Más!

Yuletide is always a bit frantic at the ARChive, what with publications looking to photograph things like the original cover of Gene Autry's, "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer," (it only exists as a promotional single, but the LP cover is nice but boring, and wouldn't you rather have Gene's, "Santa's Comin' In a Whirlybird," from 1959?), or an ad agency representing an athletic shoe company wondering if there are any relevant footwear songs? ( yes: "My Santa in Tennis Shoes" by Little Peggy on Dot and maybe, just maybe, "Barefoot Santa Claus.") The ARChive is a not-for-profit reference library that preserves two copies of all non-classical recordings issued since 1950. While this task is a pleasantly impossible one, most record companies contribute to our library and music industry people realize that the ARChive is a primary source able to supply whatever they need.

While involved in one of these annual Yuletide searches I came across Lord Nelson's, "A Party For Santa Claus," in a group of uncataloged singles (the ARChive has over 100,000). I loved it! This Calypso has all the qualities that make the genre so charming; the attention to language and phrasing within a tried and true musical structure, with topical observations presented in an unwinding story-form sprinkled with humor, exaggeration, and unexpected twists.

I had quite a few reggae Christmas songs, but I had never come across a calypso before. You pay attention to these things because everyone in New York expects you to come up with an even snappier, more obscure Christmas tape each year. Then I remembered a Christmas record from Guadeloupe and Martinique ("Noel Antilles") that I had bought in a Paris flea market a few years ago primarily for the graphics. Since all of the islands of the Caribbean have a Christian past (No, Jimmy Buffett did not bring the tradition to the region) and many remain devoutly so, Christmas recordings are fairly common. Soon I had the germ of an idea for a record and boxes and boxes of Christmas music from wet hot places. The result was MAS! A Caribbean Christmas Party on RYKOdisc and the following database of tropical tunes.

Hoping Santo Natale, Tonton Nwèl, Father Christmas, Papa Nöel, and Santa Claus won't pass you by this year. As they say in Haiti, "Ke fè cho ke fè frèt, se tout peyi sou Fèt" - "Whether it's warm or cold, every country celebrates."

B. George

last update, 9/8/99

1. artist / author
2. title of recording (single in quotes, sides of a single separated by a slash. If more than one cut per side on a single, sides separated by a double slash, //. If no info. after a slash it means we don't know what's on the other side.)
3. record company name, manufactures number, date published, disc size / format
4. notes (begins with country of origin, then comments)

Accolade de New York
Bonne Fete Papa
Josy, JR-006, 1990, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Haiti / NY. Punchy Christmas fun by 12 piece Haitian big band living in NYC.

Glen Adams
"Christmas Rock Reggae" / "1st XMas Version"
Straker's, GS 000, no date, 7", vinyl disc-single
Jamaica (?). Ordinaire A-side, great minimal B-side dub by The Blue Grass Inc.

Fernando Albuerne & the Coro de Madrigalistas
Christmas In Cuba
Captol, T 10165, 1970, 5", compact disc
Cuba. How can you argue with this pablum approach to songs like, "Amor en Navidad"?

Andy y Pellin Con El Gran Combo
Navidad en Venezuela
Gema, 3021, 1978, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico / Venezuela? Not really sure who Andy & Pellin are but they perform with one of the greatest salsa bands in the world, El Gran Combo from Puerto Rico.

Lucho Azcarraga
Navidades en Panama
Alta Fidelidad (Panama), LA-2001, n.d., 12", vinyl disc-LP
Panama's greatest organist playing traditional Western and Latin Holiday favorites.

Pearl Bailey
"Jingle Bells Cha, Cha, Cha" /
Roulette, 4206, 1959, 7", vinyl disc-single
Cuba via Tin Pan Alley

Lord Beginner
"Christmas Morning the Rum Had Me Yawning"
1938, 78 rpm
Trinidad. Probably one of the earliest Christmas Calypsos. No more data available.

