HOT CLUB OF SPOKANE
Now Available! Hot Club of Spokane's Christmas Album,
"It's A Spokane Christmas!"
It's a Spokane Christmas! A holiday program of Christmas music for dancing and dreaming, recorded by Hot Club of Spokane, and brought to you by The Cork District and Nostalgia Magazine.
2017 marks the 75th anniversary of Bing Crosby's magnificent recording of White Christmas, which has become the highest selling single of all-time, in any genre, with over 100 million copies sold.
"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know..." Bing Crosby grew up in Spokane's Gonzaga neighborhood where he played baseball in the streets and swam in the millpond. In winters, he skated on frozen lakes, and no doubt, later in life, whenever he sang his famous hit song, White Christmas, he recalled many Spokane Christmases covered in snow.
Hot Club of Spokane began recording "It's A Spokane Christmas" back in 2011, upon the 70th anniversary of Bing's first ever public performance of White Christmas, which aired on the radio Christmas Day, 1941, just two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
"It's A Spokane Christmas" features 18 songs, many of which are connected to our historic Spokane jazz icons, Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey, and Al Rinker. Several have special "Spokane and Coeur d'Alene" treats for our hometown audience!
Featured guest, Howard Crosby
White Christmas is included on the album in honor of its 75th anniversary. Hot Club of Spokane's rendition is based on an authentic 1942 Irving Berlin publishing company arrangement, adapted by our own David Larsen, and features Bing Crosby's nephew, Howard Crosby, singing lead!
"It's A Spokane Christmas" also features Hot Club of Spokane's outstanding vocalists, Abbey Crawford, Rachel Aldridge, Jace Fogleman, and the Croskrey Sisters, Cady and Mikaella.
Instrumentalists on the album include:
Michael Harrison, trumpet and trombone
Robert Folie, alto/bari sax
David Larsen, alto/tenor/bari sax and clarinet
Christopher Moyer, tenor/bass sax and clarinet
David Fague, tenor sax
Matthew Henson, alto/tenor sax
Steve Bauer, lead guitar
Mikaella Croskrey, violin
Kim Plewniak, bass
Patrick Morgan, bass
Brendan Cesaratto, drums
Cady Croskrey, rhythm guitar
Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
Special guest performance by classical guitarist, Paul Grove, on Ave Maria.
Special guest performances by Dusty Thomas (tenor sax), Huckleberry Palmer (trombone), Chuck Sahagian (trombone), and David Cooper (trumpet) on White Christmas.
Find the new Hot Club of Spokane Christmas Album, "It's A Spokane Christmas!" at all Rosauers and Super 1 Foods locations starting on November 23rd, or buy online using any of the options in our list of rewards.
Digital Liner Notes for "It's A Spokane Christmas!" are available online here.
Our Sponsors
Generous financial support of this project has been provided by The Cork District in Spokane, Washington, and promotional support has been provided by Nostalgia Magazine. Please join us in gratitude for these local businesses and their ongoing support of the arts and humanities in our community.
Support This Project
Digital Download - "It's A Spokane Christmas!"
$10
Download the digital version of "It's A Spokane Christmas" through Bandcamp. You'll receive all 18 songs, plus a digital booklet with liner notes and other information about Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey, Al Rinker, and other fun info about Christmases in Spokane!
Order a physical copy of Hot Club of Spokane's Christmas Album, "It's A Wonderful Christmas!"
Our CD will be packaged with a 4-panel CD wallet! Digital liner notes are available online for your reading pleasure!
NOTE: CDs are now ready, and they will be shipped within 48 hours of your order.
NOTE: Domestic shipping only. Sorry, but we're not able to ship internationally at this time.
Get a two album bundle: Our new Christmas album with our 2015 debut! "Now You Has Jazz" was recorded in 2015, and includes 12 tracks that celebrate Spokane's jazz icons, Bing Crosby, Mildred Bailey, and Al Rinker. Get both albums for one low price!
Digital liner notes for our Christmas album are available for your reading pleasure!
NOTE: CDs are now ready, and they will be shipped within 48 hours of your order.
NOTE: Domestic shipping only. Sorry, but we're not able to ship internationally at this time.
Program
1. It's A Spokane Christmas Greeting
Our Master of Ceremonies, Tom McArthur, kicks off "It's A Spokane Christmas!" with a special greeting.
