Byzantine King Cappella Romana featured

Wherein Byzantine Chant Meets Sarum Liturgy

CAPPELLA ROMANA uses its 30th album to honor a little-known occasion when the Byzantine Emperor celebrated Christmas at the English court in Eltham, circa 1400 A.D.
by David McGee
 

 
 
Jubilee Quartet featured

Fisk Jubilee Singers: From Whipping Post to Throne Room

The early struggles and ultimate triumph of the FISK JUBILEE SINGERS, as reported by JAMES M. TROTTER in his 1878 book profiling 'remarkable musicians of the colored race.' '
by David McGee
 

 

 
This America of Ours cover

The Land Remembers

A new biography resurrects the enduring achievements of conservation writer BERNARD DEVOTO and his activist wife AVIS.
by David McGee
 

 
 
me and the boss featured

Me and the Boss

MICHELLE EDWARDS's ME AND THE BOSS is subtitlted "A Story About Mending and Love." For young readers, it's so much more. Illustrations by APRIL HARRISON.
by David McGee
 

 

 
Peggy Lee Christmas Carousel cover

In Praise of Those Who Keep Christmas Well

Believe the Hype: Wherein we appraise four truly classic Christmas albums + one bonus, by ELLA FITZGERALD, PEGGY LEE, CHARLES BROWN, STAN KENTON & SIDNEY BECHET
by David McGee
 

 
 
Christmas in New York cover

Again the Heart With Rapture Glows

The NEW YORK CITY CHILDREN'S CHOIR summons the solemnity and joy of the Christmas season in CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK, a work of inestimable beauty
by David McGee
 

 

 
The Holly The Ivy Cover

The Holly & The Ivy: A Small Gem

A different kind of Christmas movie, no less moving for the nuanced role Christmas actually plays in the story. DVD now available.
by David McGee
 

 
 
Marian Consort Lusitanio cover

Lusitano: The First Known Black Composer, Acknowledged With Luminous Clarity

THE MARIAN CONSORT resurrects the Motets of VICENTE LUSITANO, the first known Black composer and a highly regarded 16th Century music theorist.
by David McGee
 

 

 
Judith Durham Christmas cover

Somewhere There is Morningtown, Many Miles Away

Holiday albums by THE SEEKERS and JUDITH DURHAM praised and appraised. God bless us all, every one!
by David McGee
 

 
 
sinatra christmas songs baedeker 240x240 1

The Deep Roots Yuletide Baedeker v2022

It's back! The Deep Roots 2022 Yuletide Baedeker is updated and ready for prime time.
by David McGee
 

 

 
civil war christmas

Ought It Not To Be a Merry Christmas?

CHRISTMAS DURING THE CIVIL WAR: 'Even with all the sorrow that will forever hang, over so many households; ought it not to be, and is it not, a merry Christmas?'
by David McGee
 

 
 
Chris Ruggiero Christmas With

The Heart of the Matter

Pop, soul and doo-wop come together on 23-year-old CHRIS RUGGIERO's first Christmas album. Underneath Ruggiero's impressive voice is something else: pure, unadulterated heart.
by David McGee