Sirens of Holiday Song

Christmas music is already being played in some department stores, on radio stations, and maybe in your home or car. Whatever the case may be, the choices only get better and more varied with the many recordings being made of traditional carols, holiday standards, and new songs that are written each year. Many female vocalists put their own unique style, sound, and interpretation into this wonderful music. The Arts/Literature/Sports Department of the Birmingham Public Library offers many recordings for you to check out for your listening pleasure. Here are a few sirens of song that I found in our holiday cd collection at the time of writing this blog entry. Come in and visit with us in the Arts/Literature/Sports Department located on the second floor of the Birmingham Public Library.

JAZZY AND SULTRY SIRENS - These vocalists offer a swinging jazzy spin on Christmas tunes old and new while singing around the melody and scatting on some. Some of the selections feature their smoky creamy vocals that will surely make it cozy on a cold blustery day, snuggling up inside and drinking hot chocolate.

Dianne Reeves – Christmas Time Is Here
Jane Monheit – The Season
Diana Krall – Christmas Songs
Etta James - 12 Songs of Christmas
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas

SOULFUL SIRENS - These songstresses pour lots of emotion and feeling into each song they sing. You might hear about love lost or gone bad during the holidays, a slamming have-a-good-time party atmosphere, a gospel-rousing rendition of a holiday tune, or maybe even a sprinkling of classical with a touch of soul. Most of these vocalists have an extensive range that allows them to sing in the alto or soprano range. These artists offer lots of variety on these recordings that will touch many of your emotions.

Oleta Adams – Christmas Time With Oleta
Toni Braxton – Snowflakes
Aretha Franklin – This Christmas
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas II You

COUNTRY CROONING SIRENS - These singers croon Christmas selections with a touch of country mixed with their own unique interpretation. Country is definitely cool.

Anne Murray – Best of the Season
Wynonna – A Classic Christmas
Emmylou Harris – Light Of The Stable

POP GOES THE SIRENS – These singers add a nice modern pop style touch to many songs of the holiday season, but not in the traditional way of singing the melody completely straight but the familiar ones are still very recognizable. These tunes will catch your attention quickly.

Bette Midler – Cool Yule
Annie Lennox – A Christmas Cornucopia
Katherine McPhee – Christmas Is the Time To Say I Love You
Celine Dion – These Are Special Times
Vanessa Williams – Star Bright

SPIRIT-FILLED SIRENS – These singers deliver songs with a strong conviction and testament to their faiths. Your spirit will be stirred and you will quickly realize in your heart the true meaning of Christmas and the reason for the season.

Mahalia Jackson – Christmas with Mahalia
Shirley Caesar – Giving and Sharing: A Christmas Collection
Yolanda Adams – What A Wonderful Time

Russell Lee
Arts, Literature & Sports
Central Library