Well, first I should thank Dick Miller, the kind donor of this disc, a seven-track EP originally issued thirty years ago this year, titled A Crafty Ladies Christmas.
The EP features short renditions of seasonal classics by the Crafty Ladies, members of an arts programme run by a non-profit organisation in San Franciso - the Recreational Center for the Handicapped - which provides education, vocational rehabilitation and respite care for adults and children with disabilities.
RCH, Inc. began its work in 1952, serving children, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities in San Francisco. From what I can gather, they are still in operation, although they are now known as the Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center, renamed after the centre's founder Janet Pomeroy. Janet’s dream was to meet community needs for programmes serving children and adults with disabilities. Starting with just six teens and two volunteers in one room, in 1973 they moved to a new facility near to the San Francisco Zoo, where they are still located.
The insert tells us the names of the musicians featured but sadly does not identify who handles the lead vocal on each of the seven tracks. This is a huge shame, as I would love to know who was responsible for the wonderful version of I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas, which opens up side two. The song was originally recorded by Gayla Peevy in 1953 and covered by many artists including British vent act Lenny the Lion in 1959 and the Three Stooges the same year, but the version here has now become my go-to... especially as the people behind Crafty Ladies Christmas were thoughtful enough to include the lyrics to that particular song on an insert that came with the disc.
Here are both sides of Crafty Ladies Christmas. Enjoy!
Download Side One HERE
Download Side Two HERE
