Babs Gonzales - Be Bop Santa Claus - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Babs Gonzales was a Beat poet who became one of the premier jazz vocalists of the be-bop era; famous for penning the Dizzy Gillespie song InchOop-Pop-A-Da.Inch from 1950 to 1953, Babs was a vocalist for the James Moody band and later played and recorded with such luminaries as Jimmy Smith, Sonny Rollins, Benny Green and Johnny Griffin, among others. On the rare 1955 recordings presented here, Babs is backed by organist Teddy Brannon, along with an unknown tenor sax and drummer. All selections newly remastered.

Babs Gonzales was a Beat poet who became one of the premier jazz vocalists of the be-bop era; famous for penning the Dizzy Gillespie song InchOop-Pop-A-Da.Inch from 1950 to 1953, Babs was a vocalist for the James Moody band and later played and recorded with such luminaries as Jimmy Smith, Sonny Rollins, Benny Green and Johnny Griffin, among others. On the rare 1955 recordings presented here, Babs is backed by organist Teddy Brannon, along with an unknown tenor sax and drummer. Includes the classic, InchBe-Bop Santa Claus.Inch All selections newly remastered.

Benny Barksdale Jr. Began his love affair with the saxophone in his native Baltimore, Maryland - studying music since he was a young lad, prompted by his drummer father. He advanced from his Douglas High School band to various bands in the Baltimore area, eventually forming his own band, which was put on hold when he enlisted in the US Army. Upon his return home from a tour of duty in Vietnam, he was enlisted by Philly soul icons The Dells, which led to extensive studio work as his reputation as a gifted, reliable sax man grew. Over the years he has performed with the late Grover Washington, Jr., Evelyn ChampagneInch King, Gloria Gaynor, Phyllis Hyman, jazz organist Jimmy McGriff, The Crests, The Manhattans, Gary U.S. Bonds and others. His association with the renowned InchChops HornsInch led him to tour with Alicia Keys, leading to his appearance on the 2002 Grammy Awards Show and his inclusion on Alicia Keys'hit album, Songs In A Minor - Collector's Edition, released in 2011. Album Tracks 1. O Christmas Tree 2. Christmas Time Is Here 3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 4. Where Are You Christmas? 5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 6. I'll Be Home for Christmas 7. White Christmas 8. Jingle Bell Rock 9. O Holy Night 10. The Christmas Song