starfire by Caitlyn Smith:

Have a great weekend!

Linda, SSCL

*A library card is required to use the Freegal Music Service. If you live in the service area of the Southern Tier Library System, which consists of the public libraries in Steuben, Chemung, Yates, Schuyler and Alleghany counties in New York State, you can get a library card for free at your nearest public library – including our own Southeast Steuben County Library in Corning, New York. The Freegal Music Service is free for all Southern Tier Library System member libraries library card holders to access.

References:

Artist Biography & Discography Information:

http://www.allmusic.com/

The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn (Billboard Books. New York. 2009.)

P.S. If you have any questions about how to download or stream free music through the Freegal Music service to a desktop or laptop computer or how to download and use the Freegal Music app let us know! Drop by the library or give us a call at: 607-936-3713

*You must have a library card at a Southern Tier Library System member library to enjoy the Freegal Music Service. Your card can be from any library in the system, and the system includes all public libraries in Steuben, Chemung, Yates, Schuyler and Allegheny Counties and includes our own Southeast Steuben Count Library in Corning, New York!

Library cards are free if you live in our service area. And you can obtain a card by visiting the Circulation Desk and presenting staff with a form of ID that features your name and your current address.

Suggested Listening March 9, 2018

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, here are our five musical recommendations for the week; four streaming suggestions and one recommended album on CD.

(Click on the photo to stream or request the album you want to listen to!)

Freegal Streaming Suggestions*

Opus (2018) by Al Di Meola (Genre: Jazz, Classical, Guitar):

Opus is the brand new album by Jazz guitarist Al Di Meola and features a nice collection of Jazz instrumentals.

Songs on the LP include: Milonga Noctiva, Notorious, Frozen in Time, Pomp, Left Unsaid and Cerrento Sannita.

Annie Lennox Collection (2009) by Annie Lennox (Genre: Rock, Pop, Vocal):

A cool collection of some of the best songs recorded by former Eurythmics co-founder Annie Lennox during her early solo years.

Songs in the collection include: Little Bird, Walking On Broken Glass, A Thousand Beautiful Things, Pavement Cracks and Dark Road

Blackjack David (1988) by Dave Alvin (Genre: Folk, Rock, Blues, Country, Traditional Rock, Roots Rock):

California based guitarist Dave Alvin is known as a co-founder of the early eighties band The Blasters and, for playing music that incorporates elements of folk, rockabilly, blues and country and which can broadly described as roots rock. Blackjack David is one of his best albums and features a collection of songs that have a quality one might describe as a mix between down-to-earth accessibility and an eloquent everyday style of intensity – check it out!

Songs on the LP include: California Snow, New Highway, Evening Blues, The Way You Say Goodbye, 1968 and From a Kitchen Table.

Plays Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (1966) by Dave Lewis (Genre: Rock, Classic Rock, Traditional Rock, R&B, Traditional R&B):

This mid-sixties album by Seattle based keyboardist and vocalist Dave Lewis features twelve instrumentals – new versions of songs that were previously recorded by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. This upbeat and mellow album is perfect for background weekend music!

Songs on the LP include: Walk, Don’t Run, South of The Border, Spanish Harlem, Let It Be Me, Tijuana Taxi and Love Potion #9

Streaming Bonus:

You’re Driving Me Crazy (2018) single by Van Morrison and Joey DeFrancesco (Genre: Vocal, Jazz):

A great jazzy song from the forthcoming album of the same name which will be available on Freegal on its day of release – April 27, 2018.

CD of the Week:

Soul Be It! (2002) by Deborah Coleman (Genre: Blues):

Soul Be It! is blues guitarist Deborah Coleman’s sixth release and it is a fun and swinging album!

Songs on the LP include: My Heart Bleeds Blue, Don’t Lie to Me, I’m a Woman, You’re With Me and I Believe.

Videos of the Week:

Broken Heart by Al Di Meola

Walking on Broken Glass by Annie Lennox

Blackjack David by Dave Alvin

Walk Don’t Run by Dave Lewis

You Drive Me Crazy Album Trailer by Van Morrison and Joey DeFrancesco

Don’t Lie to Me by Deborah Coleman

Have a great weekend!

