Blog Archives

ONCE AGAIN, IT'S CHRISTMAS - KENNY ROGERS

8/26/2015

We've been waiting for cover art for the coming Kenny Rogers Christmas album, "Once Again, It's Christmas". Other details came out some time ago. Thankfully, the Gambler posted cover art on his Facebook page yesterday. Kenny's sixth studio Christmas album and the first in 17 years, "Once Again, It's Christmas" features guest appearances from vocal group Home Free, Jim Brickman, Alison Krauss, Winifred's Locket, and the prettier half of Sugarland, Ms. Jennifer Nettles. "This Silent Night" from Brickman and Rogers was included on last year's "On A Winter's Night" by Brickman (getting the wide release treatment this year).

KENNY & JENNIFER

Last year, her label at the time let loose the news that Jennifer Nettles would release a Christmas album, but nothing came of it and she's now with a new label. Had she done one for Universal, I'm sure they'd have been hyping it months ago. My guess is she kicked the idea around and decided against it. It's a music industry cliche, really. An artist is one album away from completing their label deal. Rather than "waste" fresh material on your ex-label, save the sweet stuff for your new lover...er, label...and record a Christmas album for the ex. Well, Jennifer strikes me as the kind of person who doesn't do anything as a throw away and she, instead, recorded new music for her old label. Also, the Christmas music buyers are a much bigger share of the market than they used to be. That's not just (nor mainly) because there are more of us. But there are a lot fewer people buying physical copies of any music (and we still reliably do). So maybe that's the sugar your new honey wants most. Anyway, I'm leaving Jennifer in the "possible" portion of releases on our List to remind her and the rest of us what a wonderful idea that would be. And its not like she takes the season off. It always seems to me she's everywhere at Christmas--certainly all over the CMA special (and she is about as perfect a "host" for these shindigs as you could hope for). Always singing different Christmas songs at these things. And Jennifer's done guest turns on several holiday albums in the last couple of years. So this year it's "Here It Is Christmas/"Baby It's Cold Outside" with Kenny Rogers. And I'll take that. Alison Krauss is also an angel, but she's also been a little more generous with full holiday albums.

"Once Again It's Christmas" arrives September 2.

1. Once Again It’s Christmas
2. There’s a New Kid in Town (feat. Winfield’s Locket)
3. Here It Is Christmas/Baby, It’s Cold Outside (feat. Jennifer Nettles)
4. Little Drummer Boy
5. Back to Bethlehem
6. Winter Wonderland
7. Some Children See Him (feat. Alison Krauss)
8. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
9. Children, Go Where I Send Thee (feat. Home Free)
10. That Silent Night (feat. Jim Brickman)
11. The Light

2 Comments

THE QUALITY HOLIDAY REVUE (LIVE) ALBUM

8/25/2015

0 Comments

Okay, right off the top, best Christmas album cover art of the year. I'm calling it.

I never found the time to do a "Top Releases" post for 2013. But that was the year Nick Lowe released "Quality Street"--his contribution to the music of the season. And I can't imagine it not being on top or darn close to it.

Last year, Nick (some snow on the roof but a warming fire in his heart) toured through the holiday season joined, for much of it, by Los Straitjackets. And who doesn't love Los Straitjackets? It was the "Quality Holiday Revue" and, obviously, someone kept the tape running, because now we're getting an album. The album isn't all Christmas music, but neither was the live show. it (the album) is, however, a live album and some folks hate live albums (awkward segues and weird energy shift on a mix, some say). I'd have loved to have seen "Cruel To Be Kind" live. Not on the album, alas, but "Raging Eyes" is on there and that's another favorite of mine. On the "Quality Holiday Revue" album, Nick sings "A Dollar Short of Happy" and "I Was Born In Bethlehem" solo, while Los Straitjackets get their turn on "Linus & Lucy".

At the moment, Amazon is only listing the digital version, but you just know Yep Roc will have a physical release at some point. And I'm guessing that "33 rpm" on the cover is at least hinting at some vinyl.

1. A Dollar Short of Happy
2. Raging Eyes
3. Christmas At The Airport
4. Not Too Long Ago
5. Linus & Lucy
6. Breaking Glass
7. Sensitive Man
8. Somebody Cares For Me
9. The Northpole Express
10. Half A Boy And Half A Man
11. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
12. Children, Go Where I Send Thee
13. I Was Born In Bethlehem

Ah, what the hell, it's a Tuesday in August.

0 Comments

RED AND GREEN AND MAYBE THROW SOME BLUE IN, TOO

8/24/2015

0 Comments

If we were doing a "singles" post, this would be the first one we'd talk about. We're doing an album post, though, so.... this will be the first one we're talking about.

The reigning "Queen of Christmas", Elizabeth Chan, is returning from her annual trip to the North Pole where she and Santa kick around a few Christmas song ideas (when the reindeer stat swooning or swinging, they know they're onto something). All Liz wants for Christmas is to write and record a timeless Christmas classic that will still be played alongside "White Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" 50 years from now. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so. While the search goes on, we all benefit greatly from both Ms. Chan's seemingly endless well of great original Christmas songs and from her journey, which has been inspiring and fun. It's a holiday twofer, so far as I'm concerned.