Belize Police Band
Belize Police Band in Concert 1989
Sunrise, SUN 010, 1989, cassette
Compiled by author / Retro Afric head honcho Ronnie Graham. Ronnie worked as a UN here and set up the first recording studio and cassette plant in the country.

Jimmy Buffett
"Christmas In The Caribbean" / "Volcano"
Margaritaville /Island, PRCD 7127-2, 1995, 5", compact disc-single
From the independent kingdom of Margaritaville, it's the singing restauranteur with a tired try on this single. Also on his, The Parakeet Album.

Al Caiola
"Bossanova Noel"
United Artists, 50237, 1967, 7", vinyl disc-single
Brazil via NYC. Does this count?

Tony Camargo
"El Ano Viejo"
Tony is from where?

Mighty Chalkdust
"Something Salt" / "Christmas Coming"
Straker's, GS 01, 1977, 7", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad. Calypso from veteran educator.

The Chariot Riders
Christmas Song Book
self issued, 2016, 1979, 12", vinyl disc-Lp
Jamaica. Long reggae disco mixes.

Charo
"Donde Esta Santa Claus"
Salsoul, 7-2076, 1978, 7-inch, single
Cuba via NYC. Cugat protégé also issued this on 12" (201).

Jose Miguel Class
El Gallito de Manati
Ansonia, ALP 1396, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. A few X-mas aguinaldos (Puerto Rican carols) by over-the-top kid star.

Coco Tea
"Christmas Time" // "Coco Tea" / "Version"
Blue Mountain, BMO 14, 1984, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Inna' 12" Generic disco sleeve.

Willie Colon
Asalto Navideño
Fania, LP 7711, n.d., 12", vinyl disc-LP
New York / Cuba / Puerto Rico. With vocals by Hector LaVoe and Yomo Toro on cuatro, a small 8 or 10 stringed guitar. The original went platinum! This a Venezuela pressing in keeping with Fania's strange arrangements lately. John Storm Roberts says early 70s, gave Yomo his big break and launched his career. Contains the Panamanian flavored hit, "La Murga".

Willie Colon
Asalto Navideño Vol II
Fania, LPs 88.189, 1973, 12", vinyl disc-LP
New York / Cuba / Puerto Rico. With Hector LaVoe and Yomo Toro. Venezuela pressing. Willie produced. "La Banda" the hit here.

Celia Cruz
"Fiesta de Navidad" /
Cuba / USA. Celia also has the LP, Festejando Navidad, (SEECO, SCLP 9317), but haven't heard.

Oscar D'Leon with La Critica
La Critica
Top Hits, TH-AM-2149, 1981, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Venezuela. Oscar sings with the group, La Critica.

Oscar D'Leon
Navidad
Top Hits, 102-07574, 1989, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Venezuela.

The de Paur Chorus
Calypso Christmas
Columbia, CL 923, n.d., 12", vinyl disc-Lp
USA? "In '360' hemispheric sound". Totally inauthentic drivel, most songs coined by a Jester Hairston.

Doogs (with Shawney)
"Santa's In Jamaica"
NCC, 0045-4, 1994, cassingle
Lame synth-reggae from kids in NJ.

Dr. John
"Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant"
1995
USA. Another "Greater Caribbean" entry in stilted French. I've been avoiding all the Louisiana entries I've accumulated - a mistake?

Doogs (with Shawney)
"Santa's In Jamaica ('95 remix)" / "Regrets"
Nicolette, NCC 0045-4, 1995, cassingle
Jamaica. In green cassette case and paper wrapper.

Dynamic Super Stars
Christmas In the Tropics
Dynamic, DY 3341, 1973, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. A Byron Lee project.

Eek-A-Mouse
The Very Best of Eek-A-Mouse
Greensleeves (UK), GRELCD 105, 1987, 5", compact disc
Jamaica. Has the cut "Christmas A Come".

Enchanters
"Mambo Santa Mambo" /
Decca (Coral), 1957, 10", 78 rpm, disc-Single
Cuba via NYC. .

Cheo Feliciano
Pinceladas Navideñas
CDT, CDTCD 1095, [1999?], 5", compact disc
Puerto Rico.

