Sofia Talvik's "Paws of a Bear" arrived, here, several days ago. But I've been busy with Christmas stuff and hadn't listened, yet. On a whim, I tossed it into the CD player, today. Now, y'all know I'm not unbiased. I almost feel like I've "grown up" with Sofia...if you can consider growing up to be the 15 years from your late 40s into your early 60s and "with" applying to someone you've never met. Her music and my life in that time have felt oddly intertwined. I had no intention of mentioning her new album, here. But, I tossed "Paws of a Bear" into the CD player on a whim, today and...
HOLY HELL, this album is fantastic! It would be one thing if she just kept getting better. But Sofia gets better by leaps and bounds with every recording. Her voice and her lyrics reach you in ways that are hard to express. Check this verse from "Pharaohs and Friends":
My lung is hurting and I'm losing half my sight
But I'll put on my lashes and a halo for the night
I will tell you stories about the seven seas
Of monsters and of dragons, heroic princesses
In the enchanted forest I will let your mind go wild
You thought God would be a soldier
But she's just a little child
Just brilliant! I'll leave you to discover the rest. You can order the CD or vinyl from Sofia and you can get the digital from Bandcamp. But one last thought. Even when she's not writing Christmas songs, Sofia Talvik writes the best Christmas songs. Case in point...
SAINT AMBROSE SCHOLA CANTORUM--"Restoration" (Fine choir effort from a small Indiana church)
JULY 19
DAVE STRYKER--"Eight Track Christmas" (Guitar-centric Trio Jazz in the tradition of Wes Montgomery)
AUGUST 23
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND OF COLOGNE--"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (New Orleans Jazz & Blues from German 7-piece)
SEPTEMBER 13
THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Vinyl version of 2018 CD)
THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Limited Red and Green vinyl version of above)
SEPTEMBER 14
VIVA ACOUSTICA--"Christmas Eve" (Blend of instrumental Jazz and Country from Russian group; there will probably be CDs, but you'll probably have to go to Russia to get them)
SEPTEMBER 18
DAVE KOZ--"Gifts of the Season" (Smooth Jazz; Melissa Manchester sings "All I Want For Christmas Is You")
SEPTEMBER 20
SEAY--"A Winter Blessing - The Gift" (CD version of New Age vocalist's album released digitally in 2018)
BRYNN STANLEY--"Classic Christmas" (Jazz vocalist in a classic Big Band/Lush Orchestra setting)
VARIOUS--"Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day" (Vintage R&B collection from Jasmine label)
SOUNDTRACK--"Polar Express" (Transparent white vinyl issue of soundtrack to 2004 film)
SEPTEMBER 27
BIG LITTLE KINGDOM--"Alone For Christmas" (Contemplative and melancholy Adult Contemporary set)
ISTHMUS BRASS--"We Need A Little Christmas" (Wisconsin Brass ensemble's second holiday platter)
VINCE GILL--"The Christmas Collection" (Wide release black vinyl version of 2018 Cracker Barrel Exclusive)
BRENDA LEE--"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree: The Decca Christmas Recordings" (New vinyl; old music)
RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (First domestic CD release of Lewis' second Christmas set)
RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above)
MUSCRIBE--"Yule-Five Carols" (Instrumental Jazz...ish carols done in 5/4 time...a la Brubeck)
DIANA ROSS--"Wonderful Christmas Time" (Vinyl version of last year's CD)
THE TEMPTATIONS--"Christmas Card" (Vinyl re-issue of 1970 Motown release)
OCTOBER 1
LUCIA FRITTOLI--"Holy Night (Music For Movie)" (Instrumental Lite/Easy Listening)
LORETTA PERRY--"The Reason For The Season" (Jazz infused Contemporary Gospel)
OCTOBER 4
JONATHAN BUTLER--"Christmas Together" (2nd Xmas album from Jazz guitarist; many Smooth Jazz guests)
JOSEPH FULLER--"Christmas In The City" (Live outing from Christian Classical Crossover pianist)
BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"12 Christmas Favorites" (Traditional Gospel artists; Available at Cracker Barrel)
LOS LOBOS--"Llego Navidad" (First official commercial Christmas album from Tex Mex Rock combo)
MIRUSIA--"Christmas Memories" (World renowned Australian Soprano and Classical Crossover star)
ROSEATE--"First Christmas" (Christmas with a Bossa beat)
SIMPLY SISTERS--"Christmas" (Pretty AC/Southern Gospel)
VARIOUS--"The Best of Christmas Grass" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Grass: The Instrumentals" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series)
VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (Latest from the NOW empire)
OCTOBER 11
GERALD ALBRIGHT--"Not So Silent Night" (Jazz sax player; with guests Take 6, Bebe Winans, Jonathan Butler)
DON AMERO--"Amero Little Christmas" (America release of last year's Canadian Country Christmas set)
JOSE CABRERA--"O Come All Ye Faithful" (Piano set melding Classical, Jazz and Latin sounds)
VANESSA CAMPAGNA--"Merry & Bright" (I believe this is the fourth Christmas set from the Pop Country singer)
CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (37th album from horn driven Classic Rock group)
CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Target exclusive CD features two Target exclusive tracks)
RAY CONIFF--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Collectors vinyl of 1962 album; had been due last November)
DELICATE STEVE--"The Christmas Album" (Multi-instrumentalist releasing vinyl version of last year's CD)
D-PAD FANFARE--"Rock Man Around The Xmas Tree" (Video game music arranged for the holidays)
D-PAD FANFARE--"Have Yourself A Super Mario Little Christmas" (As above)
MARY FAHL--"Winter Songs And Carols" (A mix of Traditional, Folk, AC and World music)
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND--"A Jazzy Little Christmas" (Southern Gospel artist)
HOORAY HEROES--"Xmas Album" (FREE digital EP for kids and people who have them)
NE-YO--"Another Kind of Christmas" (Soulful seasonal grooves from singer-songwriter)
THE THREE SUNS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Digital re-issue of 1960 Jazz Vocal group release)
ANDY WILLIAMS--"Christmas Album" (Audiophile Blue Vinyl reissue of 1963 classic delayed from last year)
SOUNDTRACK--"Love Actually" (Limited Edition Candy Cane vinyl from Real Gone)
OCTOBER 15
BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Canadian Christian artist; funded through Kickstarter)
BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above)
OCTOBER 18
ACCENT--"Christmas All The Way" (Jazz Vocal combo; hard copy CD may be available later)
BLACKHAWK--"The Spirit of Christmas" (Classic Country group)
THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY--"A True Family Christmas" (Southern Gospel family's third)
CHARLIE DANIELS--"Christmas Classics" (Traditional fare collected from Daniels' earlier Christmas sets)
THE ERWINS--"What Christmas Really Means" (CCM/Worship group)
KEN GRIFFIN--"Back For Christmas" (Traditional holiday and non-holiday fare from late organist)
ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Judas Priest front man with his second Yuletide set)
ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Vinyl version of above)
JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (20th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Folk Pop singer's Xmas set)
KEB MO--"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" (Roots artist blends Blues and romance)
DONNA KING--"All The Lights" (Nashville based Christian/Gospel artist whose 2013 set was quite enjoyable)
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Christmas (35th Anniversary Edition)" (Limited Edition vinyl reissue)
IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Second seasonal outing from star of stage & screen)
LEON REDBONE--"Christmas Island" (Import CD reissue of the late singer's Christmas set, feat. Dr. John)
DIONNE WARWICK--"And The Voices of Christmas" (Album of holiday duets from Iconic diva)
VARIOUS--"Carols: The Sounds of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collection from Trippin N Rhythm label)
VARIOUS--"Christmas At Birdland" (Jazzy cabaret featuring Klea Blackhurst)
OCTOBER 23
VARIOUS--"A Taste of Christmas Pudding 2019" (Mostly Indie Rock from Alice Cooper's annual benefit concert)
OCTOBER 25
92 KEYS--"Christmas" (Pop/Classical Crossover duet of piano and violin)
92 KEYS--"Christmas" (IF there's a CD, as I suspect there will be, it should be available here)
BOOKER T & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Barnes & Noble exclusive red vinyl of 1966 classic)
JIM BRICKMAN--"Celebration of Christmas" (Yet another Xmas set from Easy Listening artist)
DAVID CARNES--"A Christmas Journey" (Based on title, a reissue of 1999 set from virtuoso pianist)
CELTIC WOMAN--"The Magic of Christmas" (Celtic Pop/Classical Crossover group's latest seasonal effort)
ELIZABETH CHAN--"If The Fates Allow" (8 years, 8 Christmas records from the reigning Queen of Christmas)
TATIANA EVA-MARIE--"Wintertime Dreams" (30s style Parisian romance via Gypsy Jazz)
ORLA FALLON--"A Winter's Tale" (Second solo Christmas set from Celtic harpist/singer of Celtic Woman fame)
MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Alt Rock/Alt Pop from former A-Ha keyboard artist)
MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Vinyl version of above)
ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (A mix of Jazz and humor from from SNL cast member)
ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (Vinyl version of above)
KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY--"Sing! An Irish Christmas" (Northern Irish Christian duo)
DANNY GOKEY--"The Greatest Gift" (CCM performer and former American Idol contestant)
THE HAPPY RACERS--"A Merry Very Christmas" (CD of last year's digital set of Rock for Kids...of all ages)
LATERAL BLUE--"This Christmas" (Bluegrass group from Green Hill Music)
RACHAEL LEAHCAR--"Together For Christmas" (Australian Pop and Classical singer)
TRINI LOPEZ--"My Christmas Gift To You" (Re-issue--with different title--of singer's 2017 Christmas album)
VICTOR MANUELLE--"Memorias de Navidad" (Puerto Rican Latin Pop/Salsa artist)
