Featuring tracks often only ever released as obscure 45 B-sides, the compilation tracks one-off moments when the good groove met the jingle bells to devastating effect. Artists include bluesman Jimmy Reed, jamming hard on “Christmas Present Blues” and Calypsonian Capt. Elmo McKenzie with a lilting Yuletide Caribbean ode on Barbados label Trex. UK-based session collective Zebra weigh in with a festive slice of gritty Afro-rock and kids choir Harlem Children’s Chorus paint a poignant picture of “Black Christmas” in the ghetto.
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We also include some useful covers of Christmas favourites. Late, lamented New Orleans Godfather Eddie Bo produces Isaac Clarke on a solid version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” for his Seven B label and The Black On White Affair out of Seattle rock out on an amazing re-work of “Auld Lang Syne.” All in all, an essential diggers’ grab bag for the festive season and a refreshing alternative to the traditional Christmas fare. Early reaction from Lapland is encouraging: “Sinatra and Jim Reeves are certainly legends but the same songs each Christmas are driving me and Rudolph a bit potty, quite frankly,” explains Santa Claus. “This is the sh*t I want in my sleigh!” In The Christmas Groove is released on CD and digital and features an extensive booklet including original sleeve artwork and sleeve notes by James Maycock of Mojo magazine.
Tracklist
1. J.D. McDonald – Boogaloo Santa Claus
2. Jimmy Reed – Christmas Present Blues
3. Electric Jungle – Funky Funky Christmas
4. Funk Machine – Soul Santa
5. Milly & Silly – Getting Down For Xmas
6. The Harlem Children’s Chorus – Black Christmas
8. Isaac Clarke – Santa Claus Is Coming To town
9. Captain Elmo McKenzie & The Roosters – Home On Christmas Day
10. Soul Saints Orchestra – Santa’s Got A Bag of Soul
11. Zebra – Christmas Morning
12. Harvey Averne Band – Let’s Get It Together This Christmas
13. Jimmy Jules – The New Year
14. The Black On White Affair – Auld Lang Syne