2. Cool Yule (1953)
(Steve Allen/arranged by David Larsen) Abbey Crawford, lead vocals; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, reeds; Kim Plewniak, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
3. What Will Santa Claus Say (When He Finds Everybody Swingin') (1936)
(Louis Prima/arranged by David Larsen) Jace Fogleman, lead vocals; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, alto sax; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Robert Folie, bari sax; Kim Plewniak, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (1944)
(Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Rachel Aldridge, lead vocals; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Fague, tenor sax; Christopher Moyer, tenor sax; Robert Folie, bari sax; Kim Plewniak, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
5. Zat You, Santa Claus? (1953)
(Jack Fox/arranged by Kirby Shaw) Abbey Crawford, lead vocals; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Michael Harrison, trumpet/trombone; Christopher Moyer, tenor/bass sax; Robert Folie, bari sax; Kim Plewniak, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
6. Bing Crosby's 5th Gold Record
In 1943, soldiers were far from home, and Bing Crosby sang exactly what they felt, especially at Christmas.
7. I'll Be Home For Christmas (1943)
(Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Jace Fogleman, lead vocals; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Patrick Morgan, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
8. A Cold Winter in 1937
Tom McArthur introduces you to Mildred Bailey's only known holiday recording.
9. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (1937)
(Irving Berlin/arranged by Matthew Henson) Abbey Crawford, lead vocals; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, bari sax; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Kim Plewniak, bass; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
10. Christmas Night in Hillyard (1934)
(Raymond Scott, Mitchell Parish/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Garrin Hertel, Michael Harrison, and David Fague, lead vocals; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Fague, tenor sax; Robert Folie, bari sax; Christopher Moyer, clarinet; Kim Plewniak, bass; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
11. Winter Wonderland (1934)
(Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Cady Croskrey, lead vocals; Mikaella Croskrey, violin and harmony vocals; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Patrick Morgan, bass; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
12. Everybody Eats When They Come to My House (1948)
(Cab Calloway and Ralph Burns/arranged by David Larsen) Abbey Crawford, lead vocals; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, reeds; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Robert Folie, bari sax; Patrick Morgan, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
13. Ave Maria, featuring Paul Grove (1826)
(Franz Schubert) Jace Fogleman, lead vocals; Paul Grove, guitar
14. Bing Crosby on White Christmas
In 1966, Bing shares some profound wisdom on the deeper meaning of White Christmas. More than just snow. More than just a holiday.
15. White Christmas, featuring Howard Crosby (1942)
(Irving Berlin/arranged by Jack Mason, adapted for Hot Club of Spokane by David Larsen) Howard Crosby, lead vocals; Cady and Mikaella Croskrey, harmony singing; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Cooper, trumpet; Huckleberry Palmer, trombone; Chuck Sahagian, trombone; David Larsen, reeds; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Dusty Thomas, tenor sax; Patrick Morgan, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
16. Go Tell It On the Mountain (circa 1865)
(John Wesley Work, Jr./arranged by Matthew Henson and Hot Club of Spokane) Rachel Aldridge, lead vocals; Cady and Mikaella Croskrey, background vocals; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, bari sax; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Patrick Morgan, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
17. Make Believe That You're In Love With Me (1953)
(Alton Rinker, Chuck Lowery/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Cady Croskrey, lead vocals; Mikaella Croskrey, violin and harmony vocals; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Patrick Morgan, bass; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
18. Jingle Bells (1857)
(James Lord Pierpont/arranged by Matthew Henson) Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, tenor/alto sax/clarinet; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Kim Plewniak, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
19. Baby, It's Cold Outside (1944)
(Frank Loesser/arranged by David Fague) Rachel Aldridge and David Fague, lead vocals; Michael Harrison, trumpet; Christopher Moyer, clarinet; David Fague, tenor sax; Kim Plewniak, bass; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
20. Sleigh Ride (1949)
(Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Abbey Crawford, lead vocals; Mikaella Croskrey, violin; Steve Bauer, lead guitar; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Larsen, bari sax/clarinet; Matthew Henson, tenor sax; Patrick Morgan, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, drums; Cady Croskrey, rhythm guitar; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
21. The Little Drummer Boy (1941)
(K.K. Davis/arranged by Matthew Henson) Rachel Aldridge, lead vocals; Mikaella Croskrey, violin; Michael Harrison, trumpet; Matthew Henson, tenor/alto sax; Robert Folie, bari sax; Patrick Morgan, bass; Brendan Cesaratto, snare; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
22. White Christmas - Bonus Track (1942)
(Irving Berlin/arranged by Hot Club of Spokane) Rachel Aldridge, lead vocals; Michael Harrison, trumpet; David Fague, tenor sax; Kim Plewniak, bass; Garrin Hertel, rhythm guitar
CD Release Events
Northwest of New Orleans, December edition
12/12/17
Doors at 7pm. Show at 7:30pm
Our monthly jazz variety show at the Bartlett in December is our official CD release event! Come hear live renditions of the music on the CD, along with hot jazz favorites from our New Orleans repertoire.
Strictly Swing Third Friday Dance
12/15/17
Dance lesson at 7pm. Live music at 8pm
We'll have more information about this event soon!