Linda, SSCL

References:

Artist Biography & Discography Information:

http://www.allmusic.com/

The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn (Billboard Books. New York. 2009.)

P.S. If you have any questions about how to download or stream free music through the Freegal Music service to a desktop or laptop computer or how to download and use the Freegal Music app let us know! Drop by the library or give us a call at: 607-936-3713

*You must have a library card at a Southern Tier Library System member library to enjoy the Freegal Music Service. Your card can be from any library in the system, and the system includes all public libraries in Steuben, Chemung, Yates, Schuyler and Allegheny Counties and includes our own Southeast Steuben Count Library in Corning, New York!

Library cards are free if you live in our service area. And you can obtain a card by visiting the Circulation Desk and presenting staff with a form of ID that features your name and your current address.

Suggested Listening February 2, 2018

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, here are our five musical recommendations for the week; four streaming suggestions and one recommended album on CD.

(Click on the photo to stream or request the album)

Freegal Streaming Suggestions*

Valentine’s Day Music: A Fine Selection Of Romantic Classics by Various Artists (Genre: Vocal, Pop, Easy Listening):

Songs include: I’m Getting Sentimental Over You by Anita O’Day, I Remember You by Sarah Vaughan, I Spent My Last Dream on You by Teresa Graves, Sunday Kind of Love by The Harptones, Secret Love by Ruth Brown and I’m So in Love With You by Matt Covington.

On the South Side of Chicago by Vic Damone (1967) (Genre: Vocal, Easy Listening, Stage & Screen):


An up-tempo romantic collection of songs by Vic Damone. Songs on the LP include: It Makes No Difference, I’ll Sleep Tonight, You’ve Never Kissed Her, On the South Side of Chicago and Love Me Longer.

Private Nation by Train (2003) (Pop, Adult Contemporary, Alternative):

Train consists of Pat Monahan, Rob Otchkiss, Jimmy Stafford, Charlie Colin and Scott Underwood.

Private Nation is their critically acclaimed 2003 release.

Songs include: Calling All Angels, All American Girl, When I Look to the Sky, Lincoln Avenue, Following Rita and I’m About to Come Alive.

What Happens Next (2018) by Joe Satriani (Genre: Pop, Rock, Jazz):


This is the brand new album by virtuoso guitarist Joe Satriani who first came to national prominence in the 1980s.

Songs on the LP include: Energy, Thunder High on the Mountain, Cherry Blossoms, Smooth Soul and Super Funky Badass.

Euphrates River (Bonus Track Version) (1974/2015) by The Main Ingredient (Genre: R&B, Pop):

The Main Ingredient seventies membership included: Cuba Gooding Sr., Luther Simmons Jr. and Tony Silvester.

This classic album by the equally classic R&B group, features the following songs: Euphrates, Summer Breeze, California My Way, Happiness Is Just Around the Bend and Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing

CD of the Week:

Dancing With Strangers by Chris Rea (Genre: Rock, Pop, Blues):


Chris Rea is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist who has a blues based style of singing and an equally blues base style of guitar playing. He’s not as well-known as he should be! This is a great LP – featuring the songs: Joys of Christmas, I Can’t Dance to That, Gonna Buy a Hat, Windy Town, Josie’s Tune and That Girl of Mine

Videos of the Week:

I Remember You by Sarah Vaughan

Calling All Angles by Train

About: Forever And Forever by Joe Satriani

On The Southside of Chicago by Vic Damone

Euphrates by The Main Ingredient

Joys of Christmas by Chris Rae

References:

Artist Biography & Discography Information:

http://www.allmusic.com/

The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn (Billboard Books. New York. 2009.)

P.S. If you have any questions about how to download or stream free music through the Freegal Music service to a desktop or laptop computer or how to download and use the Freegal Music app let us know! Drop by the library or give us a call at: 607-936-3713

*You must have a library card at a Southern Tier Library System member library to enjoy the Freegal Music Service. Your card can be from any library in the system, and the system includes all public libraries in Steuben, Chemung, Yates, Schuyler and Allegheny Counties and includes our own Southeast Steuben Count Library in Corning, New York!

