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.

Spencer Day • If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me

When I went to see Spencer Day singing live at the Rrazz Room the beginning of the month, I had a true goal in mind. I was hoping he would sing at least one of the holiday songs off his 2012 EP. 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me', so I could tape it for the blog. But I also wanted to enjoy the show, and take pictures of the handsome singer while he was doing his thing live. (That is one of my picutres from the night above.) Well, I must admit I didn't get my video camera set up soon enough, and when he sang the title cut second, I missed it. Thankfully, another patron was way more ready than I was, and caught it on video. This is Spencer Day singing "If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me" at the Jazz club in New Hope, PA.

Now, I mentioned he released an EP of holiday songs, and I have to tell you, it is one of my favorites. It is a collection featuring one classic and three brand new seasonal songs. The first track is the classic, "Silver Bells", written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston, first released in 1950 by Bob Hope and Carol Richards. Spencer puts his own smooth patina on the jewel. Next up is "My Kind of Christmas", written by Spencer and Cliff Goldmacher. (This pair also wrote the sexy and fantastic "Till You Come To Me" off Spencer's 'Vagabond' album). There is a sweet blues quality to "My Kind of Christmas" that I love. "If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me" was again written by Day and Goldmacher, and it combines the reality of living in tough economic time with the joy of the season to bring out a bittersweet quality that also has a touch of humor involved. The last cut on the EP, "Christmas Without You" was written by Goldmacher with Joel Evans. It has a bubbly charm, and features a piano solo that brings so much warmth to my heart. I invite you to watch and listen to the video below, and get a delicious taste of all four songs!

Like I said, the EP immediately became a favorite of mine, and a valued addition to my holiday playlist. You can find 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me' on iTunes, CD Universe, and Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Drake Jensen • Here Comes Santa Claus

Last week, I mentioned that hunky Drake Jensen had a brand new holiday song hitting the airwaves. Great news, everyone, for this week, I can talk about an old favorite make new once more. Drake put his own spin on the song, offering up even more charm for this darling song. It was written by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman, and first released by Autry in 1947. It quickly became a classic, and was recorded by many of the biggest names in music, including Doris Day and Elvis Presley. And now, we can add Jensen's name to the list. This is Drake Jensen singing "Here Comes Santa Claus".

Learn how to get a song on iTunes at ReverbNation.com

I can't listen to it without smiling from down deep. There is a wonderful sweetness and love in Drake's vocals, and I just can't get enough of them! "Here Comes Santa Claus" can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You can purchase Drake's 2012 holiday release, 'Christmas At Home', from iTunes and CD Baby. For more information about Drake, visit his official website. You can also 'like' Drake on Facebook, or 'follow' him on Twitter. To check out his most recent music video, for "Live Every Day (Like It Was Christmas Day)", click here.

The Voice - Season 5 - One Last Note

Left to right: Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton.

Last night, Tessanne Chin, Will Champlin, and Jacquie Lee all gave their fans plenty to cheer about with strong performances, the type that earned them a berth in the finals. Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera also worked hard, doing duets with their artists, and beaming proudly when they were singing. Coaches Blake Shelton and Cee-Lo Green seemed surprisingly more interested than I might have guessed, despite the fact Carson Daly rarely asked for their thoughts on performances. But they stayed engaged and polite, allowing the three artists to take over center stage. And with the show tonight, we can expect less deference to them, as the producers have signed up some stars to make the evening a celebration worthy of crowning a champion.

Clockwise: Jacquie Lee, Will Champlin, and Tessanne Chin.

When all was said and done, when the last notes were sung, and the last instruments played, I came to the conclusion that Tessanne Chin had won the night, earning the title of 'The Voice', at least in my eyes. Her talent to sing every song given her this season has been remarkable, showing off her power, as well the softness and vulnerability of her voice. Her recording of "I Have Nothing" starting up the iTunes chart the minute it was released, and soon made it to #1. Her duet with Adam Levine, "Let It Be", went to #4 on iTunes at the close of voting. Jacquie Lee also scored with "And I Am Telling You", making it to #9, while Will Champlin's recording of "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" went to #10. Will and Adam's "Tiny Dancer" clocked in at #11, while Jacquie and Christina's "We Remain" went to #21. While signs might point to Tessanne being crowned, we never know for sure until the announcement is made, about 115 minutes into the 120 minute broadcast.

The show kicks off with Carson on stage with the finalists, and he introduces the coaches. He begins to recap last evening. Then he speaks with Adam, who talks about how much he enjoyed performing with his team. And Christina is just thrilled with Jacquie and her performances. But it is time to bring back all the talented singers as the Top 20 sings "Tonight Is The Night", the hit from Outasight.

