I love it when a rumor pans out. Long time ago, in April (and not in Bethlehem), we told you that we'd heard a rumor that Keb Mo was working on a Christmas album. It was just a rumor, but from a reliable source. And here 'tis.
"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" takes center stage on October 18 and promises to cover the many moods of the season with a list of songs that's mostly original.
According to the product info, "Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" contains only 3 covers...pointing to "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" (featuring Melissa Manchester) and "Please Come Home For Christmas". Looking over the rest of the tracks, that would suggest that one of the straight up Blues numbers--"Santa Claus Santa Claus" or "Santa Claus Blues"--is the third (though I'm not convinced, absent writing credits or sound samples, that both of those aren't covers).
Keb Mo will also bring the Christmas romance and seasonal feels with the album's title track and "One More Year With You". And, for something a bit more lighthearted, we'll be treated to "Christmas Is Annoying", a song which highlights the negative column of the Yuletide ledger (including the Christmas crunch on both money and time).
Keb Mo says, “There’s something about Christmas time that makes everyone’s hearts a little lighter and I wanted to contribute to the movement of spreading a little joy," adding that, after 25 years of performing as Keb Mo, it was time for him to record a full Christmas album. It's not as though Keb Mo hasn't ever dabbled in seasonal sounds, going back to "Jingle Bell Jamboree" (originally released in 1994) and culminating in a collection of his holiday sides on the 2011 digital EP "The Spirit Of The Holiday".
"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" is being released by the Concord Music Group. And Keb Mo will be taking it out on the road with this year's Jingle Bell Jamboree tour.
"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" takes center stage on October 18 and promises to cover the many moods of the season with a list of songs that's mostly original.
According to the product info, "Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" contains only 3 covers...pointing to "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" (featuring Melissa Manchester) and "Please Come Home For Christmas". Looking over the rest of the tracks, that would suggest that one of the straight up Blues numbers--"Santa Claus Santa Claus" or "Santa Claus Blues"--is the third (though I'm not convinced, absent writing credits or sound samples, that both of those aren't covers).
Keb Mo will also bring the Christmas romance and seasonal feels with the album's title track and "One More Year With You". And, for something a bit more lighthearted, we'll be treated to "Christmas Is Annoying", a song which highlights the negative column of the Yuletide ledger (including the Christmas crunch on both money and time).
Keb Mo says, “There’s something about Christmas time that makes everyone’s hearts a little lighter and I wanted to contribute to the movement of spreading a little joy," adding that, after 25 years of performing as Keb Mo, it was time for him to record a full Christmas album. It's not as though Keb Mo hasn't ever dabbled in seasonal sounds, going back to "Jingle Bell Jamboree" (originally released in 1994) and culminating in a collection of his holiday sides on the 2011 digital EP "The Spirit Of The Holiday".
"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" is being released by the Concord Music Group. And Keb Mo will be taking it out on the road with this year's Jingle Bell Jamboree tour.
| Please Come Home for Christmas Moonlight, Mistletoe, And You Better Everyday Santa Claus Santa Claus Christmas is Annoying Merry Merry Christmas I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm Santa Claus Blues When the Children Sing One More Year With You |  |
Dionne Warwick has recently completed work on another Christmas album. It sounds as though there will be some collaborations on this one. We do know for sure that Dionne teamed up with Country singer Eric Paslay on what he describes as a "wild" version of "Frosty The Snowman".
Speaking of Eric Paslay, he turns up on the coming Hootie & The Blowfish album, "Imperfect Circle", due out November 1. Though not a seasonal album, it does contain a song entitled "New Year's Day". Just sayin'.
If one can draw conclusions from a vague social media post, Country artist Brandy Clark might be working on a Christmas album. Or at least the sheet music therein was for "Merry Christmas Darling". People who pay attention might remember that Clark posted a video to YouTube in 2017 of the Carpenters hit, but this seemed to be hinting at something more polished. Of course, it could be that she's just recording the one track for a collection of some sort, but that would be a shame as Clark is such an exquisite singer and songwriter. So...fingers crossed.
Speaking of Eric Paslay, he turns up on the coming Hootie & The Blowfish album, "Imperfect Circle", due out November 1. Though not a seasonal album, it does contain a song entitled "New Year's Day". Just sayin'.
If one can draw conclusions from a vague social media post, Country artist Brandy Clark might be working on a Christmas album. Or at least the sheet music therein was for "Merry Christmas Darling". People who pay attention might remember that Clark posted a video to YouTube in 2017 of the Carpenters hit, but this seemed to be hinting at something more polished. Of course, it could be that she's just recording the one track for a collection of some sort, but that would be a shame as Clark is such an exquisite singer and songwriter. So...fingers crossed.
Kate Rusby's fifth Christmas album will arrive on November 29th. It's called "Holly Head" which, though I've never heard the term, is apparently what you call someone who can't ever get enough Christmas. Kate promises some traditional songs that you know, some you don't, and some of her own creations. She'll be supporting the album with a December tour of the UK.
Likewise, Rick Wakeman's "Christmas Portraits" has been completed and is also set for release on November 29th.
Likewise, Rick Wakeman's "Christmas Portraits" has been completed and is also set for release on November 29th.
Last year's "The Christmas Album" from guitar maestro Delicate Steve comes to vinyl this year...translucent green vinyl in a big red cover, as you can see. Release date is set for October 11 and you may pre-order your copy here or direct from Delicate Steve, himself.
Contemporary Christian artist and multiple Dove Award winner Nichole Nordeman has been in the business for over two decades, but she's only just getting around to recording her first Christmas album. Nordeman is going the crowdfunding route for this one and she looks poised to reach her goal with just over 3 weeks remaining in her Kickstarter campaign.
