Daniel J. Cartier • Auld Lang Syne

I am calling on Daniel J. Cartier to welcome the new year with his wonderful version of "Auld Lang Syne". I have long been a fan of Daniel's work, and can't get enough. I love his voice, and feel the same about the songs he writes. And he truly does an amazing rendition of the classic "Auld Lang Syne", which you can hear in this music video.

You can find "Auld Lang Syne" on Daniel's holiday album, 'This Christmas'. You can purchase it from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Daniel Cartier, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Carpenters • What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

I couldn't let the holiday go without a little tribute to the brother-sister duo, Carpenters. I just love what they did with "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve", the great song written by Frank Loesser in 1947. While Loesser was known for his songs written for stage and screen, this song was written for neither, and was first sung by The Orioles. Thirty-seven years later, the song was recorded by Richard and Karen, and I just love it. This is the Carpenters singing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve".

Happy New Year!

Dark Monday • Kristin Chenoweth & Anna Kendrick

As we come up on New Year's Eve, I was thinking of what music might be right for the occasion. It was through this process that I decided there might not be too many songs from Broadway shows that might say for me what I'd like to say to all who stop by this blog than "For Good" from the musical 'Wicked'. The show had music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, based on a 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. It is a prequel to 'The Wizard of Oz', giving insight into the was the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. The song I feature here talks about how people (or witches) touch out lives, and change us "For Good". This is Kristin Chenoweth, Broadway's original Glinda, and Anna Kendrick, performing at a 'TrevorLIVE', raising funds for the Trevor Project. This is Kristin and Anna winging "For Good".

'TrevorLIVE' is a signature semi-annual event of The Trevor Project, the nation’s leading provider of crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. TrevorLIVE brings together top entertainers and corporate leaders to support Trevor’s life-saving, life-affirming work for LGBTQ youth in crisis. For more about the Trevor Project, visit the official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

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.

Andrew Suvalsky & Michael V. Doane • O Holy Night

I am always fascinated when partners decide to work together, and manage to pull it off. So when I heard Michael V. Doane and Andrew Suvalsky had teamed up for a new Christmas offering, I was interested. After all, Doane's high-energy style for his Rock and Dance songs are pretty different than Suvalsky's seductive and smooth Jazz stylings. Yet when they are singing on "O Holy Night" it all comes together to make for a joyous event. This is Andrew Suvalsky & Michael V. Doane with "O Holy Night".

You can purchase "O Holy Night" from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Micheal V. Doane, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. To learn more about Andrew Suvalsky, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

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.

Anthony Callea by Candlelight

Last year, Anthony Callea released a great collection of holiday music, simply called 'This Is Christmas'. I ate it up like it was a collection of candy canes hanging off the Christmas tree. I must also say I have been a fan of Anthony's since I first came across a video that went viral of the singer performing "The Prayer" on Australian Idol in 2004. I was hooked, and ordered his first album, and every album since. So I was already prone to love his music, but adding Christmas music to the mix upped the ante! And every year since Idol, Anthony has performed at a charitable event, 'Carols by Candlelight'. That would include last year, when he sang two songs from the holiday release. The first I will share is Anthony singing "Ave Maria", featuring the National Boys' Choir of Australia.

His second song from 2013 was the Celine Dion hit, "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day". The song was written by Dion and Peter Zizzo and Ric Wake, and has been covered by several since hitting the charts in 2000. With Anthony's exceptional talent, he could sing the song like few others could, so I was excited to hear he was singing it live. This is Anthony with "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day".

When Anthony released the album in 2013, he also did a music video for his rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear", the traditional carol given a club feel. I loved it, an angelic dance song that was perfect for holiday parties. This is the official music video for "Do You Hear What I Hear".

Back in 2008, Anthony did a duet with the handsome and talented Tim Campbell. This was the first Christmas the two were together, so it was charming seeing them together. Even better that not too long ago, they made it legal, getting married in New Zealand, for Australia still does not recognize the rights of same-sex couples. The duet was also included on Anthony's holiday album. This is Anthony and Tim with "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", which also featured the Melbourne Gospel Choir.

I've had it over a year, and still love the album. You can purchase Anthony's 'This Is Christmas' from 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.

San Fransisco Gay Men's Chorus • A Broadway Christmas

I know I usually feature Broadway shows on Monday nights, but tonight, I thought I'd offer more of a tribute to Broadway from the amazing men of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Recorded on Christmas Eve of 2012, the performance offers both show tunes and Christmas carols, as only the SFGMC could do. They take music from such Broadway hits as '42nd Street', 'Phantom of the Opera', 'Les Miserable', 'Wicked', 'Into the Woods', and 'Rent', all very popular. The holiday hits include "Angels We Have Heard On High", "We Three Kings", Away In A Manger", "Silver Bells", "Joy To The World", "Deck The Halls",and "The 12 Days of Christmas". I think I have as much fun watching this as the guys had performing it. This is the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus with 'A Broadway Christmas'.

