Jeffery Straker & Jill Straker • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I must say, I have been intrigued by the sound quality in some music videos. That is the case here in Jeffery Straker's lovely recording of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". With Music by Ralph Blane and Lyrics by Hugh Martin, the song was best known by it's premier in the movie 'Meet Me In St. Louis", sung by the great Judy Garland. In his interpretation, Jeffery is joined by his sister, Jill Straker, and the two really do make beautiful music together. And the sound is pushed even further with Jeffery playing the upright piano, a gift Jeffery received earlier this year. It has a sound I cannot resist, so this is Jeffery singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

While you are enjoying this holiday song, you might want to check out his original song from 2013. I just loved the sweet and romantic feel to "Comin' Home For Christmas", and still do a year later. Light and frothy, the entire song is totally irresistible. I just can't get enough this song, and this might be why. Please enjoy Jeffery Straker singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Chrismtas"

To learn more about Jeffery Straker, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. "Comin' Home For Christmas" is available for purchase from iTunes, Bandcamp and Amazon.

Von Smith • A Very Postmodern Christmas

Just yesterday, I got the cutest Facebook message from J.D. Doyle of Queer Music Heritage, wanting to share with me a new music video featuring the adorable and talented Von Smith. It seems Von had teamed up with Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox on their latest release, 'A Very Postmodern Christmas'. The sounds of the album vary from smooth Jazz to period Jazz to Big Band. There is a delicious Jazz/Pop sound that brings me back to a time when Ella and Nat ruled the airwaves.

'A Very Postmodern Christmas' was released on December 2, 2014, and featured the talents of Robyn Adele Anderson, Dave Koz, Ashley Stroud, Alex Macdonald, Cristina Gatti, Kate Davis, Miche Braden, and Drue Davis. In this post, I will focus on the talents of Von Smith, the dynamic and vivacious young man just brimming with talent. While "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" might be identified with the late, great Judy Garland, Von does his best to own the song with his unique and thrilling interpretation. This is Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox with "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", featuring a wonderfully bluesy Von Smith.

Bradlee came up with an interesting and new mash-up that feels oddly right from the start to the finish. I don't believe I have ever heard "Wee Three Kings" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" made into a medley, and never would have suspected it would have worked so well. But somehow, the band and the vocalist make it happen. There is a wonderful Swing touch I just love. And Von Smith gives a spectacular performance. Please enjoy Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox with "We Three Kings/O Come All Ye Faithful", featuring Von Smith.

Von can also be heard on a frothy Gospel interpretation of "Joy to the World" that is hard not to love. You can purchase 'A Very Postmodern Christmas' from iTunes. To learn more about Von Smith, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Tumblr and Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. If you like what you hear, you might like his latest Pop album. You can purchase 'On To Something' from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon.

Gavin James • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I must admit, I have a huge musical crush on Irishman Gavin James. It is a longstanding problem, begun a few decades ago when I couldn't get enough of Van Morrison, followed by my love for the music of U2. More recently, I'll admit to my preoccupation with the music of Brian Kennedy, and to adding Gavin to the list. So when I saw he had posted a Christmas song, I couldn't wait to watch the video. When I saw it was "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", a song written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for the 1944 MGM musical 'Meet Me In St. Louis', I knew I was in trouble. The song was introduced by the great Judy Garland, and quickly became a holiday classic. In this video, Gavin gives the song a new twist with his live performance that makes a very happy man. This is Gavin James singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Gavin recently released a live album of which I am particularly fond. 'Live at Whelans' is wonderful, I just can't get enough of it. Seriously! But I will try to get my heart in check, and review it for you soon. To learn more about Gavin James, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Eli Lieb • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