Jose Feliciano
"Feliz Navidad" / "The Little Drummer Boy'
RCA, 74-0404, 1970, 7-inch, single
Puerto Rico via NYC. Re-issued RCA Gold Standard series 447-0936 in 1973. Lotsa other artists also performed this classic that along with "Cumbiya" is one of the most irritating songs ever writ.

Felix del Roasario
Parrandas Navidenas
Sony Discos, CDB-80892, 1992, 5", compact disc
Dominican Republic. Merengues.

Terry Fell
"We Wanna See Santa Do The Mambo" / "Let's Stay Together Till After Christmas"
RCA, 4X-0069, 1954, 10", 78 rpm, disc-Single
Cuba via NYC.

R. Sanchez Ferrer
Noëls Cubains
JAG, 050001, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Cuba. French pressing. Lyric string treatment.

Priscilla Flores
Navidad
Ansonia, ALP 1371, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. Great female singer.

Vinicio Franco
Merengues Navidad
Ansonia, SALP 1501, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
20 Años de Exitos
Combo, 1982, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico.

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
25th Anniversary 1962 -1987
Combo, RCSLP 2050-3, 1987, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico.

Eddie Gustave
Special Noel Antillais
Eddy'son Consortium Mondial, K-4235, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Guadeloupe via Paris. Medley, the entire side two, "Il est ne le Divin Enfant" is on MAS!. Jocelyne Berouar of Kassav sings on the record. Released later with the same # and cover (w/o black outlines of photos) by Saxone Distribution, also owned by Mr. Gustave.

Derrick Harriott
Original Reggae Christmas Songbook
Crystal, CLP 18, 1991, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica?

Judge Dread
"Jingle Bells" / "Christmas in Dreadland"
Creole (UK), CRT 5, 1988, 12", vinyl disc-Single
UK. Music hall drinking sot parody in reggae tempo. Also on Rhino here in US?

Kalyan
"Christmas Bacchanal" // "Fir Trees" / "Alma Llanera"
Spice, SK003, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-Single
Trinidad. A. side: Disco-Calypso. B side: soul disco and some sorta Latinish doodlepipers vocalizations.

Killigrew Children's Chorus
"Christmas Calypso"
Mont Music, MM103, 1982, 7", vinyl disc-single
UK. English kids singing inna' Trinidadian style. Heard at BBC Gramophone Library, UK.

Lord Kitchener
"Drink a Rum"
c. 1950, 78 rpm
Jamaica via UK. Recorded in the 50s while Kitch living in the UK, one of the earliest Christmas Calypsos. No more details - someone sent to me on a tape. Only earlier I've found so far is Beginner's, "Christmas Morning the Rum Had Me Yawning", from 1938!

Kofi
A Very Reggae Christmas
Atlantic, 82713-2, 1994, 5", compact disc
Ghana born reggae artist - standards worked lovers rock to dancehall.

Latin Express Band
Alegre y Bailable de Navidad
Capitol/EMI Latin, HIG-42177, 1989, 12", vinyl disc-LP

Latin Spice Band
Feliz Navidad
CBS International, DML-10503, 1987, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Dominican Republic via Miami. Merengue versions of old saws.

Hector Lavoe, Yomo Toro, Daniel Santos
Hector, Yomo, Y Daniel - Feliz Navidad
Fania, LPS 99.212, 1979, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Cuba, Puerto Rico, New York. The Fania crew minus Willie Colon and plus Johnny Pacheco and Milton Cardona. Venezuela pressing.

Byron Lee
Christmas party Time
Dynamic, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. The island's favorite Sino-Jamaican bar-bandster. Have also seen a copy on Soul Records, BLP-012.

Lissetto y la Tuna Universitaria
Navidad
Sony Discos, CDB-80891, 1992, 5", compact disc
Puerto Rico?

Elias Lopez / Trompeta con Trovadoras
Fiesta de Navidad
CDT, CDTCD 9182, [1999?], 5", compact disc
Puerto Rico.

