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.
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.
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.
"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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
"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)
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