The coaches seem relaxed, and happy to be there. Adam is sad a winner must be named, they were all so good. Cee-Lo remains impressed they were that good, after a long and arduous process. Christina is still excited about Jacquie's performances, and the great night it was. Blake wants to first mention he has presents for the coaches, and then makes the announcement that he can tell us who the winner will be - either Tessanne, Will, or Jacquie. And speaking of Christina's artist, she is the first one up to bring back some friends to join her. Jacquie sings with Matthew, Caroline, Cole, and James, taking on the iconic 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. The song is great fun. Then we learn that Tessanne will be singing with one of her favorite artists, when she joins Celine Dion on "Love Can Move Mountains". They are fantastic together, just electrifying. The audience goes wild! Carson is quick to point out Celine will be back on to sing again later in the program. Then we are reminded that Ryan Tedder wrote a song for the winner of the show to sing, once the announcement is made. But first, Tedder comes out with his band OneRepublic to sing their new single, "I Lived".

"I Lived" can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. It was great the band played it totally live, and had the audience out of their seats. I cannot wait to hear the song he wrote for the winner! After a commercial break, it is time for more music, but first there is a tribute to Cee-Lo Green, and his use and occasional abuse of the English language. Ray, Preston, Matt, Nic and Josh sing a Bruno Mars song, "Treasure". They sound great, and very boyband. Nic is jamming, as expected, but while he sounds great, Ray was not buying into the dance moves. And I respect him for that. For his song, Will has asked Jonny, Cole, Caroline and Austin to join him singing "Wagon Wheel". The song was written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor, and perfect for this group of artists. It is a wonderful and rootsy performance. After a break, Carson talks with the parents of the finalists, and it is a sweet moment. Then it is time to pay a tribute to Christina, and the magnificent noises she can make. And then Jacquie Lee gets to sing with the band Paramore on their hit "Ain't It Fun".

This is a great pairing, and allows Jacquie to really shine. I wish she had sung some music like this during the season. Paramore's "Ain't It Fun" can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. Carson introduces some amazing ladies for the next performance when Amber, Shelbie, Stephanie Anne, Kat, Tamara, and Grey sing Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without U". It is a rousing rendition, bringing the coaches to their feet. Next, we see the finalists getting a private tour of the backlot of Universal, and soon we find out all three are getting a brand new car from Kia Motors! Then we see the final confessional, and the touching words from the finalists who explain what winning could mean to them. Then it is time for Celine Dion to return to the stage to sing her new single. Celine is joined by Ne-Yo to sing "Incredible".

Their voices work really well together, and it is a lovely song. "Incredible" can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. After the break, Carson talks to Ryan Tedder about the song to be sung by the winner. We learn Ryan will continue to work with the winner in the new year, creating more music with them. Will returns to the stage to share the spotlight with Aloe Blacc to sing "Wake Me Up", and they sound great together. This is a fantastic song, and Will seems so happy to be singing it. After a break, Tessanne brings back her friends, so she, James, Preston, Olivia and Grey sing "Hold On, I'm A Comin'", the big hit for Sam and Dave in 1966. The group has a bunch of fun, and James is a live wire! They bring the coaches to their feet once again. And it is time to pay our final tribute of the night, to Blake Shelton and his inability to dance. But it is time for out next guest of the evening, as Lady Gaga comes out to perform "Do What You Want" off the album 'ArtPop'. This is the official video for "Do What U Want" by Lady Gaga featuring R.Kelly.

But for the performance tonight, Gaga is joined by Christina Aguilera, with the ladies in beautiful matching outfits. They both sound wonderful, and Christina's fellow coaches are brought to their feet. "Do What U Want" by Lady Gaga and featuring R.Kelly can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon. And after another commercial break, and 113 minutes of programing, we finally get to hear some results. The finalists are brought out on stage, and each takes a turn to thank their coach. Then it is time to learn the artist in third place, and it is Will Champlin.

That leaves Tessanne and Jacquie, and we learn that Jacquie Lee places second and the winner of 'The Voice' is Tesssanne Chin! The confetti falls, and it is time to sing her new song.

'The Voice' will return with Season 6 in February, with coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Usher, and Shakira. To learn more about 'The Voice', visit the official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

Andrew Abaria • They Say It's Christmas

Andrew Abaria adds to the collection of holiday songs with a new original that has plenty of what every Christmas song needs, charm and warmth. The piano-driven song is lyrical and sweet. It is also a soaring treat meant to tug at your heart-strings, which it does so well. Written and recorded by Andrew, the song is beautiful, much like a modern day "White Christmas". It takes a look at what one person thinks about the holiday, and the very honest memories are so honest and real, you cannot help but identify. The song has a certain melancholia, paired with a love that just makes it touch us all that much more. This is the music video for "They Say It's Christmas".