How can you help but smile? For more about the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, check out their official website here. You can make a tax-deductible donation to them here. Or, you can support them by purchasing their music directly from them here, or you can find them on iTunes and Amazon.

Gregory Douglass • Holiday Cheer

I was surprised when I discovered I had never posted about 'Merry', Gregory Douglass' 5-song holiday EP release from 2009. The collection includes an original song, as well as favorites old and new. In fact, the first song is one written by George Michael, The Wham! hit "Last Christmas" from 30 years ago. Douglass slows it down a bit, and pares back the production to give it a more intimate feel. Then comes an original written by Gregory, "What A Long Year It Was". It is a pretty love song, one that truly warms the heart. "Walking in the Air" was written by Harold Blake 1982 for a British animated film of Raymond Briggs' 1978 children's book 'The Snowman'. Gergory gives the song a ethereal feel that I can't resist. He also imbues the traditional English carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with an exotic, percussive flavor. The EP comes to an end with a stunning version of "O Holy Night", composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. Doulgass' voice is pretty damn amazing here. Listen to the preview of 'Merry' by Gregory Douglass here.

Gregory Douglass' holiday EP 'Merry' can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and Gregory's Online Store. In 2010, Gregory released a new single for the holidays, "Imagination". He is accompanied by his friend, the magnificent cellist Monique Citro, adding a layer of lush to the production. Once again, this song is an original written by the talented Vermont native. I really love it. I hope you enjoy the music video for "Imagination" by Gregory Douglass featuring Monique Citro.

Gregory is putting the finishing touches on a new album coming out in 2015, but until that hits the stores, you can support him by purchasing his great holiday offerings. "Imagination" can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To learn more about Gregory Douglass, visit him at his Official Website. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Chanticleer • Ave Maria

I am strong enough to admit I am enough of a music geek to enjoy listening to chorale groups. One of my favorites is Chanticleer, the men's vocal ensemble started in 1978 to perform and celebrate the medieval and Renaissance music loved and studied by founder Louis Botto. I have several of their recordings, and am especially fond of the Christmas collections. It is on one of them that you can find the recording of the group singing Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria".

You can find this version of "Ave Maria" on the 'Fireside Christmas with Chanticleer'. It can be purchased from Amazon and the Chanticleer Online Store. You can also find the studio recording on 'Our Hearts Joy: A Chanticleer Christmas'. That album can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and the Chanticleer Online Store. To learn more about Chanticleer, visit the official website, You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

All That Christmas Jazz

Clockwise: Julie London; Lena Horne; Kay Starr; and Nancy Wilson.

Holiday music from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s always warms my heart. When I was growing up, that is the music my Mother listened to, for she had a strong collection of Christmas records, both by artists, and compilations put out by a variety of companies. I remember the Goodyear series, and the A&P series, as well. I sure there were others, but these featured the artists of the day, from Ella Fitzgerald to Doris Day to Dean Martin, and countless others. These days, when I see the Ultra-Lounge collections, I cannot resist them. The four sounds here can be found on the 'Christmas Cocktails' album, which are played every holiday season. I will start off tonight with Julie London singing "I'd Like You For Christmas". The song was written by Julie's accompanist and husband, Bobby Troup. It is sweet, sexy, and fun. This is Julie London with "I'd Like You For Christmas".

When it comes to personal style, few could compete with the one and only Lena Horne. From the way she dressed to the unique phrasing she alone could claim, Miss Horne was definitely one of a kind. I was not a bit surprised to see she had her own distinctive stamp on "Jingle Bells", complete with new lyrics. I hope you enjoy Lena Horne singing "Jingle All The Way" as much as I do!

Now, songs about St. Nick don't usually swing quite as much as "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag". The song was written in 1950 by Irving Taylor, Dudley Brooks, and Hal Stanley. The song was made popular by a recording from Kay Starr, who Billie Holiday once called "the only white woman who could sing the blues." This is Kay Starr with "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag".

There is a delicious warmth to the voice of Nancy Wilson. When you pair that up with a beautiful song written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, you have another winner. "The Christmas Waltz" was written in 1954 for Frank Sinatra, as a B-side for his recording of "White Christmas". The song quickly became a standard, with many wanting to record it. In fact, 14 years later, Wilson made one of her own. This is Nancy Wilson singing "The Christmas Waltz".

