2022 marks the 27^th anniversary of one of my favorite Christmas albums of all time, Black Top Records Presents: Blues, Mistletoe and Santa’s Little Helper. In many ways this album represents the absolute apex of the 80’s and 90’s blues revival and the zenith of one of that era’s most iconic symbols, The Black Top Records label out of New Orleans. Peace on earth and goodwill in the record business were the order of the day. Hammond and Nauman Scott’s Black Top Records was in the right place at the right time, recording the right songs, the right way, with the right musicians.

Starting in 1981 with its very first release of Dallas, Texas, based Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets’, Talk to You By Hand, the independent label seemed to quickly find its footing and became an almost instantly identifiable brand. They developed a house sound that to this day is the envy of the industry.

All of this is on display with the label’s October, 1995, release, Blues, Mistletoe & Santa’s Little Helper. Any Christmas compilation that starts out with Earl King and closes with the “Titan of the Telecaster,” Bill Kirchen, is of course an eclectic treat. This fifteen track collection features tunes by Lynn August, Bobby Parker, Big Joe and the Dynaflows and Rick Holmstrom who all make strong contributions to this CD.  

A real holiday treat is the magic that Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets featuring Sam Meyers bring to the album. A full three songs sprinkled throughout the CD feature this great ensemble. Two originals Sam’s Christmas Blues and Young Girls Drive Me Wild (At Christmas), as well as their take on Lowell Fulson’s Lonesome Christmas help to make this label comp something more than just a way to cash in on the holiday market.

Like so much of Blacktop Records output, great back up musicians helped to distinguish the label’s releases from the competition. On various tracks both the New Orleans crew, as well as their counterparts from the Austin, Texas, scene are in full effect. They are led here, as was often the case, by reed man Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff. On Good King Wenceslaus, Kaz plays alto, tenor and baritone sax. The drumming of Marc Wilson helps to set the song apart from any arrangement you have heard of this traditional holiday favorite. Kaz returns with a band billed as The Well Hung Ornaments on Blue Christmas. They are bassist Larry Fulcher, drummer A.D. Manion, Floyd Domino on keyboards, Tom Principato on guitar and Saint Nick Connolly on keyboards and vibes.

Bassist George Porter Jr. anchors the various sessions recorded in New Orleans. One of these is by Houston based sax man Grady Gaines and the Texas Upsetters. The band features Black Top recording star and former Duke/Peacock session guitarist Clarence Holliman.

Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers perform an original entitled, No More Pretty Presents. The band features the “classic” Mighty Flyer line-up with Bill Stuve on bass and drummer Jimi Bott. Guitarist Alex Schultz and Miss Honey on piano are on board with Rod leading the charge on vocals and harmonica.

As I revisited this album it was great to hear a tune by Mike Morgan and the Crawl featuring the vocals of Lee McBee. The original tune written by McBee and Morgan entitled, Christmas in Paradise is yet another high point on Blues, Mistletoe & Santa’s Little Helper.

From 1981 through 1999, Black Top Records helped to shape and define the largest blues revival in history. For a vast majority of people music represents some sort of nostalgia and a connection to the past where we view the good old days with rose colored glasses. For many of us who meet up here at the JUNCTION, music is much more of a vital part of our everyday lives. Yet for me nothing pulls on those nostalgic impulses like Christmas time and the halcyon days of Black Top Records.

What helped to make this release an exciting event was the fact that none of the tracks on this album had been previously issued in any format and 20 years later that is still the case. This album has never been re-issued and is now long out of print.

The good news is through an exclusive arrangement with Bluebeat Music, BLUES JUNCTION is making this album available to our readers as a premium thank you gift for a $20.00 donation. You will get same day, free shipping. This is a first come, first served offer as limited quantities are available.

The brand new CD comes in a “jewel box” with a six panel insert that includes track by track detailed, comprehensive recording information and original album artwork. Remember, “You don’t want no MP3 under your Christmas tree and don’t need no Pandora under your Menorah.”

- David Mac

To get your own copy of this rarely available CD click here and put in the note "I want my stocking stuffer" - >

(Make sure to include your address and Merry Christmas from Santa and BLUES JUNCTION)