Lord Creator
Pepper Pot Calypso -Songs Me Mama Never Taught Me
Calla, SC-1106, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidad. Many risqué songs by S. Francisco (Sparrow) and Lord Creator. "Wreck A Pum Pum" to the tune of "Little Drummer Boy".

Los Lobos
"Rudolph the Manic Reindeer"
1988
Not exactly Caribbean, but hey!, it's Christmas. Tex-Mex / LA Chicano rock w/ a great accordion.

Machel
Soca Santa (Parang) / Soca Santa (Instrumental)
Straker's Records, GS 2869, 1990, 12", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad. A side on MAS! Teen soca sensation. White generic 12" cover.

Carlos Malcolm
Christmas Reggae
Starwood, LP 502, 1975, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica.

Paul McCartney
"Wonderful Christmas" / "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reggae"
Columbia / MPL, 1-11162, 1979, 7", vinyl disc-single
UK. B-side is more of a Celtic football rave than an island ditty, but hey, look at that title!

The Merrymen
Christmas Party, Merrymen, 1040, n.d., cassette
Barbados. White Bajan nonsense, including, "Santa's Got a Sunburn."

Lisandro Meza
Grandes Exitos
Folklor (Colombia), 201494, 1984, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Colombia.

Jacob Miller / Ray I
Ital Christmas
Top Ranking, no number, no date, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Same as the RAS and Micron releases with a different cover.

Jacob Miller / Ray I
Natty Christmas
RAS Records, 3103, 1987, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. "Deck the Halls" on MAS! Cover on this one has Jacob in a Santa suit, holding B&W ganga plant, same photo verso in gray. The Canadian release on Micron (XMAS 1) has the same photo with the plant printed green. Originally released in Jamaica by Top Ranking Records, as "Ital Christmas" (no # or date) with ganja plant AND a christmas tree on the cover, all the dubs given proper & rightous names.

Marcia Miranda
Come Fly with Me
Strakers, GS 2330, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidad. Singing airline stewardess with cut "Run de Bread", being a term for how fast the cash is spent during the holiday season.

Lord Nelson
"A Party for Santa Claus" / "Merry Christmas To One and All"
Camille Records, no number, 1960s, 7", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad & Tobago / New York. "A Party for Santa Claus" on MAS! Camille now defunct. Nelson has also recorded for Shanachie.

Lord Nelson
Pepper
Charlie's, CR 264, 1980, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidad & Tobago / New York.

Pan Assembly
Christmas Album
Carotte, C00386, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidad. Various pannists including Earl Brooks, Clive Telemaque, Lyndon & Achee, Ken 'Professor' Philmore, Cary Codrington with The San JosŽ Serenaders and Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe. Not very pure: many other instruments and electronics used and most of these songs have vocals.

Frank Petty Trio
"Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Mambo"
MGM, 11869, 1954, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Cuba via NYC. Also issued as a 78!

Arnaud Poinvil
C'est Noel
Marc, MARC-299, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Haiti.

Manuela Pioche, Henri Debs and Guy Alcindor
Noël aux Antilles
Disques Debs (Guadeloupe), HDD 506, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Guadeloupe. Three master vocalists perform an assortment of biguins, mazurkas, marches and houmbas. Judging by one of the most beautiful covers ever, my guess is that this is from the 60s. Another gem from the Paris flea markets.

Ra John & the Rubba Dub Dub Band
"Christmas Calypso"
Bradley's (UK), BRAD 7622, 12/76, 7", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad / UK. Would have put this on MAS! if I could have located the master. very nice. Charlie Gillet thought artist was Ram Jon Holder, a 60s TV actor? Heard at BBC Gramophone Library, UK.

Ramito
78 Pueblos Borincanos
Ansonia, SALP 1575, 1989, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. A few aguinaldos by "El Cantor de la Montaña", who has many releases on Ansonia.

Maria Esther Robles aka Marìa D'Attili
Navidad
Ansonia, ALP 1215, date unknown, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. Don't own this, but a part of the Ansonia catalog.