MARC MARTEL--"The Christmas Collection" (The best from Marc's Christmas EPs, plus some new)
LEA MICHELE--"Christmas In The City" (Former Glee star)
SCOTT MILLER--"Mountain Frontier Christmas" (Green Hill release featuring hammered dulcimer)
OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Down Home Christmas" (Country act's EIGHTH holiday album)
ROCKY PATERRA--"Naughty List" (Pop Rock artist; lead single is "Icicle")
MELANIE PENN--"Immanuel: The Folk Sessions" (EP featuring Bluegrass/Folk flavor)
PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Collection of past favorites, plus 4 new tracks)
PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (EP from female Alt Country band based in Brooklyn)
SINGING CONTRACTORS--"Building A Christmas To Remember" (Don't know, don't want to know)
JEAN WATSON--"For Unto Us" (CCM/Devotional violinist and singer)
WHITEHORSE--"Winter Classic" (Vinyl issue of last year's set from Canadian duo)
VARIOUS--"Jazz For The Holidays" (Collection of instrumental Jazz from the Green Hill stable of artists)
NOVEMBER 1
MARIAH CAREY--"Merry Christmas: Deluxe Anniversary Edition" (2-CD set includes rare mixes & live tracks)
ELEM ELEY, et. al.--"Christmas Day" (Operatic baritone and assorted accompaniment)
THE 5 BROWNS--"Christmas With The 5 Browns" (Piano playing Classical crossover siblings)
AMY GRANT--"Christmas" (3-LP vinyl set plus bonus 45 with 2 exclusive tracks)
SARA GROVES--"Joy Of Every Longing Heart" (CCM Folk Pop artist who gave us "O Holy Night" a decade ago)
KELLIE HADDOCK--"Peace On Earth" (Christian Singer/Songwriter)
REBECCA KILGORE & ECHOES OF SWING--"Winter Days at Schloss Elmau" (Traditional Jazz)
THE KRAYOLAS--"Christmas With My Dad" (70's Garage Rock band with Tex-Mex influences)
CYNDI LAUPER--"Merry Christmas, Have A Nice Life" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1998 album)
MONALISA TWINS--"Christmas" (Actual twins who meld traditional Pop and Folk with Indie Pop and Folk)
JAY PEREZ--"A Jay Perez Christmas" (Tejano/R&B artist)
CALEE REED--"Rejoice!" (Christian vocalist)
JOHNNY REID--"My Kind Of Christmas" (EP from Canadian Country singer; vinyl due Dec. 6)
JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Alt Folk Pop artist inspired by 60s Jazz)
JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Vinyl version of above)
MITCH RYDER--"Christmas Take A Ride" (Vinyl version of last year's set from Detroit Rocker)
SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2011 album)
SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Barnes & Nobel Vinyl Exclusive version of 2011 album; red and green splatter on solid white)
TRUE CONCORD--"Christmas With True Concord" (Grammy nominated Arizona based Choir and Orchestra)
VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (Punk band's classic 2002 holiday concert on CD for first time)
VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (First time on vinyl, as well. Limited edition white vinyl)
PHIL WICKHAM--"Christmas" (Second Christmas album from CCM artist)
VARIOUS--"An All Star Salute To Christmas" (Re-issue of eclectic 2009 2-CD set)
VARIOUS--"DREAM Christmas, Vol. 4" (CCM from the DREAM stable of artists)
VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Features Steve Morse, Annie Halsam, and more)
VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Vinyl version of above; red or white)
VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Cleopatra follow up to 2015 comp)
VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Red vinyl version of above)
SOUNDTRACK--"Home Alone" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1990 soundtrack)
NOVEMBER 8
LEROY ANDERSON--"Complete Christmas Collection" (2-CD set from RealGone)
CHET ATKINS--"Complete RCA & Columbia Christmas Recordings" (2-CD set from RealGone)
STANLEY BLACK--"Christmas Holiday For Romance" (First time on CD for this 1954 Lite Music classic)
LINCOLN BREWSTER--"A Mostly Acoustic Christmas Album" (Canadian CCM artist)
NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (25th Anniversary reissue from Craft Recordings; remastered)
NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (Vinyl version of above; 180gm collector's grade vinyl)
DOUBLE DRUMS--"Groovin' Christmas" (German percussion duo)
AMY GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (First time on vinyl for Amy's 1992 classic)
ERIN HARPE & THE DELTA SWINGERS--"Christmas Swing" (2018 rocking' Blues set comes to vinyl)
MICHAEL LINGTON--"A Foreign Affair Christmas" (Smooth Jazz from Danish American Sax player)
WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Sequel to 2015 effort with the JLCO)
EUGENE ORMANDY--"Complete Columbia Christmas Albums" (Sonic splendor from RealGone)
JIM REEVES--"Twelve Songs of Christmas (Remastered & Expanded)" (Finally)
DYLAN SCOTT--"Merry Christmas" (Country artist with some classic crooner instincts)
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Boogie Woogie Christmas" (Green vinyl release of 2002 album)
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" (Red vinyl release of 2005 album)
SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Merry Christmas To You" (Deluxe version of 2013 holiday set from CCM group)
