Fed up yet of ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ and ‘Sleigh Ride’… even a tad bored of ‘This Christmas’? Though it’s not yet December, I’m guessing the answer’s a big, big yes… so if that’s the case may we recommend something totally different to get you into the Festive Mood?

German label, Tramp Records has just released a remarkable 16 track Christmas album – ‘Santa’s Funk And Soul Christmas Party’. It features mainly unknown soul artists on a set of Christmas songs that are a million miles from the traditional festive musical fayre… try Don Smith’s ‘Black Christmas’ to hear what I mean. Then there’s a remarkable ‘Snowman Stomp’ from Steve Gray. I know nothing about Mr Gray save that he plays cool Hammond and his band swing behind in wonderful soul-jazz mood. Best known name on the album is Pearl Bailey – her contribution is a wonderfully infectious cha-cha version of ‘Jingle Bells’. It’s guaranteed to get feet tapping as is the Northern flavoured ‘Snow’ from Tina Roberts while The Rev T L Barrett and his Gospel Choir work some special magic on another version of ‘Jingle Bells’. Like I said… “totally different” – but highly recommended!

SANTA’S FUNK AND SOUL CHRISTMAS PARTY vol. 2′ is out now on TRAMP RECORDS… more info www.TRAMPRECORDS.com