Have a great holiday season!

Baby It's Cold Outside • Sammy Davis Jr & Carmen McRae

I just thought it was time to Jazz up Christmas, and what better way than to add a little 1950s swing? I decided to play "Baby It's Cold Outside", written by Frank Loesser in 1944. The song, while not really dealing with Christmas directly, certainly speaks to the winter weather many of us encounter. I decided to go with the version by Sammy Davis Jr and Carmen McRae, featured on their 1957 album 'Boy Meets Girl'. I hope you enjoy Carmen and Sammy as they sing "Baby It's Cold Outside".

You can purchase Sammy Davis Jr and Carmen McRae's album 'Boy Meets Girl' from iTunes and Amazon. For more holiday Jazz, check back in tonight!

Alaska, Courtney Act & Willam • Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas)

Now, I don't think anyone can bring holiday cheer quite like a trio of drag queens. And I had to look no further than the alumni of RuPaul's Drag Race to find the new single from Willam (Season Four), Alaska Thunderfuck (Season Five), and Courtney Act (Season Six), the stars of the music video for "Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas)". The song was written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer for The Weather Girls for their 1983 album, 'Success', which also gave the world the classic "It's Raining Men". It is a powerful song, and both Courtney and Willam prove they can sing, and Alaska can bring her own special blend of humor and drama to complete the trio. This is Alaska, Courtney Act and Willam singing "Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man This Christmas)".

Uproarious and outrageous, I can't get enough of the song. You bet it went into my Christmas playlist! And now I know exactly what I want for Christmas this year... You can purchase "Dear Santa, Bring Me A Man" from iTunes and Amazon. For more about Alaska Thunderfuck, visit her on her official website, Facebook page, and Twitter page. For more about Courtney Act, visit her official website, Facebook page, and Twitter page. For more about Willam, visit her official website, Facebook page, and Twitter page.

Michael Feinstein • A Michael Feinstein Christmas

I have been a fan of Michael Feinstein long than I (or Mr. Feinstein, for that matter) would care to admit. I have long enjoyed his music since the mid-1980s, with his 1986 release 'Live at the Algonquin' and 1987's 'Pure Gershwin'. I loved his part in the revival of the Great American Songbook, and his take on some incredible classics. In 1988, I went to see him performing live on Broadway, and hung around the stage door long enough to get him to autograph by Playbill, which I still proudly have.

I have been listening to his music ever since, collecting albums by the fistful. Whether Feinstein was singing the music of Frank Sinatra, or taking on the collected works of some of the great songwriters, to his collaboration with Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson, I have a healthy collection of his music. So when I heard he was ready to release a collection of Christmas music, I was very excited, and put in my pre-order on iTunes! On October 14th, I was able to download 'A Michael Feinstein Christmas', a 15-song collection of many of the most popular holiday songs ever sung. It all kicks off with the great song written in 1944 by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé. There is such inherent warmth in Michael singing "The Christmas Song", I felt like I was sitting next to the fire where there were chestnuts roasting. "Sleigh Ride" was composed by Leroy Anderson in 1946, and Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1950. I hope you enjoy Feinstein's take on "Sleigh Ride".

There is such sweetness in the recording of "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays", written by Robert Allen and Al Stillman in 1954, and first recorded by Perry Como. The music is lovely, and I love how Michael's voice fits. In 1934, Felix Bernard and Dick Smith wrote "Winter Wonderland". It is said Smith wrote the lyrics while in the hospital, being treated for a case of tuberculosis. Outside of his hospital window, he he saw a park covered with fresh snow. Feinstein adds just the right amount of sentiment to it. Next up, we have the classic "White Christmas", written by the great Irving Berlin in 1940. It was not written for any film, but it was first sung by Bing Crosby as part of his radio show, 'The Kraft Musical Show'. This is Michael Feinstein with "White Christmas".

Irving Berlin wrote "I've Got My Love to Keep My Warm" in 1937 for the film 'On The Avenue'. I love the swing feel that Michael gives it. In 1944, Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin wrote "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" for the film 'Meet Me In St. Louis'. It was originally sung by Judy Garland, and soon by countless others. Michael's version has a sweet and tender quality I love. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" was written in 1934 by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie for Eddie Cantor's radio show. The song became an overnight hit, with the sheet music selling out across the country. I love the ragtime feel Michael adds to the song, keeping me smiling. In the summer of 1945, Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wrote "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" in the California heat, imagining cooler temps. I feel them as I listen to Feinstin's upbeat take. The most recent song of the group was written by Alan and Marilyn Bergman with composer Johnny Mandel. "A Christmas Love Song" is a wonderful song, so pleas enjoy it!

Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wrote "The Christmas Waltz" in 1954 as a b-side for Frank Sinatra, Little did they know, it would go on to be a holiday standard. There is a delightful Jazz feel to this version of the song. I had no idea Johnny Marks wrote "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" after reading story published by the Montgomery Ward Company in 1939. I had always thought it was written for the holiday special I watched every year! Michael gives the song a bunch of swing, and I love it! I love the warm feel of Feinstein's cover of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", written by Meredith Willson in 1951. In 1941, Kim Gannon, Walter Kent and Buck Ram wrote "I'll Be Home for Christmas" to honor those serving in the military overseas. Michael's version continues that tradition. In the final track of the seasonal collection, "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?", we go beyond Christmas to the next holiday. I live the flirty take on the song written by Frank Loesser in 1947. This is Michael Feinstein singing "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"

Needless to say, I really enjoyed 'A Michael Feinstein Christmas', and think you would too. I have played it several times this holiday season, and play to give a few people copies of their own. You can purchase it from iTunes and Amazon. For more about Michael Feinstein, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

Spencer Day • Christmas With You

Okay, so it is confession time. Well, that seems to be a constant state on this blog, for I am always admitting to one thing or another. But back to the topic at hand, I have a total crush on Spencer Day. After all, he is tall, handsome, and so damned talented! So when I read he was going to release a new version of the song "Christmas With You", this time out featuring The Joel Evans Big Band, I was awfully excited. The song, featured on his holiday album 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me', was written by Joel Evans and Cliff Goldmacher, so it is no wonder he rerecorded it with The Joel Evans Big Band.

Every time I listen to it, it just makes me feel merrier. Spencer can have that effect... You can purchase "Christmas With You" from iTunes, Amazon. To learn more about Spencer Day, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can also find Spencer's EP 'If Christmas Doesn't Kill Me' on iTunes and Amazon.

Matt Zarley • Don't Save It All For Christmas Day

"Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" is an interesting new holiday standard, written by Celine Dion, Peter Zizzo, and Ric Wake for the 2000 release by Dion. It should come as no surprise the recording became a seasonal hit. It was also recorded that same year by Avalon, a Christian group who did a great job with it. Four years later, it was recorded by Clay Aiken for his great holiday collection, proving the song was not just a momentary thing. Fast forward 10 years later, and among the many who have recorded the song, we can add Matt Zarley's name to the list. Handsome and talented, Matt turns it out for a great Christmas single you must add to your holiday playlist. This is Zarley with "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day".

For a limited time, Matt has graciously offered "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day" as a FREE DOWNLOAD! I know it instantly went into a heavy rotation on my iPod! For more about Matt Zarley, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

RightOutTV Music & Video Awards 2014 • Kevin Wood

The winners of the 2014 RightOut TV Music & Video Awards were announced recently, proving what great music is being made by LGBT artists. Well, that was obvious when I saw the list of nominees, coming from all around the world. RightOut TV was founded by Marlee Walchuk and Tully Callender, devoted to the promotion of LGBT artists and their music all across the globe. The submissions are from many genre, from Rock to Country to Electronica. Once again this year, I was proud to be asked to be a judge, hearing some more great music and discovering a few new artists. But enough with all that. It is time to showcase some very deserving artists. Today I am thrilled to feature Kevin Wood.

I am a bit saddened to say this is the last post of winners from the 2014 RightOut TV Music & Video Awards. At the same time, I am excited, for I feel as though I have met several new artists I will be listening to for years to come. I can speak from experience because the winner of the Fan Favorite is someone I discovered when I was a judge for the 2013 Awards. He scored the award for 'Best Video So Far' in 2013 for 'Make It In LA', so I wasn't the only judge he made a mark with. Kevin Wood so impressed me, I needed to go out and find more of his music. Apparently, he resonated with many others, earning the Fan Favorite award for 2014.

That leaves the only remaining category, one I kept until the end much like the Grammy Awards do. 'Song of the Year' is an award that sounds impressive, mostly because it is impressive. There was no shortage of fantastic submissions, leading to six outstanding nominees. The list included several winner featured earlier in this series, like former 'The Voice' contestant Sarah Golden and "The One I Love", Martine Locke with "All My Days", Corday with her uplifting "Riding a Rainbow", Jane of Arc with "Run Flying", and Megan Lane, who took an earlier award with "Someday We Will Leave This Town". But the award went to Kevin Wood, his second for this year, this for the song "One Time Around". The Long Beach, California-based singer/songwriter featured the song on his album 'Out Among the Wolves' earlier this year, and I loved it right away. Without further ado, this is the song named 'Song of the Year', "One Time Around" by Kevin Wood.