There is something about a handsome man singing a beautiful classic to me that just makes me a happy man. And that is exactly how I would describe Eli Lieb's recording of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". The song was was written by Ralph Blane and lyricist Hugh Martin, and introduced to the world by the always brilliant Judy Garland in the 1944 film 'Meet Me in St. Louis'. Later, the song was recorded by Frank Sinatra with new lyrics, and those words are the ones more commonly sung today. But as Eli tends to do, he uses the original as a launching pad to allow the song and his voice to go places no one has gone before. And I swear, when I listen, it sounds like he is singing to me! This is Eli Lieb singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Almost 70 years later, the song still sounds fresh. And, Eli's rendition certainly helps that along. You can purchase Eli Lieb's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from iTunes or Amazon. While you are there, you might check out his other music, from the cover songs to the original music. Honestly, I am partial to his original stuff. For more about Eli, visit his official website, where there is an official store, so yous can buy music and t-shirts. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

Anthony Callea • This Is Christmas

The brilliant Anthony Callea.

It have been a long time since I first discovered Anthony Callea, when he became a YouTube viral sensation for his outrageously amazing rendition of "The Prayer" on the 2004 edition of 'Australian Idol'. He blew me away with that, and I knew I had to order his album. I did, and I've been hooked since. A couple of albums and a DVD later, all imported from Australia, and I still think he has one of the most magnificent voices going. No matter what this boy is singing, I am most certainly buying! So when I heard Anthony was working on a Christmas album, excited might not be a strong enough word to describe my mood. Giddy, squee-ful, and ecstatic might capture it, if all are used. It is interesting, for as a fan of Anthony, I have seen YouTube clips of his annual appearance on 'Carols by Candlelight', held every Christmas Eve in Australia, allowing me to eagerly eat up live performances of Christmas songs for many years now. I couldn't resist, and pre-ordered it the moment I could.

So, even though I pre-ordered it from Australia, once it was released, I could not hold out until the CD made it across the Pacific and North America, so I scooted off to iTunes and got my copy of Anthony Callea's 'This Is Christmas'. And once I hit play, I was not disappointed in the least. Quite the opposite, really, for it was everything I wanted, and more! The album starts off with "Don't save It All For Christmas" was written by Peter Zizzo, Ric Wake, and Céline Dion, who also recorded it for her 1998 album, 'These Times Are Special'. As a single, it was released in December of 2000, and the first song Dion had a writing credit. The song is a soaring and lovely addition to the Christmas catalog, and Anthony is magnificent on it. The next track, "The First Noel", is a traditional English carol, and is given a traditional feel with an orchestra playing. Anthony's voice is able to soar high above the instrumentation, giving ample warmth and heart to make this so beautiful. The next song was written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector in the early 1960s, and sung by Darlene Love in 1963 to much acclaim. The song, synonymous with the era and sound of Spector's 'Wall of Sound' and the quality  of music coming from 'The Brill Building", where some of the great writers worked then. I hope you enjoy this version sung by Anthony live at a 'Carols By Candlelight' event. It is different than his studio version, but to hear adn watch him sing always make me happy. Please enjoy Anthony singing "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)".

"Silent Night" was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, in a small town in Austria. The song is still a popular Christmas song, almost 200 years later. Once again, the song allows Anthony to show the control and softness in his voice, with his tender rendition of the song. Anthony is joined on the song by guitarist Stuart Fraser, who sounds beautiful as well. Together, they make a lovely duo. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and was first sung on a radio show in November of 1934. It was an instant hit, and remains a favorite of millions almost 80 years later. Anthony gives it a Rocker/Swing treatment, allowing him the freedom to show off with that amazing voice of his. "Ave Maria" was composed by Franz Schubert in 1825 as part of his Opus 52. Once again, almost 200 years later, people are still singing this song, a beautiful Christmas Prayer. The strength, depth, and tone of Anthony's voice truly shines on the recording, making me very happy. The only thing that could make it better is allowing Anthony Callea to be joined by The National Boys Choir of Australia, a group of 200 talented boys aged between 7 – 15, who sound beautiful on the recording. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" written in October 1962 with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker, a married couple worrying about the Cuban Missile Crisis, and what might be happen because of it. It quickly became a favorite, and Anthony gives it a strong R&B treatment, much like Whitney Houston, who Anthony did open for in Australia. This is Anthony singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?".