The video helps capture the song well, as it keeps it simple, focusing on the man and the feelings he holds dear. You can purchase "They Say It's Christmas" from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To learn more about Andrew Abaria, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'sollow' him on Twitter. To read my review of his EP 'We Are The Underdogs', click here.

The Voice - Live Performance Review - 12/16/2013

Left to right: Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Carson Daly, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine.

Last week, it was revealed that Jacquie Lee, Will Champlin, and Tessanne Chin would be competing tonight for the win, and coaches Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine could not be happier. On a sad note, this will be the first season Blake Shelton will not have a finalist competing for the win. It also marks the first time someone received the 'Judge's Save' and made it to the finals. In fact, Will was saved twice, once by Christina when eliminated by Adam, and then re-saved by Adam when eliminated by Christina! In the remaining contestants, we have two female power singers, and one guy who can really be both powerful and a little quirky.

Left to right: Jacquie Lee, Will Champlin, and Tessanne Chin.

Tonight, each finalist will sing three songs, two solos, and one with their coach. One of the solos is the song that made the chairs turn in the blind audition, as well as a brand new song. In fact, if the leaks are right, Jacquie will be singing a song co-written by her coach, and sung by her for the soundtrack of 'The Hunger Games - Catching Fire'. The show begins with a montage, showing the Top 3 on their journey, from blind auditions to Finals. And they jump right in with songs, as coaches Blake Shelton, Cee-Lo Green, Adam Levine and Christina Aguilera sing "Pour Some Sugar On Me" with the help of the band Def Leppard, who had a #1 hit with the song 25 years ago.

Well, that certainly lit the fire for the night. After a commercial break, it is time for Tessanne Chin to sing the song "Try" by Pink, and all three chairs turned around, and all four judges fought to get her on their team. Before the performance, Adam remarks how he knew when he heard her she would be here in the finals, competing for the win. She is in great voice, showing both power and control. She moves with such ease and grace on the stage, showing real charisma. Adam is so proud, and tells her that he has learned so much from being her coach. Cee-Lo tells her he is a fan, and that everyone watching is as well. There is a question session, and it can't pass quickly enough. And it is time for another look back as Will Champlin sings "Not Over You" by Gavin DeGraw.

Will does seem to really thrive with this song, and he shows such great range with it. He was excellent in the audition, causing three chairs to turn. He has such a great quality in his vocals, which build so nicely as the song goes on. Adam talks about how inspiring it has been to work with Will, and how much respect he has for him. Through it all, his work ethic has kept him strong. Christina also appreciates how, like him, she can get in her own head too much, and he has managed to stay strong and good despite how tough it can be. After another break, it is time for Jacquie Lee to sing the song that introduced her to the audience, "Back To Black". The Amy Winehouse was a perfect fit for her, and made two chairs turn, including Coach Christina. She does a nice job with the song, but I must admit I am not a big fan of her voice, which as times has a harsh and shrill edge. And it does with this song, too. Christina is thrilled to be her coach, and loves to be able to support this 16-year-old. She makes Christina happy to be a part of her journey. After another break, it is time for the artists to duet with their Coach. First up, we have Tessanne and Adam to sing "Let It Be", the iconic song by The Beatles.

First up I have to say, Tessanne's dress is stunning. Looking at her actually distracted me from looking at Adam, which isn't and easy thing to do. It is an odd duet, for Tessanne's voices is so much fuller and richer than Adam's, but somehow, she makes it work. Again, she shows an ability to show a softness in her vocals, a vulnerability. When they break it down for a Reggae section, it is a great moment. After a break, we learn that Jacquie will be joined by Christina to sing "We Remain", co-written by Christina for the soundtrack of ''The Hunger Games - Catching Fire'. The song is not an easy sing, as it is as rangy as one would expect from a Christina song. Christina was quite kind, and took the very high end, allowing the full body of Jacquie's voice to take center stage. And they looked lovely in their red dresses. After a break, it is time for the final duet of the night, as Will teams up with Adam to sing Elton John's "Tiny Dancer".

Who knew the song would be great for Adam's voice? Adam keeps his vocals simple, and allows Will to take wing with his vocals. He looks so happy singing up there, smiling and moving to the beat he hears in the music. This is really much nicer than I thought it would be, for I find Will's voice to be very different than Adam's, but in both his duets tonight, Adam had made them work. After another break, and an odd moment with Blake and cakes, Carson brings the Top 3 back on stage, and they sing "I'll Be There", a huge hit for the Jackson 5 forty-two years ago. It is a sweet moment, but it really shows me that, no matter how the results play out, Tessanne has the voice that stands out to me. But the tenderness of the connection between Jacquie, Will, and Tessanne is unmistakable. There is another break, and it is time to begin the final song for each artist. The first up is Tessanne, who takes on another powerhouse when she sings "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston.

