Idina Menzel: A Season of Love
You may be familiar with Idina Menzel because of her iconic role in Frozen and that ONE song that’s been in our head since it’s release, Let It Go… But here’s another reason to get to know this super talented actress and songstress, she’s released a Christmas album with a whopping 18 tracks to it, including several duets with folks such as Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Josh Gad, and her talented hubby, Aaron Lohr.
The duet with Ariana, A Hand for Mrs. Claus, is an original, written by the composers of the Frozen soundtrack, Kristen Anderson-Lopes and Robert Lopez. It puts me in a cookie-baking mood for sure! I’m equally impressed with the new song by Idina, At This Table, that she wrote with Jonas Myrin. It’s all about celebrating diversity and embracing those different from us during the holiday season!
A Season of Love also includes classics like, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Ave Maria, and I’ll Be Home For Christmas, as well as many new numbers that will wrap you in the spirit of love all season long. This is a must have for your collection!
Matt Nathanson: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) & River
Bay Area singer songwriter Matt Nathanson is a delightful and insightful guy that’s a BIG favorite of a family member who introduced me to his music. He’s just released a couple of singles that deserve our attention: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home,) and River. I love both, and am sharing HIS thoughts about these songs and what they mean to him, because it so perfectly captures his spirit and provides a compelling reason to give them a listen!
“The first time I heard Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) was U2’s cover of it for the A Very Special Christmas charity album. I loved how the song felt like a celebration, but had this thread of sadness and longing running through it. For me, the holidays have always felt like that. Friends and family coming together at the end of the year, the beauty and starkness of winter contrasted with all the warmth of togetherness, joy and longing… This song is magical like that. It captures it all.”
and…
”Joni Mitchell is one of the greatest songwriters we have. A treasure. And this (RIver) isn’t a holiday song, per se, but it's become one over the years. Whenever I hear it, I’m immediately transported to the time and place she is singing about; Los Angeles in the 70s, bouncing off the superficial and the never-changing seasons… longing for a move back home, to the place she grew up and the ease and simplicity of youth.”
Get to know Matt, you’ll be glad you did!
Natalie Grant & Danny Gokey: The Prayer
Grammy nominated vocalists Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey released their version of the contemporary classic, The Prayer, last Christmas season; it’s now available to purchase as a single and if you don’t have any other music by this power duo, make sure you have The Prayer!
2019 is the fourth year the two have conducted a branded tour, Celebrate Christmas, and The Prayer has been a highlight of each and every performance, at each and every venue. You will be moved, this I promise.
Jonas Brothers: Like It’s Christmas
You could be in the Grinchiest state of mind, but when Grammy nominated funsters Jonas Brothers are heard, your heart is sure to grow at least three sizes!
Their new holiday single Like It’s Christmas. is comprised of wistful guitar, sweeping piano, handclaps, and, of course… sleigh bells! The wonderfully warm hook rings out over boisterous horns as the boys sing, “You make every day feel like it’s Christmas.” Yep, they DO have that affect on me!
Get Like It’s Christmas
Jonas Brothers resume the second leg of their “Happiness Begins Tour,” which you can catch in several venues throughout the country, now until December 14th.
More info on “Happiness Begins Tour” HERE
John Legend: A Legendary Christmas
Swoon-worthy and critically acclaimed, multi-platinum singer-songwriter, John Legend, released his first Christmas album, A Legendary Christmas last year so it’s still “new” to me and probably many of you as well.
Some of my favorite tracks are What Christmas Means to Me, with the legendary Stevie Wonder playing along on his harmonica! The magical, Christmas Time is Here, and the fun, Purple Snow Flakes, which became Delilah Jr’s favorite the second she heard it! (Can you guess her favorite color?!)
Go ahead, let John Legend croon as you swoon…
Music moves us, soothes us, uplifts, comforts, and excites us… and it’s almost a necessary ingredient to a well-rounded Christmas celebration.
I hope you enjoy these picks, which are definitely some of my favorite things, and that you all have a merry, and musical Christmas!