One area that wasn't explored very deeply by US garage bands was the Christmas record; however, Chicago's Saturday's Children were way too sophisticated to be called a garage band.
Here, the band (deeply influenced by the Beatles) melds "Deck The Halls" with Dave Brubeck's jazz standard "Take Five' and turns it into a jazzy, quasi-psychedelic number that I almost guarantee will bring on some holiday cheer. This group had an incredible knack for harmonies, and tackle the tricky 5/4 time signature with ease making for the most hypnotic Christmas record I've ever heard. The other side is an exceptional holiday original showcasing their excellent group harmonies and songwriting skill.
I don't know what was in the water and air in Chicago & Detroit during the 60s, but whatever it was it propelled soul and rock music into the stratosphere, with massive amounts of high quality records being released.
from 1966...
Deck Five
Christmas Sounds
Hi Derek -
ReplyDeleteI've always loved 'Deck Five' but had never heard 'Christmas Sounds' before - thank you very much!
Intriguing - I hear what you mean about some musical sophistication being present - working out the harmonies, the arrangement, plus the fact that they based their version on a jazz tune! Thanks very much Derek.
ReplyDeleteHey Derek, I've been enjoying your blog for a little over a year now I think, thanks so much for doing it. Its amazing. I probably would never have the chance to hear most of this stuff otherwise. If you're interested I recorded a Christmas album with a whole bunch of bands from New Zealand, its a free download from my webiste www.littlemonsterstudio.co.nz. I'd really like for you to have it. Hope you're having a great lead up to Christmas.
ReplyDeleteWay too good to miss - thanks Derek and I'll pass this one along on my jazz blog.
ReplyDeleteLike Holly, I was familiar with "Deck Five" but this is the first time I have heard "Christmas Sounds". Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou know I looooooooooooove this one..
ReplyDeleteThey're playing Take Five in 6/8! Still a cool record . . .
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