Pete Rodriguez
Christmas Boogaloos
Alegre, SLPA 8610, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. Boogaloo (bugalù) was a R&B influenced Mambo style popular in NYC in the late 60's.

Les Rois Images
Joyeux Noel & Bonne Année
Bambou, LPB 008, 1983, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Guadeloupe.

Patricia Salas
Christmas In Latin America
A CD with Patricia Salas singing Christmas songs from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, & Cuba, plus a version of Jingle Bells in English. Haven't heard.

Salsoul Orchestra
Christmas Jollies
Salsoul, SZS 5507, 1976, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Philly & Puerto Rico? Non-stop Disco medleys. Get the early cover with the butt shot.

Salsoul Orchestra
Christmas Jollies II
Salsoul, SA 8547, 1981, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Philly & Puerto Rico? More non-stop Disco medleys w/ double the butts on the back.

Salsoul Orchestra
"Christmas Medley"
Salsoul, 384, 1982, 12", vinyl disc-single
Philly & Puerto Rico?

Salsoul Orchestra
"Deck The Halls" /
Salsoul, 7-2155, 1981, 7", vinyl disc-single
Philly & Puerto Rico? Also a 12" (358).

Salsoul Orchestra
"The Little Drummer Boy" / Christmas Time
Salsoul, 7-2077, 1978, 7", vinyl disc-single
Philly & Puerto Rico? Also seen year listed as 1978.

Salsoul Orchestra
"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" /
Salsoul, 2052, 1976, 7", vinyl disc-single
Philly & Puerto Rico?

Daniel Santos
Navidad en Puerto Rico
Fragoso, FLPS-589, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. Fabulous record with lotsa talking, great cuatro playing and out of tune singing.

Sharlene
"Santa"
Calypsocity, JMC 040, 1993, cassingle
Trinidad. Same song in English on one side, Spanish on the other by Sharlene Boodram.

Shinehead
"Reggae Christmas Medley" // "Hello Y'all" / "Golden Touch"
Elektra, ED 5421, 1989, 12", vinyl disc-single
Jamaica / New York. X-mas greetings from the Reggae rapper, taken from the LP, Unity.

Dan Simon
"Merry Christmas To You"
Urn, DS 006, 1991, 12", vinyl disc-Single
Jamaica.

Singing Francine
Share Your Love
Strakers, GS 2333, 1990, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidad. One relevant cut on this LP, "Christmas Joy (Parang)" by this female Soca star.

Singing Francine
"Xmas Is Here" / "Christmas In the West Indies"
Straker's, GS 00, no date, 7", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad.

La Sonora Dinamita
Navidades con la Sonora Dinamita
Discos Fuentes (Colombia), SOF-5669, 1988, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Colombia. Musica tropical orquesta popular in the 50s, 60s & 70s, originally based in Barranquilla, famous for their cumbias.

Sonora Matancera
Celebremos Noche Buena con...
Tropical, TRLP-5161, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Cuba. One of Cuba's best bands.

Sparks
"Message to Santa" / "Everyday Should Be Christmas Day"
Strakers, GS-O, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad. Generic sleeve. Soul ballad style. Labels marked 45 rpm, but really 33. NOT the UK band.

Sparrow ( Mighty )
Christmas Is Sparrow
National Records, NLP 4410, 1960's, 12", vinyl disc-Lp
Trinidad. Standards like "Rudolph" & "I Saw Mommy". When we asked him about this recording, Sparrow said, "More traditional stuff - I don't really remember these songs". Have also seen release called "Christmas with Sparrow" WIRL, Barbados. Same record? The book, Sparrow A-Z, lists title as "Christmas with Sparrow".

Sparrow ( Mighty )
Christmas with Sparrow
WIRL (Barbados), W-286, 1988, 12", vinyl disc-Lp
Not a hint of Calypso / Caribbean influence with no vocal character or charm. Avoid! This may be the same as "Christmas Is Sparrow".