"Red & Green" is her latest volume of potential perennials and it is slated for a release October 2. But Liz decided to beat the holiday traffic and launched the title track and lead single at the end of July. Now who but an honestly dedicated and devoted Christmas music fanatic would understand the genre's unique tradition of "Christmas In July"? Isn't that the coolest thing ever? And I dig the song, too. I don't know if it's a future standard of the holiday canon, but "Red & Green" is pretty cool just as a song. Anyway, that's my opinion. You can check it out and make your own determination. But I'm voting "aye" on this one.

And now for something completely different.... Have we mentioned that Midnight Syndicate is doing a Christmas album? Well, if we haven't, we certainly should. Now, as a Christmas music person, you might not know Midnight Syndicate. But, if you're also a fan of Halloween music, you almost certainly do. Sounds for the Spooky Season are what the group is known for. Their forte is cine-music--gothic horror soundtracks to imaginary movies, ambient dark wave stuff. Dark, dramatic, atmospheric (and often twisted and whimsical) soundscapes. The music of Midnight Syndicate is frequently heard at Halloween parties and Haunted Houses (also at various shops in October) and, as life imitates art, some of their imaginary soundtrack pieces have made their way into actual soundtracks of actual horror films.

Well, can you imagine how excited we were to hear that Midnight Syndicate would be coming down with a Christmas album this fall? Can't let Tim Burton and Danny Elfman have all the fun. The group says fans have been asking for a Christmas record from them pretty much since the beginning nearly 20 years ago.

"Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering" will feature both Christmas classics and originals. To stay true to their vision, the covers of familiar holiday favorites have been "re-invented". Afterall, you wouldn't expect a Holly Jolly, chipper and cheerful Christmas record from these guys (maybe a woodchipper one, but decidedly not cheerful). They've taken some interesting twists and turns, walking on the dark side, that they believe will delight long-time fans. And they've had fun creating originals for the project, too. As they near completion of the album, they describe it as "deliciously dark while, at times, hauntingly beautiful". Midnight Syndicate hopes the disc will evoke both Yuletide spirits and Yuletide spirits, if you catch our drift.

The plan is to have the first copies of "Christmas: A Ghostly Gathering" available at DragonCon, being held in Atlanta over the Labor Day weekend in this, it's 28th year. Then we should see the full retail release (hopefully) before the end of September. A vinyl version may follow (they're thinking about it), but that would come later still.

Stone Water Creek is a three piece Roots band from Australia. And that's about all I know of them, because they really don't explain a thing on either their web site or Facebook page. But what they WILL and DO tell you about on those pages is their upcoming Christmas album "We Three Kings". And they sum it up quite nicely.

"This album is more than just a Christmas album; it’s a celebration of blues, roots and bluegrass music, bringing a timeless story and the words of traditional carols to life in our contemporary world.
It’s re-telling the story in song, an attempt to bring back the wonder and the excitement of what the nativity story is all about.
We have worked hard to record an album that sounds as though the band is in your living room. There is warmth, vibrancy and a joy that you can feel as you listen. It’s for a Christmas celebration, renewing and rekindling love for traditional carols.
‘We Three Kings’ imagines Christmas Eve with family and friends gathered around in the evening. With a three-piece band set up in the corner of the lounge room; live, bright and playing into the night."

You had me at "blues". Well, truthfully, you had me at "Christmas album", but then I'm pretty much a sucker for Christmas albums (duh). But "blues, roots and bluegrass music" is an excellent way to get my full attention.

Sadly, I'm guessing this is likely going to be an Import for us Americanos and, chances are, we won't see it released domestically til next summer or something, if at all. Then again, maybe they'll do a Bandcamp page and make it easy. It could happen. Worst case scenario, I've got something to write about on the International page.

So now we have a coming together of a bunch of my favorite things, right? Christmas, album, Blues, Bluegrass, Roots, Australia, "family and friends gathered around in the evening." No cover art, yet, which always bothers me (cover art is very important to me; my view is "a crappy cover says its a crappy album"). No cats, either (but they aren't mandatory). Track list? Yesssssss.

1. Angels From The Realms Of Glory
2. Sing We Noel
3. We Three Kings
4. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
5. O Come Immanuel
6. O Holy Night
7. Carol Of The Bells
8. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
9. While Shepherds Watched
10. On This Night (Bonus Track)

But here's the final nudge for anyone who needs another. Listen to Stone Water Creek absolutely knocking it out of the park on "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", giving you a chance to actually HEAR a song that you know so well, it usually just goes by you without any contemplation on the meaning. And the video is gorgeous, too! And I actually get it! And I'm not that bright! (And I want her phone number, damn it!) While I pull myself together, watch the video...and listen. Every year, I try to buy at least one hard copy Import CD. And I think we may have this year's winner. Stone Water Creek "We Three Kings". Write it down and, whatever the extra effort, remember to look for it later this year.

