Christmas Is Coming; Time for It’s Santa Claus with Ben Rudnick & Friends
Massachusetts-based Ben Rudnick & Friends are known for the spirited holiday shows with which they have wrapped up the past ten years. Frequently asked, “Do you have a Holiday CD?,” they would sadly answer “No...” Well, it’s “no” no longer. With the release of It’s Santa Claus , the group has put together a collection of popular Christmas tunes along with their original song, “It’s Santa Claus.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking...”Bob...you hate Christmas music.” That’s not entirely accurate--what I hate is hearing the same old songs done in the same old style over and over and over. I admit I’ve been Silent Nighted to death and if I hear one more rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” I will probably go on a murderous rampage (...heh heh...only kidding...heh).
What can I say? Thank you, Santa, for the early stocking stuffer--that’s what. The original song, “It’s Santa Claus” is in a class with Christmas favorites like “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Speaking of those two rotund fellows, they are both featured on this disc, along with “Jingle Bells,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Let It Snow,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and “Greensleeves.”
I’ve always dreaded New Years Eve (not just because that was the date of my first wedding); I have auldlangsyneophobia, which is the morbid fear of hearing “Auld Lang Syne.” The melody isn’t so bad, but it’s always done in this weepy, nostalgic style that borders on depressing. Since aversion therapy is not for me (I went to Disneyworld and still have itsasmallworldafterallophobia), I was thrilled to hear Ben Rudnick & Friends’ delightful bluegrass version of this old chestnut. The opening bars are the old, sad song, but then they shake it up and I love it.
The closing song, “Greensleeves,” gets a similar treatment with a restrained opening; it then takes flight in what can best be described as “newgrass,” blue grass with an attitude. “Jingle Bells” is accompanied by a wailing sax, and “Let It Snow” is so cheery and harmonious it’s almost campy. Even “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has been revivified and given some soul.
Yes, I still dread going shopping between November 1 and December 24; the piped-in stale Christmas standards tends to bring out the Scrooginess. But now there’s Christmas music that I can enjoy while I rock around my pink Christmas tree--It’s Santa Claus.
Bottom Line: Would I buy It’s Santa Claus ? Very merrily, I would (probably download the MP3). Release date: November 2.
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