It is not easy to take on an icon like Houston, but if there is someone up to the task, it is Tessanne. Sorry, I wrote nothing while she was singing, for that took my breath way. There was brilliance and power, and such a richness, I am without words. Adam is also speechless, so blown away by her ability to take on every task, and take them to places unexpected. For him, she is the winner of 'The Voice'. I fear I have a tough time arguing with him on that one. Another break, and it is time to for Will Champlin to sing "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams. Adam works closely with him in rehearsals, and I think it paid off. His emotional connection to the song is so strong and true, it is like he is bleeding the song. And as he is wont to do, Will takes the song down roads and alleys to make it truly his own. At the end of the song, he kisses his wife and his daughter, a truly wonderful moment. He is a wonderful performer, as he has proven time and time again. Adam is so proud of him, and thinks he can declare a victory, no matter the outcome, for making it to the end despite the crap he has been through on the show. Blake always enjoys his performances, and thought it was great he kept this one simple, with no extra glitter. And now it is time for the last competitive performance of the season, as Jacquie Lee sings "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from 'Dreamgirls'. The song was originally sung by Jennifer Holliday in the Broadway production of 'Dreamgirls', which earned her the Tony Award. Later, Jennifer Hudson picked up the Academy Award for her performance in the film version. This is the live version from the 1982 Tony Awards, featuring the incredible Jennifer Holliday.

This is another huge song, one dripping with emotional hurt and and heart-wrenching pain. It is big and powerful, and comes from down deep. Most of the way through the song, I just feel this was a bad song choice. I don't feel the emotional connection to the lyric, and I am saddened by that. I know I might very well be in the minority here, but that was lacking. The song comes from the soul too much to be as karaoke as that. Christina is so proud, and feared that she is coming for her career. Blake is amazed at the journey she has made on the show, and how perfect the coach/artist pairing was for her.

For me, there is only one conclusion, and that is Tessanne Chin took this season of 'The Voice'. She has consistently shown me the range and strength of a world-class vocalist, week after week. Her connection to the material has been so right on, and I can't think of a bad turn she has made this season. She will get my votes. To vote for your favorite, you can call, purchase the song on iTunes, and go to 'The Voice' website. To call, each phone number has 10 votes. For Tessanne Chin, call 1-855-864-2301; for Will Champin call 1-855-864-2302; and for Jacquie Lee call 1-855-864-2303. To vote on iTunes, just purchase the song offered - but keep in mind, only one purchase per account will count as a vote. To vote online, just go to 'The Voice' Online, and I think you have 10 votes per email address. Voting closes at 11AM Eastern Standard Time Tuesday morning, and the results of that vote will be made public on Tuesday night, 9-11PM, on your local NBC station. The guest list for that show is looking big, with Lady Gaga and R. Kelly, Celine Dion and Ne-Yo, OneRepublic, and Paramore scheduled to appear.

Matt Zarley • Still Time To Be Hopeful

I just wanted to offer up a little reminder that you have until Wednesday afternoon, December 18, 2013, to be a part of the romance with Matt Zarley. Just one look at a picture of the handsome and talented actor and you can see how easy it would be to feel the romance, and be quite hopeful about it. 'Hopeful Romance' is the name of the upcoming project from Zarley, the new album he is looking to release in the coming year. And I am not the only one offering up reminders, for Matt has released a couple of pictures to remind people out it.

And, by 'it', I mean his Kickstarter page, set up to help Matt raise some of the money needed to album, and the accompanying music videos. The videos are helpful in promoting the music, as anyone who reads this blog regularly must know. Another given is the fact that Zarley is a natural on camera, as he has been wonderful to watch in previous music videos, like one of my favorites, for the song "Trust Me".

"Trust Me" was written by Matt, Mark Picchiotti, and Joe Hurt. The track appears on his last album, 'Change Begins With Me'. The video was directed and edited by Benjamin Pollack, and choreographed by Benjamin Allen. And while Matt does sexy and flirty so very well, he also can deliver the goods when it comes to heartfelt and sweet. The song was written by Matt and Andy Zulla, and produced by Grammy winner, Zulla. This video was directed by Randal Kirk II. This is the music video for "Perfect", also off the latest album.

It didn't take shirtless shots to get me to be a part of Matt's campaign. It is all about the music, and damn, does he do that so well. I will admit I have the Matt Zarley discography in my collection, including his wonderful Christmas song, "One More Christmas With You". So I became a supporter, and would encourage you to do the same. With only a few days remaining to make a pledge, you can give as little or as much as you'd like. For $15, you can get a download of the album before it is available to the public.

If you would like to learn even more about Matt Zarley, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. But most importantly, you can find Matt Zarley on Kickstarter. Check him out, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you on any of the above!