"Mary Did You Know?", a Christmas song with lyrics written by Mark Lowry and music written by Buddy Greene, was written in 1984, but not recorded until 1992. The song slowly took hold, with people like Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd singing it. Also versions by Clay Aiken and Cee Lo Green hit the charts. Anthony gives a strength and urgency to the song. It is hard to not fall in love with the recording of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", which is an amazing song. It was written by written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane in 1943, and first sung by the great Judy Garland in th e1944 MGM musical 'Meet Me In St. Louis'. In this recording, Anthony is joined by his partner, handsome and talented Tim Campbell. I had already been a fan of the version they had sung in 'Carols By Candlelight' a few years ago, so I hope you enjoy Anthony and Tim singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton in the late 1700s. The song is the ultimate message of forgiveness and divine redemption. Anthony recorded an outstanding version, and is joined on the song by vocalists Susie Ahern, Michelle Serret-Cursio and Rod Davies. This is a brilliant acapella version, and I can't listen to it enough. Together, the group allows each to soar to new heights, leave you wondering if they will return to earth again! The next track once again features The National Boys Choir of Australia. "O Holy Night" is a well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" (Midnight, Christians) by Placide Cappeau. This is another traditional favorite, and again the sheer beauty of Anthony's voice elevates the listener, cradling us with his warm tone as he brings us to new heights. "Note To God" is a song written by Diane Warren, a talent who has written more than her fair share of great songs. It was first recorded in 2006, and soon others were wanting to sing it. The song is an emotional message to a Higher Power, a person searching for a way to carry on in a world that could use so much help. Anthony delivers on the big notes, and even bigger on the emotional quality of this tough song.

'This Is Christmas' makes for an amazing musical journey, one I will take again and again this holiday season. Anthony has an incredible voice, one I never tire of hearing. This is certainly a must-have for this and any holiday season. Put it on your Christmas List, or buy it for your friends, 'cause they will love it too! You an purchase 'This Is Christmas' on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Anthony Callea, visit his official website. You can also "like" him on Facebook, and "follow" him on Twitter. You an purchase 'Thirty', his latest Pop release, on iTunes and Amazon.

Christmas Garland • Judy at Home

In 1963, the legendary Judy Garland had her own television show. For show #15, they taped the Christmas episode, which featured many guests, including Judy's children, Liza Minnelli, Lorna and Joey Luft. In this first clip, we get a Christmas Medley with Liza Minnelli and Jack Jones, and, of course, Judy.



In a very special moment, Judy sings Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas in a sweet moment with with Lorna & Joey Luft.



The show also featured Judy singing The Christmas Song with Mel Tormé, who wrote it with Bob Wells. The song was perhaps best known for the version ob Nat King Cole.



While not a part of the special, this is Merry Christmas, with lyrics and music by Fred Spielman and Janice Torre, sung by Judy in the 1949 MGM film, In the Good Old Summertime. She sings it to a very handsome Van Johnson.



Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

Christmas Music - Anthony Callea

Top: Anthony Callea; Bottom: With Tim Campbell

Since I don't live in Australia and can't watch the telecast of Carols by Candlelight, I will just create my own. What I truly mean by that, of course, is that I will pick and chose some of my favorite performances by Anthony Callea that I have found on YouTube, and post them on Christmas Eve. Whether he is singing a traditional carol or a hymn, Anthony delivers like few can, and I just love him. So I will start with his beautiful rendition of the classic song, The First Noel, which he performed in 2009.



Way back in 2006, Anthony decided to rock it out a bit, and put his own special spin on the Darlene Love classic, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).



In 2007, Anthony lifted his voice to sing a gorgeous O Holy Night. When Anthony hits his stride, I can't think of many who can keep up with him.



In 2008 Anthony and his partner, actor/singer/host Tim Campbell, performed together. An out couple, they are just too adorable together, and I will admit to having a crush on Tim, too. Their voices work quite well together. This is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, with Tim singing first, and introducing the 'beautiful' Anthony.



Finally, I shall end with what might be my favorite performance I have seen so far from Anthony's run on Carols by Candlelight. In 2008, he sang a spectacular version of Ave Maria. It gives me goosebumps to listen to him sing it. Enjoy.