Joseph Spence
Joseph Spence: Living On the Hallelujah Side
Rounder , CD 2021, 1989 , 5", compact disc
Bahamas. Cut "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" on MAS! Half of this recording made in a Cambridge living room, at a concert sponsored by the Boston Blues Society, Nov. 1972 and the remainder in the Bahamas in Aug., '78. O.K., not really the Caribbean, but close enough. High art from the legendary grunter and guitarist who Ry Cooder, Jerry Garcia and Taj Mahal proudly cite as an influence.

Carl St. Clair
Greetings to You
Trans Universal, TUR 004, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica / UK. Nine Reggae and one Soca song from Mr. St. Clair, of whom I know nada.

Tijuana Voices with Brass
Sing Merry Christmas
PICKWICK, SPCX-1005, n.d., 12", vinyl disc-LP
Mexico. Another near Caribbean release.

Various Artists
A Creole Christmas
Epic, 47045, 5", compact disc
Louisiana. Featuring Aaron Neville, Johnny Adams, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas and...???

Various Artists
A Reggae Christmas
RAS, RAS 3101, 1984, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Don Carlos, Glenice Spencer, June Lodge, Freddie McGregor, Michigan & Smiley, Peter Broggs, Pablo Black and Eek-A-Mouse. The whole gang joins for a medley of "We wish You A Merry Christmas". Good record. BBC Gramophone Lib lists release date as 3/86.

Various Artists
Bailables de Navidad y Ano Nuevo
Kubaney, SMT 486, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Dominican Republic. Christmas and New Year's dance music featuring Fajardo Y Sus Estrellas, Johnny Ventura, Jo Bertinetti, El Negrito Truman, Los Diplomaticos and Los Jovenes del Hierro.

Various Artists
Bailables de Navidad y Ano Nuevo Vol. 2
Kubaney, SMT 486, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Dominican Republic. More of the same with Johnny Ventura, Papa Molina, Los Diplomaticos, Los Pacificos, Trio Cancioneros del Norte and the Sweeties. I

Various Artists
Blue Mountain Christmas
Blue Mountain, , 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Don't own.

Various Artists
Bongo, Backra & Coolie. Jamaican Roots, Vol. 2
Folkways Smithsonian , FE 4232, 1975, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Has John Canoe / Junkanoo fife and drum bands, that, while not technically Christmas music, is only played during this Christmas tide festival. The Creole title references "Bongo", a person of African descent, "Backra", white person and "Coolie", any Asian or 'Hindustani'.

Various Artists
Calypso Christmas Package
Remoh (UK), RR 001, 1980, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidad / UK. Includes the instrumental "Christmas Medley" by Homer's Odyssey, one of my faves.

Various Artists
Caribbean Island Music (Songs and Dances Of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica)
Nonesuch, H-72047, 1972, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Dominican Republic. Cut "Mummiers" sung by Theophilus Chiverton, a charming greeting rhyme about Christmas. A nice collection by John Storm Roberts. We tried to license "Mummiers" cut from Mark Leviton, Warner Special Products, for the MAS! CD, but the power-mad twerp said, "We only license to other Majors. There's no reason to give you this song." The joy of Christmas is alive.

Various Artists
Charlie's Christmas
Charlies, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Trinidadian compilation.

Various Artists
Christmas In Jamaica
Studio One, , 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Don't own.

Various Artists
Christmas Party
12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Compilation produced by King Jammy.

Various Artists
Christmas Party with Eddie G.
Strike It Rich / Colombia, 46919, 1990, 5", compact disc
Jamaica. A very nice Ice Ska-ting instrumental here.

Various Artists
Christmas Stylee
Studio One, , 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Don't own.

Various Artists
Dance Hall Christmas
Wackies, 2746, 1988, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Sugar Minott, Horace Andy, Maxine Miller, Little George, Sluggy Ranks, Jerry Harris, Nahki, Mikey Jarrett, Sleepy Wonder, Marshal One, Governor Twos, Curry Don, Major Irie and James Bond & Sluggy. Japanese pressing from NEC, Japan.

Various Artists
Eight Stars for Christmas
Josiah Records (UK), JOSHLP 005, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica.

