Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Our good friends at Document Records are, of course, renowned for their exhaustive reissue campaign of pre-war blues and gospel. This 2CD compilation extends their musical sweep further so as well as getting ancient classics from the likes of Blind Lemon Jefferson, the Heavenly Gospel Singers and Blind Blake there is a welter of post-war gems from such luminaries as rock 'n' roll pioneer Chuck Berry ("Run Rudolph, Run"), doowop giants The Orioles ("Oh Holy Night") and The Voices featuring boogie giant Professor Longhair ("Santa Claus Boogie"). Many of the songs here are of course secular but there is a reasonable smattering of "real" Christmas songs while the pre-war sermonette by Rev A W Nix "Begin A New Life On Christmas Day" is as evangelical a message as you're likely to hear at Christmastime. All in all, the 44 tracks presented here are hugely enjoyable and this album is a wonderful alternative to the yuletide schlock white Christendom gives us every year.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.