Library cards are free if you live in our service area. And you can obtain a card by visiting the Circulation Desk and presenting staff with a form of ID that features your name and your current address.

A Selection of Holiday Music To Stream Through Freegal!

Linda Reimer

Hi everyone, the free Freegal Music Service* offers oodles of holiday albums from vintage to classical and jazz to vocal, pop, rock and more!

Here are a few titles you might enjoy during the holiday season including a couple that have nothing to do with any holiday at all – they simply have a connection to the winter season!

And if you’re in a browsing mood, check out the Freegal Music Catalog and search for some of your favorite artists – you’ll discover, while searching for songs and artists a cornucopia of cool music of all genres!

To access the browser based version of the Freegal Music catalog click here:

You can also download the Freegal Music app from the Apple or Android app stores and then listen to the music through the app.

And without further ado here is a sampling of the holiday music available through Freegal:

16 Most Requested Songs – Christmas Encore! by Various Artists (Genre: Traditional Pop Orchestral/Vocal):

Songs include: O Tannenbaum! by The Norman Luboff Choir, Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep by Rosemary Clooney, Toyland by Doris Day, Jingle Bells by Patti Page, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ray Conniff & The Ray Conniff Singers & It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Johnny Mathis.

21 Christmas Classics by Various Artists (Genre: Traditional Pop Orchestra/Vocal):

Songs Include: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams, Winter Wonderland by Aretha Franklin, A Marshmallow World by Dean Martin, Must Be Santa by Bob Dylan, The First Noel by Earth, Wind & Fire and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by Hank Snow.

30 Instrumental Christmas Songs by The O’Neill Brothers Group (Genre: Instrumental w. stringed instruments): 

Songs Include: Silent Night, Silver Bells, Adeste Fideles, The Gift of Love, Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Pachelbel’s Little Star.

Acoustic Christmas by Various Artists (Genre: Classic Rock, Folk, Country): 

Songs Include: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by T Bone Burnett, Let It Be Me/The Christmas Song by Laura Nyro, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Rosanne Cash, Silent Night by the Hooters & O Come All Ye Faithful by Art Garfunkel.

Beautiful Day by Kurt Elling (Genre: Jazz): 

Songs Include: Sing a Christmas Carol, Star of Wonder, We Three Kings, Little Drummer Boy and Same Old Lang Syne.

A Blue, Blues Christmas – A Timeless Collection of Blues Songs for Christmas with Fats Waller, Leadbelly, John Lee Hooker, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Lightnin Hopkins, And More! (Genre: Blues, R&B, Pop): 

Songs Include: Silent Night, Holy Night by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Merry Christmas by Lightning Hopkins, Christmas Time Blues by Jimmy Dawkins, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve by The Orioles and Swingin’ Them Jingle Bells by Fats Waller.

Carols from Royal Holloway by the Choir of Royal Holloway (Genre: Classical/Choral):

Songs Include: A Tender Shoot, Gabriel’s Message, Sussex Carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger and O Little One Sweet.

Celtic Solstice by Paul Winter & Friends (Genre: New Age, Jazz):

This new age album offers up songs that complement the Winter Solstice coming up on Thursday, December 21.

Songs include: Golden Apples of the Sun, Hollow Hills, O’Farrell’s Welcome to Limerick, The Minstrel’s Adieu and Farewell to Govan.

Children’s Christmas Songbook St. Josephs Youth Choir (Genre: Classical/Choral/Children’s Music):


Songs Include: We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Colors of Christmas, Deck the Halls, The First Noel & Jingle Bells.

Nuestra Navidad by Various Artists: 

Songs Include: El Burrito De Belen by Julio Preciado, Ven A Mi Casa Esta Navidad by Banda Superbandido, Noche De Paz by Trio Los Panchoes, Regalo De Reyes by Javier Solls and Lioraras En Navidad by Pablo Montero.

