Search type Keyword Keyword Inventory DVD Books Music Electronics Video Games Kitchen Software PC Hardware Pet Supplies Apparel Toys All

You have no items in your shopping cart

Cool Yule List Price: $17.99 Unavailable for purchase at this time

For this recording, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Artistic Director Patrick Sinozich researched the archives of swing and unearthed a number of seasonal tunes that were once signatures of some of jazz’ greatest names. The recording’s title song, Cool Yule, was written by Steve Allen and first performed by Louis Armstrong, but is rarely heard these days. All of the big names in jazz and swing had their holiday standards and most of the songs are forgotten now.

Cool Yule revives many of them, like the Andrews Sisters’ "Jing-a-Ling," Bing Crosby’s "Little Jack Frost Get Lost," Patti Page’s "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," and "Love Turns Winter to Spring," originally performed by The Four Freshmen. The disc also includes many of the swing standards that have remained popular over the years, like "Let It Snow," and "I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm." A new jazz/swing arrangement of "O Hanukkah" is even included. Again accompanying CGMC is the ten-piece swing orchestra Patrick Sinozich and his Snowmen of Swing.

Customer Reviews:
An original	Customer Rating: 5 out of 5
The song listing gives you your first clue as to how unique this recording is. Most of these songs were only recorded once by the artists who briefly made them famous in the swing era. This is not anouther collection of the same holiday favorites that other choral groups have done and re-done endlessly. But more than that, this doesn't sound like what most people think of when they think "gay chorus": It's not that "big choral" style. The vocal performance has a laid-back jazzy feel, almost like a jazz vocal quartet, despite the large number of singers involved. And the swing band accompaniment. well, it really swings. This is the perfect holiday disc to pop in when you're still in the holiday spirit but think you'll scream if you hear "Hark the Herald Angels" one more time. It's the one holiday CD that stays in my CD changer, comfortable in shuffle mode with both classical and jazzy holiday CDs.
Swingin' Good Time	Customer Rating: 5 out of 5
Usually choral holiday recordings are standard, run-of-the-mill fare. This chorus really swings with great harmonies, excellent diction and rhythm, and a sense of humor. If you like swing music, buy this CD. Although there a few standard tunes, most of the selections are obscure and rarely heard. The band is top notch. Great holiday party music!

Tracks: