Big Harp George Does Christmas, Big Harp George (self-issued)

I don't do a great job of keeping up with blues, though we've covered blues Christmases all through our history here. Anyway, props to Stubby, who included a cut from this in his annual playlist and that's how I became aware of it. This 2023 album is 11 cuts of classic old-school blues and every cut, while full of familiar holiday verities, is original. "Bad Santa" is self-explanatory, a sort of sequel to "Back Door Santa." He comes home to a "Carioca Christmas," documents the "Reindeer On Strike," takes on the "War on Christmas," goes instrumental on his harp for "Snow Shuffle" and "Fireside Waltz,"adds a little Tex-Mex beat to "Coquito Girl," gives us a stride treatment on "Where'll I Be For Christmas" and "Thee Three Kings," tries a little soul balladry on "That Grinch Is Me," and wraps up with a festive "It's New Year's Eve." Worth your attention, especially if you've neglected the blues like I have.