Country star Jessie James Decker (who is also the wife of the NFL's Eric Decker, a mother, and a reality TV show "star") is revving up her music career. Then single, James released her eponymous debut in 2009. After that, she and her record label had...let's say a difference of opinion about Jessie's musical direction. A few more singles were released, but they were only minor Country hits.

Then, like a lightning bolt, Jessie struck this spring with the single "Clint Eastwood". And the single "Lights Down Low" followed earlier this month, striking a strong chord with Country listeners right out of the box. Jessie seems poised to take Country and the country by storm and she has a one-two punch on the way. A new full-length is coming in the spring of 2016. But, before that, JJD is promising a Christmas album for early November. And I just now remembered Jessie's Christmas single from last year--"Baby, It's Christmas"--which I loved to death. Can't wait for the album!

We previously mentioned the coming Christmas set from Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band and now we know more. "A Big Phat Christmas: Wrap This!" will be making its way to virtual store shelves on November 6. Cover art and track list below.

1. Carol of the Bells
2. Do You Hear What I Hear?
3. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snow
4. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
5. The Little Drummer Boy
6. A Christmas Carol
7. I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
8. Somewhere in my Memory
9. Santa Baby
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Speaking of Big Bands, when they get big enough, they call them Orchestras (that is almost certainly not true, but just go with me on this cuz I needed a segue). And this coming release from the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra looks like its going to be a good one. And right at the top of the reasons why "Joyful Jazz" figures to be great is that it features, as a special guest, the immortal Freddy Cole.

The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, formed in 2010, celebrates the rich Jazz history of the Pittsburgh area and, perhaps more importantly, gives young aspiring Jazz musicians high quality music education and experience. Freddy Cole is a legendary Bop, Swing and Jazz singer, composer, and pianist--still going strong well into his eighties. He's one from the old school that understands the importance of the notes and the silence between them and he's not prone to fancy flourishes that impress a few but tend to detract from the whole. You'll note another appearance of "Jingles, The Christmas Cat" (which we mentioned in our look at the new one from Russ Lorenson). That's because Freddy wrote that one and a performance of his was part of the inspiration for Russ wanting to make the kind of Christmas record he made. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mentioned Freddy's 1975 holiday album, "Christmas Dreams" and his 1995 seasonal CD, "I Want A Smile For Christmas".

"Joyful Jazz" arrives October 23 and no samples are out there just yet, but we've got the cover art and track list. I'm especially looking forward to "Merry Christmas, John Coltrane", a PJO tribute to the late Jazz genius.

1. Jingle Bells
2. Jingles, The Christmas Cat
3. Carol Of The Bells
4. Blue Christmas
5. A Cradle In Bethlehem
6. Do You Hear What I Hear?
7. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
8. White Christmas (In The Sahara)
9. Merry Christmas, John Coltrane
10. Snowfall
11. Sleigh Ride
12. The Christmas Song
13. Joy To The World

The "Rock By The Sea" charity unit from the Sunshine State will return with Volume 6 in their annual Christmas album series on October 16. Rock By The Sea, you may recall, were inspired by and given a bit of a blueprint from Atlanta's "Twelve Bands of Christmas". Like 12 Bands, money raised by Rock By The Sea goes to charity. While 12 Bands was devoted to pediatric cancer research, Rock By The Sea benefit a number of local charities and causes (with an overall focus on children's health issues).

You know me. Local Artists? That's my thing. And who can pass up a chance to score some great holiday music, that won't get the exposure of Train or Setzer or Jessie James Decker, at a great price, the buying of which actually contributes something positive to the universe? Hopefully that sentence was coherent but, if not, you know what I meant, right? The samples for "Rock By The Sea, Volume Six" haven't been posted yet, but its always a good mix of genres and artists and other stuff (haven't been disappointed yet). I do see Martha's Trouble on the playlist, so they'll already have the attention of the slightly more seasoned Christmas music connoisseur.

12 Bands ended their 12 Bands Christmas series, but began a new tradition last Christmas with "Instant Christmas Classics, Volume 1". As the title might imply, you can expect "Instant Christmas Classics, Vol. 2" this November. Details when we get them. Meantime, here's the cover and content of "Rock By The Sea, Volume Six" (there's an "Explicit" label; usually, in this kind of project, that means there's ONE song with some possibly questionable lyrics, not every song). At the moment, Amazon only has a listing for the digital version, but you can always get CDs direct from Rock By The Sea.

