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Cool holiday compilations can be a hoot! Such is the case with Happy Holidays from Paradiddle Records (volume one). Like any fine compilation, the release combines inspired music of gloriously diverse sorts--rock, blues, folk, rockabilly, pop, vocals, instrumentals, and the kitchen sink.

Paradiddle Records, a Long Island-based company, naturally showcases its local musicians' creative interpretations of holiday favorites (and two brand new tunes). The album serves up a little bit of almost everything; professionally-executed presentations range from the delicate acoustic guitar rendering of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Joseph Fogarazzo) and sweet Celtic flutes on Silent Night (Johnny Cuomo) to the snazzy, smokin' opener Winter Wonderland (Cadillac Moon) and the weirdly synth-rockin' Jingle Bells (The Ghosts of Electricity). Cantor Judith Merrick enriches the mix with a very traditional Rock of Ages, singing in English and Hebrew. Although everything has merit, my favorite cut was probably the Little Wilson Duo's Boogie Woggie Santa with its throbbing bass line and raspy vocals.

In sum, Happy Holidays from Paradiddle Records provides all sorts of surprises as one navigates from track to track; the variety is refreshing and entertaining. I like the ambition of any group that issues its first seasonal recording as volume one--what new holiday musical treats might Long Island serve up next year?

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Executive Producers: Bill Herman & Tom Crawford


From the Website:

Paradiddle Records (2006)
Come celebrate the holidays with Paradiddle Records with Happy Holidays from Paradiddle Records. Some of Long Island's top talent is featured on this CD doing their take on some of your holiday favorites. Happy Holidays from Paradiddle Records also debuts two new original holiday songs-"Christmas Eve" by Revolver and "A Christmas Letter" by Chairman WOW.
It makes a great gift for the music lover in your family!

Various Artists

Happy Holidays from Paradiddle Records

Artist link

Track List