Christmas by Harry Belafonte (Genre: Vocal, Pop, International, Folk):

Songs Include: A Star In The East, The Son Of Mary, Medley: The Joys Of Christmas/O Little Town of Bethlehem/Deck The Halls/The First Noel, Christmas Is Coming and The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Christmas Album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (Genre: Easy Listening, Jazz, Pop):

This is the classic 1968 Christmas album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass not to be confused with his new 2017 Christmas album!

Songs on the LP include: Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, My Favorite Things, The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride, Las Mananitas, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow and Jingle Bell Rock.

Christmas Caravan by Sultans of String (Genre: International, Acoustic):

Songs Include: Turkish Greensleeves, Sing for Kwanzaa, Jesous Ahatonhia, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, The Little Drummer Boy, A Django Christmas and Niel Gow’s Lament.

Christmas LIVE! by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (Genre: Vocal, Pop): 


Songs Include: Every Light That Shines at Christmas, White Christmas, If It Doesn’t Snow on Christmas, Heat Miser and Thank God For Kids

Christmas Rap (Genre: Rap):

Songs Include: Christmas in Hollis by RUN-DMC, Ghetto Santa by Spyder-D, Christmas In The City by Sun King and That’s What I Want For Christmas by The Showboys

Christmas Together by The Piano Guys (2017) (Genre: Easy Listening, Classical):

Songs Include: Angels from the Realms of Glory, O Holy Night/Ave Maria, Ode to Joy to the World, What Child is This and I Saw Three Ships.

Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (2017) (Genre: Pop, Rock, Classical):

Songs Include: Santa Claus Is Back In Town, White Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, Blue Christmas, Winter Wonderland and Merry Christmas Baby.

Christmas With Ray Conniff (Genre: Easy Listening):

Songs Include: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Christmas Bride, Sleigh Ride, Greensleeves, Silver Bells and Frosty the Snowman.

Classic Christmas by Johnny Cash (Genre: Country):

Songs Include: Joy to the World, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful and Little Gray Donkey.

Decade the Halls, Vol. 1 Tenth Avenue North (2017) (Genre: Pop, Vocal):

Songs Include: Good King Wenceslas, Deck the Halls, We Three Kings, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Mistletoe and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

December by Chris Botti (Genre: Jazz, Easy Listening):

Songs include: Winter Wonderland, Ave Maria, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, I Really Don’t Want Much For Christmas and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

Dr. Elmo’s Twisted Christmas by Dr. Elmo (Genre: Comedy):

For fans of Christmas humor…

Songs Include: Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer, Christmas Won’t Be, Santa Ain’t Comin’, Christmas Millionaire and Junk Bond Christmas Blues.

Elvis’ Christmas Album by Elvis Presley (1957) (Genre: Rock, Pop):


Songs Include: Santa Claus Is Back In Town, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Silent Night, Blue Christmas and Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me).

The Essential Hank Snow (Genre: Country, Traditional Country):

This album has nothing whatsoever to do with winter or holidays of any sort! Except of course, for the fact that the late & great country singer and guitarist had a name that is perfect for winter– Snow!

Songs on this cool collection, which offers tunes from all phases of Hank Snow’s career, include: My San Antonio Mama, Brand on My Heart, The Rhumba Boogie, Confused with the Blues and A Fool Such As I.

Evening Guitar Chill Out by Various Artists (Genre: Acoustic, Instrumental, Easy Listening):

Acoustic Sunset by Eric Walters, Humble Love by Dvir Silverstone, Green Hills by Gary Wolk and Someday by Michelle Qureshi.

A Festival Of Carols by Robert Shaw (Genre: Classical, Orchestral, Vocal):

Songs Include: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, Shepherd’s Carol, I Wonder As I Wonder, My Dancing Day and Carol of the Bells.

From The Sony Vault: Christmas With The Big Bands by Various Artists (Genre: Swing, Jazz, Pop):

The songs on this album were recorded between 1932 and 1965 and If you like Swing than this collection is for you!