Various Artists
El Disco del Año, vol. 22
Zeida, 29921435, 1990, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Todo Caribe and Latin America. La Cheverisima, Binomio de Oro, Grupo Niche, The New York Band, Leo Rodriguez, La Identidad, El Combo de las Estrellas, Grupo Gorba Show, Hermandad Latina, Wilfredo Vargas and Juan Carlos Coronel.

Various Artists
Feliz Navidad te Desean
Sony Discos, CDB-80860, 1992, 5", compact disc
Puerto Rico?

Various Artists
Hip Holidays
Rock River / BMG Special Products, DRC 12276, 1998, 5", compact disc
Trinidad / USA. The relevant song here is from Mas! (an ARChive production), "A Party for Santa Clause" by Lord Nelson.

Various Artists
Hipsters' Holiday
Rhino, 70910, 5", compact disc
Cuba via USA. Only one cut here, but it's the one and only Big John Greer's version of "We Wanna See Santa Do the Mambo".

Various Artists
Kwanzaa Music (A Celebration of Black Culture in Song)
Rounder, CD 2133, 1994, 5", compact disc
'Christmas' season-y music on this compilation by Bahia Men, Bahia Black & Tabou Combo.

Various Artists
Let There Be Version
Trojan (UK), TRLS 280, 1991, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica via the UK. Cut "Christmas Rush" by Rupie Edwards. Pretty good instrumental dub with a hint of "Jingle Bells" on the melodia.

Various Artists
MAS! A Caribbean Christmas Party
Rykodisc, RCD 10150, 1992, 5", compact disc
All de islands. We did this. Lord Nelson, Lionel Benjamin, Carlene Davis & Trinity, Machel, Claudette et Ti Pierre, El Gran Combo, Jacob Miller and Ray I, Joseph Spence, and Eddy Gustave

Various Artists
Melodias Navideñas
Tropical, TRLP-5149, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico.

Various Artists
À More Mas! Santa...Please?
Ryko / ARChive, VCSX 0150, 1991, cassingle
Promo only release. Official X-mas gift by Ryko, Christmas 1991 along with a RYKO logo baseball cap. One song on each side, "A Party for Santa Clause" by Lord Nelson and "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town" by Joseph Spence.

Various Artists
Merry Cajun Christmas
Swallow, 6064, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Louisiana. There is also a Vol. 2, and both LPs are avail. on one CD.

Various Artists
Merry Christmas from Black Roots
Black Roots (UK), BRLP 008, 1/87, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Lui Lepki, Sugar Minott and Musical Youth. Heard at BBC Gramophone Library, UK.

Various Artists
Navidad en Cuba
Caney, CCD 901, [1999?], 5", compact disc
Cuba. Celia Cruz big gun here.

Various Artists
Navidad en el Tropico
Ansonia, ALP 1226, date unknown, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico. Don't own this.

Various Artists
Noche Buena en La Habana
Tumbao, TCD 401, [1999?], 5", compact disc
Cuba.

Various Artists
Noël aux Antilles
Philips (France), 434988, no date, 7", vinyl disc-single
Guadeloupe & Martinique. folkloric & acoustic. Fave cut "Noel Au Pays" a beguine by Barel Coppett & his Antilles Group w/ nice vocals by Stella Felix.

Various Artists
Plena Libra de Parranda en Navidad
A&F Productions, PLENA 444, [1999?], 5", compact disc
Puerto Rico.

Various Artists
Puerto Rican Music in Hawaii
Folkways Smithsonian , CD SF 40014, 1989, 5", compact disc
Puerto Rico via Hawaii! "Christmas Song in Composite Style: Asalto Navideño" by Los Caminantes. This song has the same title, and author as the Gran Combo cut on MAS!, but both geographically and musically worlds apart. Wacky and mysteriously bad release with badder notes.

Various Artists
Reggae Christmas
Wackies, 2745, 1988, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. 809 Band, Yamie Bolo, Tony Tuff, Tiger, White Mice, Junior Delgado, Desi Roots, Dean Fraser, Judy Mowatt and the Heptones. Japanese pressing from NEC, Japan.