VARIOUS--"Great Songs of Christmas" (RealGone release culled from Goodyear & Grants LPs; first time on CD for 19 of the 20 tracks, including rare Christmas recordings from Gary Puckett and Mark Lindsay)
VARIOUS--"NOW 100 Hits Christmas" (5-CD set from the NOW empire)
VARIOUS--"Yulesville" (Collection of early Rock and vintage R&B from Bear Family label)
NOVEMBER 9
NEON SWING X-PERIENCE--"O Howly Night" (Pennsylvania Neo-Swing Jump Jive and Rock band)
NOVEMBER 10
NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song" (Target EXCLUSIVE GREEN Vinyl version of classic holiday album)
FRANK SINATRA--"Ultimate Christmas" (Target EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition GREEN Vinyl 2-LP set)
NOVEMBER 15
SAARA AALTO--"Fairytale - Joulun Taikaa" (Finnish Pop star)
BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to CD)
BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to vinyl)
JOACHIM BADENHORST & MOGIL--"Adventa" (Avant Garde Jazz from Iceland)
MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Amazing Alt Pop artist)
MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Vinyl version of above)
MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (VMP exclusive Evergreen color vinyl version; Lmtd 300)
CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Live From The West Pole" (More Christmas fun from West Coast collective)
ELLA FITZGERALD--"Wishes You A Swinging Christmas" (VMP exclusive 180gm Purple&Green Hi-Melt vinyl)
LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Winter themed set combining Folk, Celtic, Rock & Classical)
LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Vinyl version of above; color vinyl already sold out)
KAYLENE PEOPLES--"Carol Of The Bells" (CD issue of 2016 digital Jazz EP from California flautist/vocalist)
JOE STILGOE--"The Christmas Album" (Neo-Swing singer/songwriter)
VARIOUS--"Christmas In Soulsville" (VMP exclusive Red & Green Starburst vinyl edition; Limited to 1000)
VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (RED Vinyl version of CD released Oct. 4)
VARIOUS--"A Very Cool Christmas" (2-LP Audiophile 180gm color vinyl comp, ltd and numbered to 1500)
NOVEMBER 18
GERALD KRAMPL--"Advent & Christmas" (2 album set of Neo-Classical/New Age solo piano)
NOVEMBER 22
BAD RELIGION--"Christmas Songs" (GOLD Vinyl version of 2013 EP; Limited to 500 units)
CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Vinyl version of CD released October 11)
JESSIE CLEMENT--"Winter Wonderland" (21 year old Pop artist)
KEITH HARKIN--"It's Christmas Time" (Second Christmas album from former Celtic Thunder vocalist)
GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Second Christmas album from Canadian vocal harmony Folk Pop trio)
GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Vinyl version of above)
THE McCRARY SISTERS--"A Very McCrary Christmas" (Bluesy Gospel with some great guests)
IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Vinyl version of CD due Oct. 18)
AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS--"Christmas On A Greyhound Bus" (Americana EP)
STYLISTICS--"Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1992 album)
SILENT WINTERS--"Christmas Morning" (Canadian Folk duo)
VARIOUS--"Merry Luxmas" (A collection of vintage singles from The Cramps' vinyl basement)
VARIOUS--"A Vintage Broadway Christmas" (Broadway stars of yesteryear/recent past)
NOVEMBER 29
JUDY COLLINS & JONAS FJELD--"Winter Stories" (Folk, Bluegrass, and Country set of wintry vignettes)
ANNIE HALSAM--"It Snows In Heaven Too" (OOP 2000 album from iconic Renaissance vocalist, remastered)
WILL HARRIS & FRIENDS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Contemporary Christian)
KATE RUSBY--"Holly Head" (Fifth seasonal set from UK Folk Pop artist)
RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Solo piano from progressive keyboard legend)
RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Vinyl version of above)
VARIOUS--"Blues Christmas" (Putumayo's 2019 holiday comp includes Charles Brown, Kenny Neal, more)
VARIOUS--"Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas" (Reissue of 2000 release)
VARIOUS--"Ki Ho'alu Christmas: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" (Reissue of 1996 release)
DECEMBER 1
CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (7" Satsuma Color Vinyl from British 70s flavored Rock group)
CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (12" Picture Disc of above with different B-side; Limited to 300)
DECEMBER 6
JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (British vocalist and Doctor Who actor)
WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Vinyl version of CD releasing November 8)
JOHNNY REID--"My Kind of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above Country EP due on CD November 1)
DECEMBER 13
JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (Barrowman's album arrives at Amazon)
PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (Vinyl EP of Alt Country CD-EP due Oct. 25)
TBA
Backstreet Boys (They're back, ai'ight?)
