If it’s December, then you know it’s Mixmas time at You Ain’t No Picasso! Each year I get a bunch of my favorite bands to contribute themed mixes and share their thoughts about each of the tracks.

MP3: Daniel Martin Moore – The Trawlerman’s Song (Vashti Bunyan cover)

Kentucky’s Daniel Martin Moore has been influential in a lot of ways lately. After finishing the Appalachian Voices tour with Ben Sollee and Jim James he finished up his gospel/standards album In the Cool of the Day and toured in support of that one. Now he’s got a new record label, Ol Kentuck, that’s he’s using to spread the word on a lot of great Kentucky artists. It’s a pleasure to have him contributing to Mixmas again!

“Songs in Languages Originating on the Iberian Peninsula” by Daniel Martin Moore

M4A: Luiz Bonfá – Tristeza
Mr. Bonfá is a marvel. I count him among my most loved music makers. For the best record you’ve ever heard, check out his, “Solo in Rio, 1959″ which was put back into print a few years ago by Smithsonian Folkways. The song here is taken from one of his more poppy albums made in the 1960s.

MP3: Connie Francis – Siboney
A blistering performance that sounds effortless. Amazing. Connie Francis is a favorite. And she sings in something like a dozen languages. That’s pretty awesome.

MP3: Pete Seeger – Cielito Lindo
I LOVE PETE SEEGER, the man and his music. Whistle + Banjo is an irresistible combination for me. So is a good heart & a keen mind.

MP3: Cesaria Evora – Angola
Ok, this one may be a stretch. But Kriolu is somewhat based in Portuguese. So cut me some breaks. And let’s go visit Cape Verde. The lyrics translate:

Angola, Angola
What a wonderful people!
But I will not die of pleasure,
Since I cannot stay.

(note: Cesaria Evora passed away shortly after DMM wrote this list. He sent me her obituary to share with you)

M4A: Céu – Grains de Beauté
This was the first song of Céu’s that I ever encountered. Knocked my socks clean off. It’s the pinnacle of performance & production. So restrained and so nailed. The whole album from which this song comes, “Vagarosa” is breathtaking at every turn. You may also want to see this video

Check out the other contributions to Mixmas 2011