1. When The Fire Goes Out Tonight - Sara Rachele
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - The Electric Sons
3. Cozy Tranquility - Von Grey
4. The Christmas Song - Charlie Oxford
5. This Christmas - Martha's Trouble
6. A Southern Christmas - Eric Durrance
7. Jolly Old St. Nicholas - The Galvanaters
8. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Michael Logen
9. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Amy Gerhartz
10. It's Finally X-Mas Day - Mark Bliesener

We're still not quite sure what's up with Mariah Carey. Every time her Christmas music exploits break through with a message, its always something different. Originally, we heard she was interested in doing a third Christmas album--completing the trilogy, as it were. Then it was something about duets with...cartoon characters and dead people? Or something. Then we heard that she didn't want to do another Christmas record at all...that her label wanted it. Then she really did want to do a Christmas album. And, back in the spring, we've heard Mariah's doing a Christmas movie in which she has a "major role" (of course, that could be like "A Christmas Story"s "major award"). There will be a soundtrack album at some point, but Mariah will be one of many artists on it....we're told.

But the industry moves on and, if you hadn't noticed, just about anybody who is anybody is releasing their catalog on vinyl. It's the labels, not the artists, doing this--trying to make everything they can before the paradigm changes squeeze them out altogether. We did get word, back in the spring, that Mariah's platinum selling "Merry Christmas" was being re-released. But no one specifically said vinyl, and we aren't sure, anymore, which rumors to believe. Well, the elves have sent word that "Merry Christmas" will be re-issued on vinyl this fall, in a "Deluxe Anniversary Edition". Early word has the release set for October 23 (just remember that, sometimes, vinyl release dates get delayed). The listing is at Amazon UK, but they wouldn't just release "Merry Christmas" vinyl in England, would they? I think not.

Disc: 1
1. Silent Night
2. All I Want for Christmas Is You
3. O Holy Night
4. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
5. Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)
Disc: 2
1. Joy to the World
2. Jesus Born on This Day
3. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing / Gloria (In Excelsis Deo)
5. Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child
6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

A quick thanks to the residents of the Steve Hoffman Music Forums for the mention and link. And they only had nice things to say. Warms the gingerbread of my heart.

One of the forum-goers was asking about Trans-Siberian Orchestra's release plans. Well, as our friend Mr. Kessler of the fine, fine Sounds of Music Internet radio station let us know last week, TSO has got three studio albums in progress. The scheduled release date for "Letters From The Labyrinth" is October 30 (but this is TSO, so I am cautiously not saying this October 30). I don't get the impression that its in any way a Christmas record. The band has been singing "Night Conceives", a song from that album, on tour for almost a year. It's a great Blues Metal tune, but not a Christmas tune (near as I can tell; of course context means something). The Christmas show goes on, of course. Follow the SOC link for tour dates.

Oh, and "Christmas Attic" is coming out on vinyl (double LP pressed in collector's grade 180 gm vinyl) this Friday. Almost forgot to mention that.

A cappella's been all the rage for the past several years and Christmas music seems to be a perfect fit for the genre (it's like a cappella and Christmas come together in perfect harmony.....sorry, couldn't resist). A lot of these groups have achieved worldwide acclaim in recent times. And a few were already acclaimed before the TV shows turned a spotlight on the art form. When you're with BYU Vocal Point, you've got both. Founded in 1991, BYU Vocal Point was impressing audiences early on, touring within the first year, recording within the second, and world champions in 2006. Then they competed on NBC's The Sing Off in that shows third season in 2011, finishing in the top five. See? Fame, accomplishment, acclaim both before and after the a cappella boomlet.

"He Is Born" is the group's first Christmas album (11th overall), though they released singles in both 2013 and 2014--"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" respectively. The title track goes back even further, appearing on their 2004 CD "Standing Room Only". So, if you're suffering withdrawal without a new holiday set from Pentatonix to look forward to, trust BYU Vocal Point to get you through. Release is set for October 9. (Thanks to My Merry Christmas for the tip)

0 Comments

IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT - RUSS LORENSON

8/19/2015

1 Comment

If you grew up listening to the classic crooners--Sinatra, Dino, Tony Bennett--no doubt you pull out those holiday albums every year. And, at least once as you listen to those timeless classics, the thought that "they just don't make 'em like they used to" crosses your mind. We've been fortunate that Mr. Bennett is still going strong, even gracing us with new holiday recordings from time to time. But you have to look a little harder to find that, yes, every once in a while, someone makes 'em like they used to.

Russ Lorenson has been crooning the standards of the Great American Songbook era for many years, now, paying tribute to the masters while also uncovering lost gems and newly written songs that fit the genre as though written in the forties and fifties. Russ started out in the theatre as a child and, while returning to "the boards" for tribute shows and musicals that routinely play to full houses, performing and recording in his own voice and style has been his primary focus for at least the past decade. In that time, he's earned the title of "San Francisco's Favorite Crooner".

Russ released his debut album in 2006 and followed that, the same year, with his first holiday album, "What I Want For Christmas". "What I Want For Christmas" escaped the attention of far too many for far too long. It's an exceptional work with the intimacy of a private concert. And the highlights are many--from Jazz vocal standards like "That's What I Want For Christmas" to a brilliant cover of Barry Manilow's "I Guess There Ain't No Santa Claus" to the seldom covered "Snow" from the 1954 Bing Crosby/Danny Kaye "White Christmas" film, the 2006 Russ Lorenson Christmas set is one to add to your library if you don't already own it.