And, speaking of Kickstarter, Central Florida vocal Jazz quintet Resolve still have a ways to go to reach their goal and about 3 weeks to get there. But I'm hopeful they'll make it and we'll get a nice little Jazz EP, "All Wrapped Up" for Christmas. Bonus points because this would not just be their first holiday release, but their first release of any kind.
And, just to be as complete as we possibly can...Cherryade Records has announced that they are in the early stages of putting together Volume 14 of "A Cherryade Christmas". The always wonderful collection of Indie Pop and Rock is once again being curated by Gareth Jones.
Rumors, we hear rumors. You just know Pentatonix will come up with something for December (a Deluxe version of their last, perhaps?). And rumors persist that Ariana Grande and Katy Perry are working on new Christmas music (separately). Please note that those rumors are thus far from less reliable sources than the Keb Mo rumor was. Also heard a rumor about new Christmas music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra....annnnnd thereby I just lost half of my readers. ;^)
Decidedly not a rumor, Jim Brickman will be back with "Celebration of Christmas" on October 25. Annnnd I just lost the other half. Guess I might as well wrap this up, then.
And, speaking of Kickstarter, Central Florida vocal Jazz quintet Resolve still have a ways to go to reach their goal and about 3 weeks to get there. But I'm hopeful they'll make it and we'll get a nice little Jazz EP, "All Wrapped Up" for Christmas. Bonus points because this would not just be their first holiday release, but their first release of any kind.
And, just to be as complete as we possibly can...Cherryade Records has announced that they are in the early stages of putting together Volume 14 of "A Cherryade Christmas". The always wonderful collection of Indie Pop and Rock is once again being curated by Gareth Jones.
Rumors, we hear rumors. You just know Pentatonix will come up with something for December (a Deluxe version of their last, perhaps?). And rumors persist that Ariana Grande and Katy Perry are working on new Christmas music (separately). Please note that those rumors are thus far from less reliable sources than the Keb Mo rumor was. Also heard a rumor about new Christmas music from Trans-Siberian Orchestra....annnnnd thereby I just lost half of my readers. ;^)
Decidedly not a rumor, Jim Brickman will be back with "Celebration of Christmas" on October 25. Annnnd I just lost the other half. Guess I might as well wrap this up, then.
Finally, the Bear Family's annual Christmas collection will be released overseas on October 4. It can take anywhere from an extra week to a month for the German label's releases to reach the states (just sayin'). "Yulesville" (not yet available for pre-oder at Amazon US) contains 33 tracks of early Rock and R&B, most of it at least somewhat obscure and a few tracks making their CD debut. And there's a 28 page booklet to fill you in on which tracks are which and other fun facts.
Among the tunes making their CD debut is a rare Melodeers single, "Wishing Is For Fools". But I'll tell you in advance that the song doesn't seem to have any connection to Christmas. As someone who has collected Christmas music for almost 50 years, I will confess unfamiliarity with "Lonely Christmas" by Kerry Adams and "Winter Wonderland" by Allan & The Flames. I think I know the rest and have most of them on either CD or vinyl, including the ever elusive "Cool Cool Christmas" by Bobbie and Boobie. Not bragging, just pointing out how difficult its getting for these labels to "discover" lost classics anymore (OK, I'm bragging a little). But, given the reasonable price point of these seasonal Bear Family comps, it warrants a place in any holiday library.
Among the tunes making their CD debut is a rare Melodeers single, "Wishing Is For Fools". But I'll tell you in advance that the song doesn't seem to have any connection to Christmas. As someone who has collected Christmas music for almost 50 years, I will confess unfamiliarity with "Lonely Christmas" by Kerry Adams and "Winter Wonderland" by Allan & The Flames. I think I know the rest and have most of them on either CD or vinyl, including the ever elusive "Cool Cool Christmas" by Bobbie and Boobie. Not bragging, just pointing out how difficult its getting for these labels to "discover" lost classics anymore (OK, I'm bragging a little). But, given the reasonable price point of these seasonal Bear Family comps, it warrants a place in any holiday library.
|  | 1. Intro (radio commercial) 2. Be Boppers' Christmas - Cordell Jackson 3. Winter Wonderland - Allan & The Flames 4. Sleigh Bell Rock - Three Aces & A Joker 5. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - The Melodeers 6. Cool, Cool Xmas - Bobbie & Boobie 7. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus - Patti Page 8. Twistin' Bells - Santo & Johnny 9. Merry Christmas Baby - Dodie Stevens 10. Yulesville - Edd 'Kookie' Byrnes 11. Xmas Bell Rock - Barry & The Highlights 12. Comin' Down The Chimney - Little Joey (Sonny Bono) 13. All I Want For Christmas Is A Steady Eddie - Barbara Mann 14. Dónde Está Santa Claus? - Augie Rios 15. Jingle Rock - Tommy Lee & The Orbits 16. Big White Cadillac - Little Joey Farr 17. White Christmas - The Drifters with Clyde McPhatter 18. Lonely Christmas - Kerry Adams 19. All Winter Long - Linda Laurie 20. Christmas Kisses - The Bookends & Ray Anthony 21. Jingle Jangle - The Penguins 22. Wishing Is For Fools - The Melodeers 23. Rock And Roll Christmas - Cordell Jackson 24. Happy New Year - Lightnin' Hopkins 25. The Cactus Christmas Tree - The McGuire Sisters 26. Rock'n Rudolph - The Uniques 27. Santa's Got A Coupe De Ville - The Four Imperials 28. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Four Seasons 29. Good Morning Blues - Dee Dee Ford 30. It's Christmas Everywhere - Paul Anka 31. Rock'n'Roll Santa - Little Joey Farr 32. Silent Night - Dinah Washington 33. Happy New Year - Huey 'Piano' Smith & The Clowns |
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