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And a short piece from Travis “Moonchild” Haddix…(www.travishaddix.net)

Was Christmas an important part of the blues/
soul scene in your local area when you were
growing up?

Yes, very much so.

Do you add any extra songs to your set list
for Christmas?

Yes, ‘Christmas 1911’ and ‘Santa Claus Got The
Blues’.

Which are the most popular Christmas numbers
in the blues clubs?

‘Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire’. When I
was growing up, which was many years ago,
the clubs would decorate - in fact Christmas
was a very big deal when I was growing up. All
the clubs and most of the houses in the
neighbourhood would decorate. The song that
̇
I remember the most was the Mel Torme song
made famous by Nat "King" Cole - ‘Chestnuts
Roasting On An Open Fire’.

Have you ever tried writing your own Christmas number?

Listen to “Blues From Staghorn Street”, my album from 2004. There are three Christmas
songs on the CD and I wrote and recorded them: ‘Rudolph’s Girlfriend’, ‘Christmas 1911’ and
‘Surprise From Santa’.

What have been your musical highlights of 2022?

Performing at the Music Box - super club.
What will you be doing over the holiday season?

I’ll be spending time with the family.

And your plans for 2023?

I never make resolutions! Listen to the CD “Blues from Staghorn Street”, especially the tune
‘Christmas 1911’ (my dad was born on 25th December). And I am wishing everyone a Merry
Christmas!

Norman Darwen