As a former horn player, I listen to as much French horn music as I can get. I love the big orchestras and bands, but there’s always been a special place in my heart for small ensembles. Things like woodwind quintets, brass trios, and brass quintets. One of my favorite brass quintets is the Canadian Brass.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love holiday music. I’ve posted about it here quite a bit, but I listen to nothing but holiday music from Thanksgiving through Christmas. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions. This year, A Canadian Brass Christmas is the clear winner for most played.
That’s likely because the CD is new to me. I found it at a used record shop for $1.99. I probably overpaid by $.99 but it was totally worth it. I’m enjoying it so much.
It’s an album that my mom had when I was a kid. We used to listen to it every year. That means there’s a ton of nostalgia whenever I hear it, but that’s not all there is to it. The songs are mostly great, and the playing is gorgeous. The arrangements are wonderful. They even make “The Little Drummer Boy” worth listening to.
So, if you have an extra buck or two in your pocket, see if you can track down a copy. Or pretend it’s almost 2024 and find it online. Either way it will make your holiday brighter.