Nearly a decade later, Russ decided it was time to record a second Christmas album. And, let me just say up top, an absolute A+ on the playlist for "In The Holiday Spirit"; there isn't an overplayed/over recorded song on here (with the possible exception of "Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth") and there are some very seldom recorded gems. With the more than capable assistance of the Kelly Park Big Band, Russ works his way through crooner classics like "Let Me Be The First To Wish You Merry Christmas" (Steve Lawrence), "A Winter Romance" (written by Sammy Cahn and Ken Lane and originally sung by Dean Martin), "It's Christmas Time All Over The World" (a semi-lost Hugh Martin song that Sammy Davis Jr. recorded) as well as new holiday songs like "Mrs. Claus". Pardon the pun, but Russ hits all the right notes, so to speak, with this program. He's got enough energy to charge a room, as on the old Louis Prima favorite "Shake Hands With Santa Claus" and captures the appropriate smoky after-hours tone of "The Christmas Blues". But he absolutely shines on the romantic ballads; that's where his vocals float smoothly from note to note, drawing out every bit of romance and nostalgia those songs have to offer. And, being that they're Christmas songs, it's nearly like a picture print by Currier & Ives. In that regard, the seldom covered John Pizzarelli composition, "Let's Share Christmas", likely shines as my favorite on this particular string of Christmas lights. My least favorite? I'm gonna say "Jingles, The Christmas Cat". Yeah, I'm a cat person but "Jingles" just didn't do it for me. Of course, that'll end up being someone else's favorite, I'm sure. Maybe everybody's.

"In The Holiday Spirit" is set to release September 4 and pre-orders (autographed, if you so desire) are available direct from Russ. Thank goodness he's still making them like they used to. As an album that harkens back to the days of Sinatra, Martin, Bennett, and Crosby, "In The Holiday Spirit" should get your Christmas music season started on a high note.

1. Shake Hands With Santa Claus
2. Holiday For Two
3. Let's Share Christmas
4. Let Me Be The First To Wish You Merry Christmas
5. Jingles, The Christmas Cat
6. You're All I Want For Christmas
7. Mrs. Claus
8. Warm In December
9. The Christmas Blues
10. Santa Claus Is Near
11. It'll Be Christmas Before You Know It
12. A Winter Romance
13. Kissin' By The Mistletoe
14. Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth
15. It's Christmas Time All Over The World

1 Comment

MINT CONDITION RINGS IN THE HEALING SEASON

8/14/2015

0 Comments

Just a taste.

Minneapolis favorite sons, Mint Condition, will be releasing their first holiday set on October 16. Together since the mid-80s, Mint Condition draws on many influences--Jazz, Latin, Rock, Reggae, etc.--giving them a unique and occasionally eclectic sound. But, at core, they're an R&B Funk band--one of the last great ones, according to many, in the tradition of Earth Wind & Fire and Kool & The Gang. Critics describe their music as "powerful and purposeful" and their Christmas album will be no different.

Mint Condition's goal, in putting "Healing Season" together, was to present songs of "reflection, reconciliation, and renewal". That's a big part of what Christmas is about, after all. Their hope is that people will understand that what underlies the season is the concept of putting old wounds and conflicts in the past and rising above them, coming together, and moving forward refreshed and renewed. (And, hey, if that's not doing it for you, then just groove to the music.)

"Healing Season" contains 5 brand new songs, including "1st Snowfall", "Not What I Wanted" and the title track (which will also be the lead single). The more familiar fare includes "Little Drummer Boy", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "A Child Is Born" and the James Brown classic "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto".

Mint Condition has charted 17 songs on the R&B charts, with 5 of those crossing over to be Top 40 hits. "Healing Season" will be their tenth studio album.

0 Comments

SHARON JONES & DAP KINGS XMAS ALBUM IS HERE (ALMOST)

8/13/2015

0 Comments

UPDATE: Amazon pre-order links for the vinyl and CD versions of the Sharon Jones Christmas album are now LIVE!

It's been a bear trying to get the early lowdown on Christmas releases this year. Doing my best. And I wasn't really planning on doing the cover art/track list thing today (you should note that such info on the Ann Hampton Callaway release is posted on the Previews page and the rest of these will be moved there eventually). But everything changes when you get the skinny on the Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings Christmas album. And, WHOOMP, here it is!

By the way, do you know how Sharon came to be the recording star that she so clearly is today? Lee Fields and the Soul Providers were laying down some tracks in 1996 and requested some back-up singers from the local church for the session. Sharon was the only one who showed up. One of the Soul Providers would go on to co-found Dap Tone records and Sharon Jones would be one of the first artists they signed. See? Showing up really is 80% of success (the other 80% is hard work and having a God given voice that's simultaneously smooth and rough).

