It had only been September of the following year and talk was starting up about "a new Christmas tape". Pete and I gave it all of a minute’s thought - "Round up the usual suspects!" Invitations to an after-work meeting at Charlie Brown’s, in Red Bank, were sent out to the core performers of the previous years tape as well as some newcomers. There was a lot of discussion centered around putting together a band to play live. But, from the start, "Music To Sleigh Elves By", had been envisioned as more of a studio project than live one and plans had already been sketched out for setting up a temporary studio at Pete’s apartment in Sea Bright. Preliminary suggestions for material and arrangements were passed out for review and refinement. The outcome was not encouraging.

Ton was the first to bow out, having recently started up a band to showcase his own original music. Al (one of the newcomers) was into the studio option but preferred to work on an original composition at his place, south of Long Branch. Others wondered why we were starting the project so early and offered to participate later in the year. After the meeting Rick, Pete and I rejoined at the bar and plotted.

During the next few weeks I sequenced in most, if not all, of the instrumentation that appears on the tape. I borrowed Harry’s 1/2" 8-track reel-to-reel and set up shop at my place, in Florham Park. In the meantime a new lineup of performers showed their faces and made the trip upstream to record their parts at the newly formed "RECroom Music Productions". And, with that, something very interesting happened: Each song had seemed to take on the characteristics and personalities of the featured performers! The only guideline, to be unique, had taken on a new dimension. Seven shiny new ornaments were ready to be placed on the tree.

Well, here we are in what looks like it might just be a yearly (Arrrrgh, oh, NO!) event. Those of you being introduced to this for the first time will find both last year’s and this year’s selections on the tape. Returning fans have no choice other than hear it all again. But that’s ok… some of us might have to listen to it - every day!!!

Recorded on 8-track at Pat’s between 10/1 and 11/30 (’88); again, with many borrowed toys. Frosty was done on 8-track at Rod’s.

9 Days of Christmas -
Pat - "Music Box", Guitars, Drum machine and effects
Pete - Bass and Vocals

Frosty (He Was a Snowman) -
Pete - Vocals
Pat - Guitars, Background vocals
Rod - Bass, Guitar lead, Drum machine, Background vocals

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy -
Pat - "Orchestration", "Jaymar Piano", effects, etc.

Santa Claus is Comin’ (to Town) -
Harry - Bass, Mr. Mean Vocals
Pat - Guitar, Drum machine
Special thanks to all the kidz!!!;
            LeighAnna,         Katy,       Debbie,       Sarah,       Jennifer     +     Sean

Silent Night -
Glenn - Guitars

Snow Has Fallen -
Rick - Guitars, Vocals, Whistling
Pat - "Piano" and Background Vocals

Merry Christmas To You! -
Suzanne - Featured Vocals
Pat - "Orchestration", Guitar, Drum machine
 

Concept --- Pat
Arrangements --- Pat, Pete, Rick, Harry
Recording / Engineering --- Pat, (Rod on Frosty)
Production / Mix / Master --- Pat, (Rod on Frosty)