For more about Anthony, you can check out his website here. You can find out more about Tim at his website, here. For further information on Carols by Candlelight, click here.

Visit Jake Walden for the Holidays

The final stop on the Holiday Visit schedule is in California, although we won't be spending time on the beach, enjoying the sound of the surf and the warmth of the sun. You see, we are visiting with Jake Walden, who is spending 12+ hours a day in the studio working on his new album. I first met Jake when he was playing with Tom Goss. Twice, as a matter of fact. I saw him touring with Tom and Stewart Lewis as part of the Rock The Folk Out tour, which I caught in Philadelphia. I also saw him playing with Goss in Washington, DC, at the beautiful Artists Inn Residence.


Jake with Tom Goss in Washington, DC.

I quickly discovered Jake's music to be a combination of silky smooth thoughts on love and smoke-tinged pleas of hope, hurt, and life. Jake slides with ease up and down the range of his voice, bringing the emotional baggage of joy, love, fear and melancholy with each phrase. But speaking from the heart is exactly what Jake does best. Here is a video of Jake's single, For Someone.



Since Jake was busy with in the studio, I thought it best to get straight to the questions. What is Jake's favorite holiday music? "This is easy," he told me. "In my family the only album that plays during Christmas is The Carpenters album. Nothing compares to it. And for as long as I live it will make me think of my Mom. In fact, when I imagine what next week will be like at home, I hear the songs..." Well, as Jake will soon be making his way to his family, I might as well get him ready with a clip of The Carpenter's Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Does Jake have a Christmas song he likes to perform? "As far as songs to perform, I don't know yet. I dabbled in Christmas music recording and releasing I'll Be Home For Christmas this year and believe I will do a full album for next year (which we record in the summer...very bizarre). Anyhow, ask me next year. I can tell you it will be a longing melancholic ballad though!" Now, of course I will not be able to resist showing a clip of Jake's Christmas song recorded earlier this year.



When I asked about what are his hopes for the coming year, Jake answered, "If I say it out loud it won't come true!!!!" I would have to think the fates would have a hard time saying no to this handsome and charming man, But I'll let him have his way. To just add a bit more holiday flavor for Jake, I thought it would be nice to bring back Karen Carpenter, singing White Christmas.



Again, I need to find out what music might me on Jake's iPod. Only seems fair, since I admit his music is on mine. So what did he think was some of the great music from 2010? "Favorites are, among others," he said thoughtfully, "Audra Mae's The Happiest Lamb; a few choice Glee songs; Brandi Carlile Give Up The Ghost; Christopher Dallman Never Was, especially the songs Ghosts and Subterranean; and Garrison Starr Sit with me tonight (live). A lot of mainstream pop and even some country too, but these are singer/songwriters doing incredible work from inception to record."

Since being in the studio seems to put Jake into the contemplative mood, I asked about what his goals musically in 2011. "I am looking forward to traveling the country and world with a full band'" he replied. "I am looking forward to creating a highly dynamic show that still makes you cry but also makes you smile and soft rock out! Musically, I'm excited to put out on the stage what I spent 2010 learning to do. I have never been as excited as I am about a new year." Well, with the new album, and a support tour, there is certainly much to get excited about. I will be looking to seeing him when he makes his way East, and expect to do lots of cheering, and getting a big hug.

Before ending the interview, Jake was kind enough to offer a few kind words in my direction. "Thanks Howard for all you do," he said,"for all your support and words and most of all for being you." Well, that certainly made me feel warm all over. And he most definitely wanted to wish a big "Happy Holidays" to the readers of the blog. As this is the last installment of the series, I wouldn't mind taking the opportunity to say my own thank you to Jake and all the rest of the artists who make the music that keeps me blogging, and take the time to answer my questions, and deliver the music that entertains us all. And I will end with one more song from Jake, another of my favorites. It is We Are, with a little help from Stewart Lewis.



For more information about Jake Walden, be sure to check out his official website here. If you go there, you can find all kinds of fun stuff, including shots of Jake getting a tattoo!