Get Band email for free at ReverbNation.com

As you could hear, the song is just so positive, so inspiring, I cannot resist it. You can find "One Time Around" on Kevin's album released earlier this year. You can purchase 'Out Among the Wolves' from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To learn more about Kevin Wood, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank RightOut TV for asking me to be a judge once again. I am honored to take part of the competition, and thrilled to discover artists who are new to me year after year. The talent in the LGBT community seems to have no limits, something the RightOut TV website proves all year round.

Marlee and Tully developed RightOut TV to help LGBT artists with promotion, as a way of giving back to the community. The couple are also a musical duo, making up Sugarbeach. They were kind enough to ask me to participate in the awards for the last few years as a judge. To learn more about RightOut TV, visit the RightOut TV website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

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.

RightOutTV Music & Video Awards 2014 • Jamie Anderson

The winners of the 2014 RightOutTV Music & Video Awards were announced recently, proving what great music is being made by LGBT artists. Well, that was obvious when I saw the list of nominees, coming from all around the world. RightOutTV was founded by Marlee Walchuk and Tully Callender, devoted to the promotion of LGBT artists and their music all across the globe. The submissions are from many genre, from Rock to Country to Electronica. Once again this year, I was proud to be asked to be a judge, hearing some more great music and discovering a few new artists. But enough with all that. It is time to showcase some very deserving artists. Today I am thrilled to feature Jamie Anderson, who earned two awards this year!

The first win I feature is 'Best Spiritual/Blues/Jazz/Instrumental Song', a category that spans several genres, all of which you can find in my music collection. There were several incredible submissions, and giving us five outstanding nominees. The list included Shawn Thomas with "Still Speaking", Anna Gutmanis and her single "Lately It's Cold", Norine Braun's "Lightning Strikes Twice", and Shawn Thomas' second nominated performance, "I'm Alive". I am pleased to announce the award went to Jamie Anderson and her ethereal, "Black and White". Anderson released the album 'Dare' in 2013, which included the winning song, which was named 'Best Spiritual/Blues/Jazz/Instrumental Song'. Please enjoy Jamie Anderson's "Black and White".

You can find "Black and White" on the 2013 release, 'Dare'. You can purchase the album from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon.

The second award was given for 'Best Performance in a Live Video'. This was tough competition, with many strong submissions. After the judging, the list was winnowed down to great nominations from FlyKINGi for "At the Roxbury", Avi Wisnia with his lovely "Sky Blue Sky - Live at The Michener", Andrew Suvalsky performing in "Live at Jazz @ Kitano in New York", and Rev. Yolanda with a great turn in "@The Duplex". I am pleased to report Jamie Anderson picked up her second win of the competition with "Her Problem Now", a great performance which also featured musician Mark Russell. The song manages to combine just the right mount of humor, bluesy grit, and honesty to make it a sure winner. And it also makes you think twice about ever dating a singer/songwriter, if you know what I mean. After all, who really wants a break up to earn your ex an award? While that might be true, it is my honor to introduce you to "Her Problem Now".

You can find "Her Problem Now" on the EP 'Better Than Chocolate'. Jamie is an American who now makes Ottawa her home base. 'Better Than Chocolate' can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. If you need a bit more temptation, you can get a FREE DOWNLOAD of "Her Problem Now" by visiting her website, and clicking on the song, one of many available courtesy of the kind artist. To learn more about Jamie, visit her official website. You can also 'like' her on Facebook.

Marlee and Tully developed RightOutTV to help LGBT artists with promotion, as a way of giving back to the community. The couple are also a musical duo, making up Sugarbeach. They were kind enough to ask me to participate in the awards for the last few years as a judge. To learn more about RightOutTV, visit the RightOutTV website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

Dark Monday • Angela Lansbury sings 'We Need A Little Christmas"

In 2001, Angela Lansbury performed "We Need A Little Christmas", a song from the musical 'Mame', with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The song helped Lansbury win the first of five Tony Awards in 1966, when she starred as Mame in the Jerry Herman adaptation of Patrick Dennis' 1955 novel 'Auntie Mame'. The song is a celebration of the season, so I thought it only natural to kick off the holiday season here on the blog. This is Angela Lansbury and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "We Need A Little Christmas'.

By the way, I feel like I must mention Dame Lansbury was 76 years old, and sounding fantastic. And at this point, she had only won four Tony Awards, for she picked up her fifth for her turn in the 2009 revival of Noel Coward's 'Blythe Spirit'. It just goes to prove that like a great wine, some talent gets better with age...