Pass the Drumsticks: Thanksgiving Jazz
From
Retailers everywhere already have December holiday music playing constantly. Isn't there a soundtrack for the November holiday, too? There is now. Enjoy a cornucopia of jazz that celebrates family, friends and food.
Charles Earland
Thanksgiving
Start your holiday cooking with "The Mighty Burner," Charles Earland. This upbeat Hammond B-3 groove just feels good. Be sure not to drop the turkey when you start dancing around your kitchen.
Charlie Christian
Flying Home [Alternate Take]
If, like so many others, you find yourself stuck in an airport on the busiest travel day of the year, this tune should keep your spirits up. This version of "Flying Home," featuring a spoken intro by clarinetist Benny Goodman, was originally released in 1948 as a V-Disc for troops serving overseas.
Louis Armstrong
All That Meat and No Potatoes
Double-check your Turkey Day menu for tubers. In this Fats Waller composition, Pops laments a lack of potatoes: "Just ain't right, like green tomatoes."
Johnny Griffin
Low Gravy
Once you have your potatoes in order, add a side of gravy. This funky, bluesy number, served up by tenor saxman Johnny Griffin, was recorded "live" in-studio in 1960. There must have been a hopping party in that studio.
Sean Jones
God's Gift
After family, friends, food and football, there's still room for a bit more thanks. Gifted trumpeter Sean Jones pulls you into the gospel roots behind this album. Orrin Evans takes on triple duty playing Fender Rhodes, piano and keyboards.