A Gulf Coast Christmas

Various

Gulf Coast Records

Gulf Coast Records was founded by Mike Zito and Guy Hale in 2018. In a relatively short period of time the label has amassed a fine roster of blues artists. Like other labels have done in the past, Gulf Coast Records has created a holiday album that can be enjoyed this year and for many years to come. The sixteen tracks include beloved Christmas covers and inspired originals.

Mike Zito, guitar and vocals; kicks off the holiday festivities with his original; Zito plays slide as he sings “you got you another man, all I Got For Christmas Is The Blues”.

In early 2020 Kat Riggins released her Gulf Coast Records album “Cry Out”; Riggins includes “It Ain’t Christmas” an out-of-print tune she originally released as a cd single in 2018. Other originals include Diana Rein’s “Ring The Bells”; Mark May and Miss Molly’s duet on “The Bluest Christmas”; Le Roux performing “Who The Baby Daddy?”, and Thomas Atlas’ funky Christmas Is Cancelled”.

Selected covers include Albert Castiglia’s fabulous version of “Somebody Stole My Christmas” first recorded by Lefty Dizz in 1979. Kevin Burt performing “Please Mr. Santa Claus” written and recorded by “the crazy Cajun” Huey P. Meaux in 1990.     Billy Price with his version of “Christmas Comes But Once A Year” written and recorded by Amos Milburn in 1960; and Jimmy Carpenter wailing on his saxophone as he sings Clarence Carter’s “Back Door Santa” from 1968.

Tony Campanella brings us Sir Mack Rice’s “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’” first recorded by Albert King in 1974. Johnny Moore’s “Merry Christmas, Baby” written in 1947, is sung by John Blues Boyd, with an assist from guitarist Kid Anderson and his wife vocalist Lisa Anderson. Odds Lane chose Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s “Santa Claus is Back In Town” recorded by Elvis in 1965. The duo of Sayer and Joyce sing Charles Brown’s classic “Please Come Home For Christmas”.

My favorite “Blue Christmas” was sung by Elvis in 1965; and is featured here with The Proven One’s Anthony Geraci on piano, Kid Ramos on guitar, and vocalist Brian Templeton. While the closer is another from our jolly Zito as he treats us to Chuck Berry’s “Run, Rudolph, Run”.

These are some of the nicest musical gifts of the season. Share them with someone you love.

Richard Ludmerer

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