I'm Coming Home for Christmas - Squirrel Nut Zippers, Cabral, Manny
Carolina Christmas - Squirrel Nut Zippers, Maxwell, Tom
Gift of the Magi - Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mathus, James
Hot Christmas - Squirrel Nut Zippers, Maxwell, Tom
Hanging up My Stockings - Squirrel Nut Zippers, Church, Chester
Christmas Caravan finds the Zippers showing off not only their command of early jazz styles but also some deep blues roots ("Indian Giver") and an appreciation for cowboy music ("I'm Coming Home for Christmas"). Singer Kat... more »herine Whalen shines on a typically saucy rendition of "Winter Weather" and a number that would fit right in on Bummed Out Christmas: "A Johnny Ace Christmas," which memorializes the R&B singer killed in a December 24, 1954, backstage Russian roulette game. --Rickey Wright« less
Christmas Caravan finds the Zippers showing off not only their command of early jazz styles but also some deep blues roots ("Indian Giver") and an appreciation for cowboy music ("I'm Coming Home for Christmas"). Singer Katherine Whalen shines on a typically saucy rendition of "Winter Weather" and a number that would fit right in on Bummed Out Christmas: "A Johnny Ace Christmas," which memorializes the R&B singer killed in a December 24, 1954, backstage Russian roulette game. --Rickey Wright
Candy K. from APPLE VALLEY, MN Reviewed on 10/28/2009...
I'm not a music reviewer, but this is my favorite Christmas CD ever. Its a refreshing change from the sugary tunes you'll hear all month long. Love it!
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CD Reviews
Give it a chance
Drew D. | Georgia | 12/21/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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)."
Squirrel Ride
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 12/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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."
My Favorite Christmas CD
Johnny Heering | 10/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
For funky, Southern Fried Christmas
gingerkid | 11/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"