Visit Daniel Cartier for the Holidays

I recently asked 5 questions to some of my favorite performers featured on this blog, wanting to add a little something to the holiday season. I wanted to learn a bit more about the artists, and their thoughts on music. Daniel Cartier is the next stop on my holiday rounds. As well as being a singer/songwriter, Daniel is also a artist, have some pieces in galleries in New York.

I have been enchanted by Daniel's music for several years now, and find it speaks to me in different ways than much does, as is the case with my favorites. They have a certain something that just makes their voice touch my heart, touch my soul in a way many don't. His videos often have an interesting perspective, perhaps due to his background in art. Take, for example, the hypnotic quality of Hovering, from his album Redemption.



I have been in contact with Daniel for several years, all online. I have yet to see him perform live, but hope to get the chance at some point. So when I thought of this series, I knew I wanted to include him, as someone of whom I wanted to learn a little bit more

So I was eager to ask him what his favorite holiday song was, and it didn't take him long to answer. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, by Judy Garland." What holiday song does he like to perform? "Uh... Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," he answered wryly, "but I'm no Judy!" I don't have a copy of Daniel singing it, but I do have one where Judy does.



As to what his hopes are for the coming New Year, he was very philosophical in his answer. "That I can feel a deep acceptance for whatever comes to pass. If there are things I cannot accept," he continued, "I hope I have the courage to stand up and do something about them if I'm able. The fact is, 2011 will be whatever it winds up being. All I can effectively pray for is acceptance and the willingness to be in the solution if that's possible."

Since we are talking about the New Year, I thought I would run a video of Daniel singing the consummate song for that particular holiday, Auld Lang Syne.



As I am always fascinated by what artists might actually have on their iPods, I wanted to know what he was listening to this year. "Yikes... can I say my own music? Is that obnoxious? I think my album Redemption is the best thing I've ever done. It's a shame my crazy personal life forced it to be temporarily sidelined," he said. "I also love new music by Katy Perry, Keisha, Daft Punk, Florence and the Machine and so on and so forth."

Daniel has recorded some holiday music, including a very cool version of Carol of the Bells. It was on his This Christmas CD, which, of course, I had to own!



Since we've covered the past and present, what about the future? What is Daniel looking forward to musically in 2011? "I'm looking forward to relaunching my album Redemption," he said, "and getting my song Married out to the masses in support of marriage equality for everyone, everywhere." Well, that is exciting, since I know it from the album. But I look forward to seeing a video at some point.

For more about Daniel, check out his official website here. There you can also find out where to buy his music, either directly from him, or find links to buy from iTunes or Amazon. As I skim through the available albums, I have to laugh, cause I have them all.

Christmas Music - Anthony Callea - Carols

Top: Anthony Callea; Bottom: Tim Campbell & Anthony

I have certainly talked about Anthony before, as I am a huge fan. So when I was putting together my holiday songs, I couldn't leave him out. When I saw all the songs I could use, I knew I had to give him two posts, one for the more traditional carol, which is in this post, and another one featuring Anthony singing more classical hymns.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (2007)


Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)(2006)


Last year during the Christmas season, Anthony and partner actor/singer/host Tim Campbell performed at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne. An out couple, they are just too adorable together, and Tim is majorly hot. Their voices work quite well together, too. This is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, with Tim singing first, and introducing the handsome Anthony.



For more about Anthony, you can check out his website here. You can find out more about Tim at his website, here.

Christmas Music - Clay Aiken

Say what you will, but Clay Aiken killed it on his Holiday album, Merry Christmas With Love. I listen to it every year, and it just warms the cockles of my heart. Here he is singing three favorites from his holiday special. He starts with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, and finally, the original Merry Christmas With Love.



And here is Clay singing My Grown Up Christmas List on Good Morning America in 2005.



Sure, he may not be the best looking, the slickest, nor the sexiest singer out there, but the boy can sing. You can find out more about Clay Aiken [like the tabloids haven't told us all more than we'd ever care to know, including about his child with producer Jaymes Foster, sister of mega-producer David Foster], you can find his official website here.