It wouldn’t be Christmas time without a vintage-themed Bear Family Records compilation. Over the last five years we have reviewed various titles based around the holiday season, usually centring around a musical theme and containing a nice mixture of known and obscure gems; Let’s Get Ready for a Groovy and Bluesy Christmas is no exception. This compilation encompasses vintage Blues and Rhythm and Blues, from the 1950s and 1960s across twenty-eight tracks on the CD version.

This is normally the part of the review where I would include my personal highlights, but this is impossible because every track fulfils that function. From the nostalgia of hearing Clyde McPhatter and the Drifters take on White Christmas to gems from B.B. King, Ray Agee, Charles Brown, Freddy King, The Voices, and so many more, they all complement each other nicely.

Sound Quality

As usual, Bear Family Records has made the best effort to get every recording the best it can sound. Some derive from the master tapes, while others from the 45s. In my personal opinion, it doesn’t matter if a record sounds less than ideal because it adds to the festive nostalgia.

A Little Something Extra

The compilation is presented in a jewel case with a full-colour booklet inside. Bill Dahl provides insightful liner notes and biographical details on each track. The front cover, featuring a nostalgic festive-themed image, is presented in a dark sepia tone. It provides a clear contrast with the title graphics, which stand out. The back cover features a classic photograph of comedian Redd Foxx dressed as Santa Claus alongside the tracklisting.

Conclusion

This compilation is another of Bear Family Records’ antidotes to the same old Christmas music. There is a nice mix of known and obscure that gives nostalgic vibes regardless. If you’re looking for a Blues or RnB compilation that brings together excellent festive examples into the perfect blend, this album is for you. Get Ready for a Groovy and Bluesy Christmas is available from Bear Family Records.

Tracklisting:

The Jackson Trio – Jingle Bell Hop
The Moonglows – Hey Santa Claus
Ray Agee – Merry Christmas, My Love
Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters – White Christmas
Moose Jackson – I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Joe Turner’s Orchestra – Christmas Date Boogie
Hank Ballard & The Midnighters – Christmas Time for Everybody but Me
B.B. King – Christmas Celebration
Lonnie Hewitt – You’ve Been a Bad Little Girl
Louis Jordan and His Orchestra – May Everyday Be Christmas
Freddy King – I Hear Jingle Bells
John Greer – We Wanna See Santa Do The Mambo
Cecil Gant – Hello Santa Claus
The Voices – Santa Claus Baby
Bill Doggett – Winter Wonderland
Titus Turner – Christmas Morning
Hank Ballard & The Midnighters – Santa Claus is Coming
The Marcels – Merry Twist-Mas
Huey ‘Piano’ Smith and The Clowns – Rock and Roll Santa Claus
Billy Ward and his Dominoes – Christmas In Heaven
The Voices – Santa Claus Boogie
Sonny Boy Williamson – Sonny Boy’s Christmas Blues
Lightnin’ Hopkins – Santa
Jimmy Butler with Blues Express Orchestra – Trim Your Tree
Jesse Belvin – I Want You With Me Xmas
Washboard Pete – Christmas Blues
Charles Brown – Please Come Home for Christmas
Big Maybelle with Ernie Wilkins’ Orch – White Christmas