Anyway, the album is called "It's A Holiday Soul Party" and I'm seeing a release date of October 30 on Amazon's digital listing. Though I can't link you to any hard copy pre-order spots just yet, it's Dap Tone...so there will almost certainly be both CD and Vinyl. 11 tracks, including all of Sharon's previous Christmas music (yes, even that "White Christmas" jam that was only a video last year). Additionally, Binky Griptite's "World Of Love" has been included. So that leaves better than half the album that's completely brand new. And (from the samples at least) it's all every bit as good as we dared not dream it could be.

Sharon goes to church on "Silver Bells", does Charles Brown proud on "Please Come Home For Christmas", and channels Ray Charles on "Silent Night". "Funky Little Drummer Boy" sounds like a late 60s Chess Records single release. And "8 Days of Hanukkah", smooth mid-70s soul, might be the best thing to happen to that holiday since the invention of the latke.

If I were you (or if you were me), I'd be checking the Dap-Tone site EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. from today until the pre-order goes live. Sort of like camping out for concert tickets. Just sayin'.

Another recent digital listing at Amazon is "I Heart The Holidays". The October 16 release is from Palladium Records and features artists from their stable such as Lucy & The Cloud Parade, The Unknown, Tim Myers, and Schuyler Fisk's FM Radio. Again, the samples sound great--everything from Indie Pop to Pop Punk (there's even a Christmassy cover of the unforgettable disco classic "Ring My Bell"). I'm certainly hoping for hard copy, but I'll do the download if that's my only alternative. BTW, two tracks are missing from Amazon's listing--one of which is a raucous Party Anthem/Bo Diddley beat "12 Days Of Christmas" from Map The Stars. I've listed them here as I would guess they'll turn up sooner or later.

1. Joy To The World - Tim Myers
2. Glow - MoZella
3. 12 Days of Christmas - Map The Stars
4. Count Down to Xmas - Kathryn Ostenberg
5. A New Time - Lucy & The Cloud Parade
6. O Christmas Tree - Tim Myers
7. More Than I Wished For - FM Radio
8. All The Wonder - El May
9. We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Kathryn Ostenberg
10. A Magical Season - Tim Myers
11. The Wish List - Serengeti & The Unknown
12. This Holiday - Map The Stars
13. Winter Night - The Unknown
14. Ring My Bell - Nicole Vaughn
15. For The Holidays - Tim Myers

New artist on the scene!! Make some room, everybody! OK, maybe not "new". New-ish? Well, he's younger than I am, so there's that. Then again, a lot of people are younger than I am anymore. Probably even you.

Nathan Woodward is a young saxophone player from Pascagoula, Mississippi (normally, I wouldn't mention the town, but who doesn't love saying "Pascagoula, Mississippi"). He's been playing professionally since 1999 (or at least that's the "start date" listed on his Facebook page, which he joined in 2006; jeez, I hope that's not his birth year). He's had a few albums already, "Live From Martin Hall", "Prayer Language" and the eponymous "Nathan Woodward". Needless to say, "Emmanuel" is his first Christmas album.

Primarily a Smooth Jazz artist, Nathan frequently flavors with some of his other influences, including Gospel and R&B. No new songs on the CD and that makes it kind of hard to point to anything specifically. My favorite arrangement was likely "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'. "We Three Kings" and "Silent Night" were quite nice as well. And the guitar and keyboard players deserve a raise or a bonus or something for their work on the "White Christmas/Christmas Song Medley". Least favorite? "Jingle Bells". Just doesn't fit with the rest of the album, IMHO.

Smooth Jazz fans will like "Emmanuel", which is more adventurous than, say, Kenny G, but not so adventurous as John Coltrane or Ornette Coleman. And, for those who can't wait to get this Christmas party started, you're in luck. "Emmanuel" officially releases on August 21. AUGUST 21!! That's just a tad over a week from now. You can sample the tracks here and pre-order direct from Nathan Woodward here. Ready or not, here it comes.

1. Angels We Have Heard On High
2. Sleigh Ride
3. O Holy Night
4. Hark The Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful
5. Christmas Time Is Here
6. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
7. Jingle Bells
8. We Three Kings
9. White Christmas/The Christmas Song
10. Silent Night

0 Comments

KATY KICKS IT UP A NOTCH

8/11/2015

1 Comment

Immediately below, you'll see the Katy Perry Christmas album kindling the singer laid out late last week on Twitter.

Monday found Katy lighting up a couple of good size Yule Logs (this, I believe, is what is meant by "adding fuel to the fire") via Instagram.

We're still trying to figure out what those mutants are supposed to be (I think they're supposed to be reindeer), but there's no mistaking the tree and the ugly Christmas sweaters.

In case those clues were too subtle for ya, Katy captioned the surreal vid with "When your derp squad writes a Christmas song in August" (followed by more Christmas tree emoticons).

One caveat. Katy's is the face of H&M's 2015 holiday campaign. So they could be just laying down some music for the commercials. Though, if that was the case, I doubt she'd be teasing this out the way she is. Expect even more teases in the days to come. (Favorite fan suggested song so far: "I Kissed An Elf (and I liked it)").

