Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs

Subject: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 03:19 PM

Hi All,

   I am interested in finding some old timey Christmas songs....not the traditional fare that is played to death during the season. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: MMario
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 03:23 PM

definitions please? (not knowing what you think of as "old timey" christmas nor which ones y0u feel are done to death.

You might want to look at the American Christmas Carols thread and also take a peek at this thread at THE ANNEX

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 03:35 PM

Try listening to the County CD-2722 Blue Ridge Mountain Holiday, several versions of "Breaking Up Christmas". This is from a radio broadcast documentary of the tradition of breaking up Christmas square dances in North Carolina, narrated by Paul Brown and includes Tommy Jarrel's son calling. Great CD and lots of good music.

There is also a nice fiddle tune called "Old Christmas" which Tom Paley plays but I don't know where he got it. Old Christmas being January 6th, you could maybe stretch a point and play "The 8th January".

Merry Christmas

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 03:54 PM

King Pharim which is sung by Barrand & Roberts and by the Watersons and The Ditching Carol which I have heard by the Watersons are pretty old and certainly not "done to death" by my definition of the term. Songs in a little wider circulation are Carol of the Birds and Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella. There are a lot of good songs on the Patons & Barton & Para Christmas CD "Twas On A Night Like This". One of my favorites from this CD is "Sweet Lamb".   Steeleye Span and Maddy Prior have recorded some interesting Christmas music. One of my favorites from them is Gaudete. I also like "There Was a Pig Went Out To Dig" which is on one of the Christmas Revels CDs. The Christmas Revels have several recordings of "not so usual" Christmas music. "Nowell Sing We Clear" is the Barrand & Roberts Christmas recording.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: Cluin
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 04:01 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Christmas time's a-comin',
Christmas time's a-comin',
Christmas time's a-comin',
Time to steal a pig!

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: Cluin
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 04:02 PM

OINK!

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 05:02 PM

Sherman Hammons played a gorgeous fiddle tune he called "Christmas Morning". That's gotta be old time by any definition.

Check out Jean Ritchie's "Kentucky Christmas" album. Highly recommended.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 09:23 PM

There was a really nice one that I believe was recorded by the Richie Family. Christ was born in Bethlehem, christ was born in Bethlehem christ was born in bethlehem and in the manger lay. In the manger lay in the manger lay. Christ was born in bethlehem and in the manger lay. I have heard this done with beautiful clawhammer accomplaniment (Boney Goat Band) Neat song.
I wWander as I wander would also be another one with an oldtimey feel

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: Arkie
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 08:39 PM

Tim & Mollie O'Brien also have recorded "Christ Was Born In Bethlehem". That is one of the finer traditional Christmas songs.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 12:21 AM

For Christ Was Born in Bethlehem, I'd pick the Corries/Paddie Bell version, but then, I'm REALLY partial to Paddie doing most anything.

Star Of Wonder by the Roches. OK, it's not traditional, but should be.

While we're on the subject, locate the Roches Christmas album, We Three Kings ~~ worth the search, probably my favorite collection of Christmas wonders.

The Friendly Beasts by the Ennis Sisters.

Down In Yon Forest by Twyla Paris.

I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day by Suzy Bogguss.

That's just a few of what I could recommend.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Old Timey Christmas Songs
From: Arkie
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 01:40 PM

Mary Had a Baby is a more lively Christmas song. Personally, I'm torn between Bruce Cockburn's and the Seekers versions.