A small group of the musically inclined could just be a band of brothers, but a roomful of instrument wielders needs organization.
In “The Miracle of Music” one is led out of the London weather into a secret performance. Minutes later, I found myself in a Christmas symphony/A magnificent orchestra playing from the balcony. R+B and rap from Lily Amis, Thir13een. And then I woke up.
AI “Jingle Bell Christmas Bell Ring” credits Faylin, Pasoed Saichaem for existing. In this menagerie of fanciful celebration Let the orchestra lead the festive march. A marching orchestra?? Silly pop.
In the indie “This is Christmas” we are met with an orchestra of children’s laughter, but I have to include it because of the band’s name: The Velvet Tomato.
“Snowfall” is more tinkly indie and William Hut’s falsetto and unleashed poetry places us Here in this orchestra, the city of strings. Evocative verisimilitude.
Much more orchestral, “Christmas Symphony” brought to us by Shep Fields & His Rippling Rhythm Orchestra (Thelma Gracen vocals) takes us back to 1950.
“Santa’s Crazy North Pole Orchestra” is about as swinging as you can get (tuxedoed penguins!). Dennis van Aarssen delivers.