Various Artists
Reggae Christmas
Profile, PRO-1422, 1991, 12", vinyl disc-single
Jamaica. Dancehall and Lover's Rock styles. Mickey Jarrett & Mikey General, King Ledgi & Super C, Frankie Paul, Anthony Malvo, Charmaine, Tiger, Red Fox, Trevor Sparks, Bobo General and Rula Brown.

Various Artists
Reggae Christmas From Studio One
Heartbeat, CD HB 118, 1992, 5", compact disc
Jamaica. Johnny Osbourne & the Family Group, Brent Dowe, Dillinger & the Brentford Harmonics, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Anton Ellis, Tennessee Brown & the Silvertones, Leslie Milliner & the Brentford All Stars, Dobby Dobson, Freddie McGregor and the Heptones.

Various Artists
Reggae Disco Mix Vol. 17: Christmas Songbook
Crystal, 2016, 1979, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Derrick Harriott, Tamlins, Joy White, Reasons and U-Brown singin' the trad. favorites.

Various Artists
Rub-A-Dub Christmas
Tuff Gong (Jamaica), 110074, 1985, cassette
Jamaica. Don't own.

Various Artists
Selekta Christmas
VP records, cassette
Jamaica. Don't own.

Various Artists
Sir Coxone's Family Album, Christmas Stylee
Studio One, 12", vinyl disc-Lp
Jamaica

Various Artists
Sounds of The Season
MCA , MCAD-6259, 1988, 5", compact disc
Trinidad via the majors. Some steel drummers on this basically new age item.

Various Artists
Taxi Gang Christmas
RAS , RAS 3102, 1992, compact disc
Jamaica. Sly & Robbie present: Junior Trinity Brammer, Beres Hammond, Karen Smith, The Tamlins, Viking Crew, Red Dragon, Taxi Gang and Nadine)

Various Artists
Trulla de Navidad Baguine
Folkways Smithsonian , FE 4533-A, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Puerto Rico?

Various Artists
Wackies Reggae Christmas
Wackies, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. Don't own.

Various Artists
World Christmas
Metro Blue, CDP 7243 8 36928 2 8, 1996, 5", compact disc
Relevant here are "Michaux Veillait-Santa Clause Is Coming To Town" by The Caribbean Jazz Project, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas-Rhumba Navideñe" by Vocal Sampling (Cuba), and "Cascabel (Jingle Bells)" by Nuyoricans Yomo Toro and The Boricua All Stars and Dave Valentin, and Ruben Blades (Panama).

Various Artists
Yard Style Christmas
Rave Music / MC Productions , no #, 1981, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Jamaica. The source for "Santa Clause (Do You Ever Come to the Ghetto)" by Carlene Davis with a dub by Trinity that is on MAS! Other artists include, The Tamlins, Barrington Levy, Home T., and Dean Fraser with the Jah Irie Chorus. LP was issued with both a white and green back cover. In the UK, the BBC Archive lists the LP as being issued by Creole records (CR-12-43), but I've never seen this.

Vik'in
Come-Back
Melodie, France, 9703, n.d., 12", vinyl disc-LP
Antillais. B side includes two versions of, "Noel aux Antilles."

Hugo Winterhalter
"Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Cha, Cha, Cha" / "The Christmas Song Cha Cha"
RCA Victor, 47-7397, 1958, 7", vinyl disc-Single
Cuba via NYC. Bland man band extraordinaire. Re-issued 1959 as Victor 47-7642.

Wizard
"Xmas Parang Amigos" / "Parang Saludos Jam"
Strakers, GS 005, no year listed, 12", vinyl disc-single
Trinidad. Soca disco parangs. Wizard is Godwin Brown.

Anne Zwing
Ahora es Mejor
Kuky (Colombia), 2027, no year listed, 90s ?, 12", vinyl disc-LP
Colombia. Relaxed soca - ish, meneito / dancehall, even a mild soukous on this one. One title, "El Bebe" begins with a musical reference to "Jingle Bells".