Wade Bowen (Texas Country/Red Dirt singer; he describes it as a "throwback sounding record")
Campbell & Green (NOV) (Canadian husband and wife Folk Pop duo)
Cher (nuff said)
Clean Pete (Dutch Pop/Rock twin sister duo)
Glenn Crytzer Orchestra--"Underneath The Mistletoe" (Sounds of the Jazz Age and Swing Era; 11 originals, 9 classics; crowdfunded through Kickstarter)
Death Cat--"Death Cat vs. X-Mas" (Experimental Punk multi-media group)
Faith Angelina Dixon (New Age piano from 13 year old prodigy)
Paul Edis (UK Jazz artist)
Pasquale Esposito (Italian tenor)
Luke Evans (Actor known for roles in Beauty & The Beast and the Fast & Furious series)
Faithful Journey (Southern Gospel quartet from the MidWest)
Melody Joyce (EDM singer/songwriter)
Folk Hymnal--"Incarnation Songs, Vol. II" (Christian Folk follow up to last year's Christmas EP; Kickstarter funded)
Lennie Gallant (Canadian Country star who had one of the best Christmas singles of 2018)
HW Klownface--"Desecration of Santa Claus" (Metal artist who won a copyright suit in Judge Judy's courtroom)
Chris Mann (Former Voice contestant who released a Christmas EP in 2012)
Natalie McMaster (Canadian Celtic fiddler)
Tony Meade (Pop Rock artist from Colorado)
The New West Symphony & Chorus (70 member choir and orchestra)
Oversight Gallery (Indie Emo band from Indiana)
Dolly Parton (Country superstar says this is definite and will be accompanied by a Christmas tour)
Andrew Ryan (L.A. based Jazz Pop artist)
Salt of the Sound (Ambient Christian Vocal duo)
The Seekers (The band is officially retired; this will be a collection of past Christmas songs, many rare and possibly some unreleased)
Slobberbone (Alt Country band from Texas)
Smashing Pumpkins (Billy seems pretty stoked by the idea)
Canadian Troubadour Doug Smith--"Christmas In The Valley" (Canadian Country artist)
Sovereign Grace (Worship group planning 3rd Christmas album)
Larry Stewart (Country set from one of the vocalists from Restless Heart)
Joey Stuckey (NOV) (Blind Georgia Blues Rock artist)
The Taters--"Shiny & Brite" (Roots Rock/Americana)
Olivia West--"Hurry Up Santa" (Country Pop; Kickstarter)
Robbie Williams ("Millennium" singer, formerly of Take That, with a double album of festive joy)
Various--"Seasonal Favorites, Vol. 5" (Yet another indispensable collection of Surf Rock, etc., from Double Crown)
Various--"A Very Cherry Christmas--Vol. 14" (late NOV) (Brilliant Indie Pop and Rock, curated by Gareth Jones)
POSSIBLE
Carolyn Broussard (Cajun Americana)
Delta Rae (Alt Pop Americana)
DMX--"DMX-Mas" (Rap)
EXO (K-Pop Boy Band)
2020
Paul Kelly (The dude who taught us "How To Make Gravy" for Christmas working on a full holiday album)
Melvin Seals (Leader of JGB, a Grateful Dead spinoff, with what is expected to be a fairly traditional "churchy" effort)