Songs include: Sleigh Ride by Tex Beneke, Ray Eberle & The Modernaires with Paula Kelly, Little Jack Frost Get Lost: (78rpm version) by Frankie Carle with Marjorie Hughes, Snow Fall: (78rpm version) by Claude Thornhill & His Orchestra, There’s Frost On The Moon by Artie Shaw & His Orchestra, Winter Weather by Richard Himber and His Orchestra and I Want You for Christmas by Russ Morgan and His Orchestra.

Gonna Have a Really Soulful Christmas: 40 R&B and Soul Gems (An Alternative Yuletide Celebration!) (Genre: Soul, R&B, Blues, Pop):

Songs Include: Crazy Santa Claus by The Debonaires, We Wanna See Santa Do the Mambo by John Greer, Wish You a Merry Christmas by Kim Weston, Santa Claus Boogie by The Voices and I Hear Jingle Bells by Freddie King.

Hanukkah by Jon Simon (Genre: Piano, Jazz):

Songs Include: Eight Candles, Rock of Ages (Italian), O Hanukkah, O Hanukkah, Candle Blessings, Rock of Ages (Traditional) and A Candle for Me.

Hanukkah Songs for Preschool & Kindergarten by The Kiboomers  (Genre: Kids Music)

Songs Include: Nine Little Candles, When the Maccabees Come Marching In, I Like to eat Latkes Song, Dreidel Hokey Pokey and Hanukkah Oh Hannukah.

Hanukkah Swings by Kenny Ellis (Genre: Jazz, International):

Songs Include: Swingin’ Dreidel, Hanukkah Candles, Ocho Kandelikas, Children of the Macabbees and ‘Twas the Night Before Hanukkah.

Here We Come A-Caroling by Ray Conniff (Genre: Easy Listening):

Songs Include: Here We Come A-Caroling, God Red Ye Merry, Gentleman, Joy To The World, Adoramus Te, O Tannenbaum and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.

Hotel Café Winter Songs by Various Artists (Genre: Pop, Vocal):

Songs include: Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson, The Heartache Can Wait by Brandi Carlile, Blue Christmas by Nicole Atkins, Maybe Next Year (X-Mas Song) and Auld Lang Syne by The Hotel Cafe Medley Band

Instrumental Christmas Music – Relaxing Christmas Music (Genre: Piano, Easy Listening):

Songs Include: Silver Bells, Little Drummer Boy, Most Memorable Christmas, Coming Home, Do You Hear What I Hear and Christmas Chimes.

Instrumental Christmas by the Northquest Players (Genre: Easy Listening, Instrumental, Brass, Jazz):

Songs Include: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Joy To The World, Away in a Manager, The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland and I Saw Three Ships.

An Irish Christmas by Jeff Taylor, Jim Prendergast and Bill Verdier (Genre: Irish, Acoustic):

Songs Include: Christmas Eve, Silent Night, Wassail Song, Freeze Britches (Connaughtman’s Rambles), I Saw Three Ships and Rose in the Heather.

Irish Christmas by Alisa Jones, Mark Howard, John Mock and Stuart Duncan (Genre: Irish, Acoustic):

Songs Include: The Endris Nyght, Once In Royal’s David’s City, The Friendly Beasts, As Lately We Watched and Carol Of The Bagpippers.

It’s Christmas Again by Various Artists (Genre: Pop, Vocal, Easy Listening):

Some of the songs in this 48 song collection Include: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Frank Sinatra, Winter Wonderland by Ella Fitzgerald, Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt, Jingle Bells by the Randy Van Horne Singers, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Nat King Cole, Zat You? Santa Claus by Louis Armstrong, The Secret of Christmas by Bing Crosby, The Christmas Waltz by Peggy Lee, Silver Bells by Johnny Mathis, Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms and We Wish You the Merriest by Les Brown

James Galway’s Christmas Carol by James Galway (Genre: Easy Listening, Classical, New Age):

Songs include: Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, Fantasia On “I Saw Three Ships,” Greensleeves, Zither Carol, Past Three O’clock and Christmas Oratorio.

Kwanzaa (Genre: R&B, Soul, Folk, International):

Songs Include: Pata Pata by Miriam Makeba, Tell It, Sing It, Shout It by Mahalia Jackson, Swahili Song by Teddy Greaves, Kwela Kong by Mackay Davashe & Skokiaan by Louis Armstrong.