1 Comment

RUMOR HAS IT...

8/10/2015

0 Comments

Katy Perry sent her Twitter followers into a tizzy over the weekend after she posted the following....

No, it's not about Katy losing her balance. The Twitter fever is all about those two Christmas tree emoticons.

So what does that mean, exactly? Is she recording a Christmas album? A Christmas single? A song for an upcoming Christmas compilation (those "Very Special" people would seem about due)? A Christmas duet for some other artist's album? Or did she simply bump her head and, instead of bluebirds or stars, she's seeing Christmas trees spinning around her? No one knows except for Katy and whomever was in the studio with her. And Katy may feel she's already said too much.

For those interested (and impatient), Katy does have at least one officially released holiday track. Katy's rendition of "White Christmas" can be found on the 2008 Hotel Cafe collection, "Winter Songs".

The folks at Tin Idol are back at it....raising funds for a second volume of "Metal Kalikimaka". Last year's "Metal Kalikimaka, Vol. 1" was not only well received by fans and critics alike, it was nominated for a Na Hoku Hanohano award (sort of like Hawaiian Grammy Awards).

I'll confess, with Volume 1, I was kind of hoping for more of a Metal and Hawaiian music mashup and what we got was a pretty straight forward Metal album (featuring Hawaii's top Metal musicians). But they did it so well, that its hard to find fault with anything they did (especially given the many very bad Metal Christmas albums in existence). Loved the fact that there were different vocalists throughout and I loved the music selection. You know, you see the ancient carols covered by Metal bands fairly often, but you rarely get Metal versions of "Baby It's Cold Outside" or "2000 Miles". So, yeah, very kewl, brah.

So, anyway, like last year, there will be numerous artists making their contribution. Like last year, they are raising funds through Indiegogo. Like last year, there will be a heavenly host of classic Christmas songs and one brand new original (17 tracks in all). And, like last year, there are perks available for the larger contributions. And, while the digital download is around, I don't know if the physical CD was available other than through Tin Idol and their Indiegogo campaign. (And, if you missed last year's set, you can get both CDs through this year's campaign).

I imagine we'll be getting some videos of the new stuff closer to the release. But here's a track from Volume 1 to wet yer whistle.

We've got a few more details on Danny Gokey's upcoming Christmas album. First of all, the album is entitled "Christmas Is Here", not "This Christmas" as we had earlier speculated. And the album's release has now been set as October 16. And we know the song titles that make up much of the album: "This Christmas", "Mary Did You Know", "White Christmas", "The Christmas Song", "Give Me Jesus", "What Christmas Means To Me", "The Most Wonderful Time", "Lift Up Your Eyes" and the title track. You gotta figure there's at least one or two more. No cover art as yet, though.

And, while I'm not really ready to get into Christmas singles (oh, yes, there have already been a few), there are a couple of album tracks I did want to call to your attention.

Rickie Lee Jones released a new album back in June. "The Other Side Of Desire" includes "Christmas In New Orleans". And, no, it's not the tune most of us associate with Satchmo, but a song which sounds like vintage Tom Waits (though Jones says she hasn't spoken to him since 1979). And, really, you should check out the entire album. Rickie Lee is as unique an artist as we've ever seen. Rickie's songs have always been authentic glimpses into her soul and, as she has gotten older, her "voice" speaks to all of us who are getting older. In getting older, most of us learn what is truly important in life...a little late, but hopefully not too late.

And you know I'm a fan of Jazz. So might I suggest Lorraine Feather? Her latest is "Flirting With Disaster" and includes the seasonal track "Feels Like Snow", which is that awesome kind of contemplative 3 a.m. Jazz I'm especially partial to.

And, for the Hanukkah minded among us, be on the look out for the coming album from Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights. "Meshugana" comes out on September 1. While ostensibly an album for the kids, the song "Spinning" (yep, it's a dreidel tune) sounds like a rocker that kids of all ages can groove to.

And, by the way, rumor has it the Free List for 2015 is up. It's an all new page, so you're going to need a new RSS feed, if you're into that sort of thing. It comes in handy this time of year, when I tend to neglect it a bit. But you know as well as I do that soon enough the action over there is going to be fast and furious. The 2014 Free Page still exists, but its been moved to the archives. Anyway, our new entry on the Free List is a darn good one featuring the Dream Pop of the UK band Lorna. Awesome stuff. I promise.

0 Comments

SWAMP BOOGIE MAN MARC BROUSSARD

8/6/2015

1 Comment

I'd forgotten how good that song was. "On Santa's Way Home" was Marc Broussard's contribution to the 2008 "Christmas Gumbo" collection and we've dusted it off here so you can hear the man as we pass along the news that Marc has a Christmas album coming this fall, his first.

Broussard, who hails from Louisiana, is known for his--hey, there's no better word--Gumbo of musical styles and sounds. Wikipedia calls his sound "Bayou Soul", but the word "rock" ought to appear in their somewhere, too. Marc's been a staple of college radio and the Indie charts since 2002. Since that time, Broussard has recorded for Island, Atlantic and Vanguard, but the Christmas album will be his first independent release since his debut disc, "Momentary Setback".

