Here's an idea for some Christmas fun. Put the 10 tunes on Herb's CHRISTMAS ALBUM in the order you love'em, with your favorite on top. Explain your choices too!
Mine:
1. My Favorite Things
This is not only my favorite cut on this album, but one of my favorite Herb tracks of all time. I really like the piano break in the middle - it is what turns this non-Christmas song into a Christmas song.
2. Winter Wonderland
The perfect kick-off to the album. Another surprising arrangement the way the melody counters with the trombone line. The first time I heard this, I didn't know it was Winter Wonderland until I looked at the label...but now I almost can't help singing along with it.
3. Jingle Bells
Only complaint here is it's too short. This has great Julius Wechter marimba work and the trombone work is excellent.
4. The Bell That Couldn't Jingle
I'd never heard this before the TJB did it. One of the best parts of this album. It'd be in the top three except for the greatness of the three ahead of it. Herb's "casual" vocal on this is just perfect for the song. This is probably the Herb vocal that has the least amount of trumpet -- no solo, and just about 10 seconds worth of 'accents.'
5. Jingle Bell Rock
To me this is the definitive arrangement of this song. It's got everything that's great about the Tijuana Brass, with a touch of BMB ragtime-style thrown in. A real foot tapper.
6. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
I didn't like this when I first heard it, but it's really grown on me over the years. I was expecting an upbeat TJB treatment of this song - but that's how everyone ELSE does it, so why should Herb? Nice Edmondson trombone in this, too.
7. The Christmas Song
When I first heard this I didn't like it, but it's joined my list of favorites because it's so easy to sing along with. Herb sounds totally casual. This is in my top-ten of Alpert vocals.
8. Las Mananitas
I'm torn between this version of this song and the Baja Marimba version - both are excellent. (And supposedly recorded at the same session, just a different mix!) Apparently this isn't really a Christmas song but it fits the season - and the rest of the album - perfectly.
9. Sleigh Ride
The last two are the only ones that I really have a hard time warming up to. Sleigh Ride's vocal intro goes on too long and doesn't fit the song; and the stop/start/tempo change that works so well on My Favorite Things falls flat here. (Just my 2¢, folks!)
10. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
A good album closer, and it's nice to see Herb give a nod to the 'reason for the season.' A nice performance, but is more of a Herb solo track than a band track.
Mine:
1. My Favorite Things
This is not only my favorite cut on this album, but one of my favorite Herb tracks of all time. I really like the piano break in the middle - it is what turns this non-Christmas song into a Christmas song.
2. Winter Wonderland
The perfect kick-off to the album. Another surprising arrangement the way the melody counters with the trombone line. The first time I heard this, I didn't know it was Winter Wonderland until I looked at the label...but now I almost can't help singing along with it.
3. Jingle Bells
Only complaint here is it's too short. This has great Julius Wechter marimba work and the trombone work is excellent.
4. The Bell That Couldn't Jingle
I'd never heard this before the TJB did it. One of the best parts of this album. It'd be in the top three except for the greatness of the three ahead of it. Herb's "casual" vocal on this is just perfect for the song. This is probably the Herb vocal that has the least amount of trumpet -- no solo, and just about 10 seconds worth of 'accents.'
5. Jingle Bell Rock
To me this is the definitive arrangement of this song. It's got everything that's great about the Tijuana Brass, with a touch of BMB ragtime-style thrown in. A real foot tapper.
6. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
I didn't like this when I first heard it, but it's really grown on me over the years. I was expecting an upbeat TJB treatment of this song - but that's how everyone ELSE does it, so why should Herb? Nice Edmondson trombone in this, too.
7. The Christmas Song
When I first heard this I didn't like it, but it's joined my list of favorites because it's so easy to sing along with. Herb sounds totally casual. This is in my top-ten of Alpert vocals.
8. Las Mananitas
I'm torn between this version of this song and the Baja Marimba version - both are excellent. (And supposedly recorded at the same session, just a different mix!) Apparently this isn't really a Christmas song but it fits the season - and the rest of the album - perfectly.
9. Sleigh Ride
The last two are the only ones that I really have a hard time warming up to. Sleigh Ride's vocal intro goes on too long and doesn't fit the song; and the stop/start/tempo change that works so well on My Favorite Things falls flat here. (Just my 2¢, folks!)
10. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
A good album closer, and it's nice to see Herb give a nod to the 'reason for the season.' A nice performance, but is more of a Herb solo track than a band track.