Various Artists

Real Gone Music reissues Merry Christmas, Baby, one of the earliest compilations of Christmas music singles.  Originally issued in 1956 and subtitled Intimate Christmas Music for Young Lovers, the R&B album was released on the independent Hollywood Records and takes its name from the 1947 Charles Brown hit which it features.  Johnny's Moore's Blazers contribute another four songs to the compilation and the Jackson Trio (brothers Eugene and Freddie Jackson and a rotating third musician) add another two holiday compositions.  Another hit on the album is Lowell Fulson's "Lonesome Christmas (Parts 1 and 2)."  Also included is Jimmy Witherspoon's "Christmas Blues".  In 1954, Hollywood released it on a single paired with another song:  Mabel Scott's "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," which is an additional track on the compilation.  Scott recorded the song in 1947 and it earned a top 15 berth on the R&B chart.  Real Gone's reissue is the first ever appearance of the original album on CD.  It has been remastered by Mike Milchner at SonicVison and features liner notes by Bill Dahl.