There will be ten songs on the album--eight traditional and two originals. And we know "O Holy Night" is on there, thanks to a quick teaser video.

One thing we do not know is the title of the album. But, then, neither does Marc...yet. Marc is letting his fans suggest album titles as part of a social media contest. To participate (and I'm not seeing the cutoff date), head to the teaser video and read the directions below the vid. FOLLOW THEM. While following the directions, you should list your suggestion(s) in this Facebook post, not on YouTube. Got it? Got it. I'd hurry, though--he's been getting hundreds of suggestions for two weeks now. The winner gets lots of considerations including a credit on the album, an autographed copy of the album, and two VIP passes to a Marc Broussard performance (including a meet & greet with the man, himself). Me? I just wanna hear the album.

Here's another holiday song from Marc--this one from "Sessions At Willow Grove" last Christmastime.

1 Comment

LYNN ANDERSON (1947 - 2015)

8/2/2015

0 Comments

Sad news. But, if you stick with it to the end, there's some good news to report as well.

By now, you probably know of the passing of the great Lynn Anderson, who died on July 30th at the all too young age of 67. Cause of death, officially, was a heart attack, but that was just the culmination of an extended battle with pneumonia.

The daughter of songwriters Casey and Liz Anderson, Lynn was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. With songwriter parents, it seems inevitable that Lynn would move towards a career in music. In her teens, she appeared regularly on the television show Country Caravan. She signed with Chart Records in 1966. Lynn's track record with Chart was mixed. Many of her early recordings fared poorly, but she managed a couple of hits as well. Musically, many will tell you that Lynn's recordings for Chart were some of her finest and most authentic. Lynn began performing on the Lawrence Welk Show in 1967 and signed with Columbia Records in 1970.

Soon after signing with Columbia, Lynn recorded a song written by Joe South and everybody's world changed forever. "Rose Garden" not only took hold of the #1 position on the Country charts, it reached #3 on the Pop charts and #5 on the AC charts. The song topped charts around the globe--and the "Rose Garden" album held the record for best selling album by a female solo artist until Shania Twain finally grabbed the title in 1997. The song was omnipresent through the early 70s. You couldn't turn on a Pop or Country station without hearing it at least once a day through 1973. The song ushered in a new era of smooth Pop Country that artists like Charlie Rich would drive a Mack truck through. And influential? I loves me some Crystal Gayle, but Crystal is pure Lynn Anderson with very little influence from sister Loretta Lynn. After scoring a Grammy for "Rose Garden", Lynn never again hit the American Top 40 pop, but continued charting Country hits through the eighties, including 4 more #1's. Both Billboard and Record World named Lynn the Female Artist of the Decade for the 70's. Her last Top Ten Country hit was 1983's "You're Welcome To Tonight" (with Gary Morris).

Lynn recorded two Christmas albums in her career, 1971's "The Christmas Album" and "Home For The Holidays" in 1999. Obviously, the earlier effort is the one collectors think of when they think of Lynn and Christmas. It's an interesting album in a number of respects. "The Christmas Album" contains several songs that were new at the time and have been seldom covered since (it helps when your parents are songwriters). The single from the album, "Ding-A-Ling The Christmas Bell", was also the official song of that year's Christmas Seals campaign. Though the album charted well, it seems (in retrospect) to have been over-printed as you can still find sealed copies for pocket change. But the album was only briefly available on CD from Sony (and, later, briefly available from Lynn herself)--complete with terrible cover art replacing the classic original cover. Long out-of-print, copies of the CD now sell for close to $200. Folks have been pleading for a legitimate CD re-issue of this one for many years, now.

Which brings us to our bit of good news. According to our friends at The Yule Log, the people at Real Gone are expected to issue an expanded version of Lynn Anderson's "The Christmas Album" as part of their extensive holiday CD crop for 2015 (I believe there's a baker's dozen Real Gone Christmas releases coming this year). This was in the works long before Lynn fell ill and should exhibit all of the hallmarks of Real Gone's other releases (state of the art re-mastering, exceptional liner notes, original cover art, etc.). I can think of no finer tribute to one of the finest Country singers of my lifetime.

0 Comments

ONCE AGAIN, IT'S CHRISTMAS - KENNY ROGERS

THE QUALITY HOLIDAY REVUE (LIVE) ALBUM

RED AND GREEN AND MAYBE THROW SOME BLUE IN, TOO

IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT - RUSS LORENSON

MINT CONDITION RINGS IN THE HEALING SEASON

SHARON JONES & DAP KINGS XMAS ALBUM IS HERE (ALMOST)

KATY KICKS IT UP A NOTCH

RUMOR HAS IT...

SWAMP BOOGIE MAN MARC BROUSSARD

LYNN ANDERSON (1947 - 2015)

About us

FestiveFriends

The Twitters

Archives

Categories