Last Christmas – Wham! (Genre: Pop): 

Songs on the EP are: Last Christmas, Last Christmas (Pudding Mix) and Everything She Wants.

Merry Christmas with Odetta (Genre: Blues, Folk):

Songs Include: Ain’t That A-Rocking, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Beautiful Star, Shout For Joy and Children, Go Where I Send Thee.

Native Seasons by Jessita Reyes (Genre: Folk, Easy Listening, New Age):

This album, by Native American flutist Jessita Reyes, features songs for all season including: Fall Approaches, Winter Night, Echoes in the Fall, Mid-Winter’s Dawn and Clear Winter Sky.

On a Cold Winter’s Day – Early Christmas Music and Carols from the British Isles by Quadriga Consort (Genre: Classical):

Songs include: A Wassail, a Wassail, ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime, The Moons Shines Bright, The Holy and the Ivy, To Shorten Winter’s Sadness and On a Cold Winter’s Day.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Genre: Pop, Rock, Classical):

Songs Include: Santa’s Gonna Rock and Roll, Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, First Letter/Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Toyland Ball, Welcome Christmas and The Man With The Bag.

Six String Christmas John Harbison (Genre: Acoustic, Guitar):

Songs Include: We Three Kings, Frosty The Snowman, White Christmas, Christmas Past, Father Christmas and Auld Lang Syne.

Surf ‘N’ Swing Fret ‘N’ String Christmas by Nokie Edwards & The Light Crust Doughboys with Tom Brumley, The Dallas Banjo Band, Smokey … (Genre: Classic Rock, Guitar):

Songs Include: Christmas Carol Rock, Swan Lake Christmas, Deck The Halls, The Toy Yodeler, The Bell’s Of St. Mary’s and New Year’s Rendezvous

Twisted Christmas: Live by Twisted Sister (Genre: Rock, Heavy Metal):

Songs Include: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Fire Still Burns, You Can’t Stop Rock & Roll, White Christmas and Heavy Metal Christmas.

Very Sixties Christmas (Genre: Pop, Rock):

Songs Include: Happy Xmas (War Is Over), Winter Wonderland, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, The Christmas Song and Let It Snow by the Groovy Christmas Players, Sugar Sugar by The Archies, Thank You by Sly Stone and Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison.

Vintage Christmas by Various Artists (Genre: Pop, R&B, Vocal):

This album features 47 classic Christmas songs recorded between 1915 and 1949.

Songs Include: Christmas Bells at Eventide by Gracie Fields, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Rosemary Clooney, Auld Lang Syne by Billy Vaughn, Savoy Christmas Medley by New Mayfair Orchestra, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by The Platters, I’ll Walk Alone (Through Every Christmas) by Dinah Shore and Cool Yule by Louis Armstrong.

White Christmas by John Schneider (Genre: Country, Pop):

A classic country album by singer and actor John Schneider!

Songs on the LP include: Winter Wonderland, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer, Katey’s Christmas Card and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Windham Hill Holiday Guitar Collection by Various Artists (Genre: New Age, Acoustic, Guitar):

Songs include: Songs include: Winter Wonderland by Tuck Andress, The Holly And The Ivy by Alex de Grassi, The Christmas Song by Steve Erquiaga, Christmas Time Is Here by Sean Harkness and Carol of the Bells by Steve Morse.

Winter by Barbara Dickson (Genre: Vocal, International, Folk):

Songs include: Winter’s Come, In the Bleak Midwinter, The Silence of the Dawn, The January Man and Winter’s Song.

Winter Evening by Winter Evening Jazz (Genre: Easy Listening, Jazz):

Songs on the album include: Chill Baby, Cha Cha Charlie, Waltz for Joshua, Cloudburst, Chocolate and Round Midnight.

Have a great day!

Linda, SSCL

*Freegal is free – library card required! You can get a library card at any Southern Tier Library System member library. Just take a form of ID that includes both your name and your current address and you’ll have a card in hand in a matter of minutes!