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.

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!

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.

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.

Josh Zuckerman • The Twelve Days of Christmas

I proudly admit I am a huge fan of Josh Zuckerman. Not only is he very handsome - if I were 15 years younger, I'd flirt irresponsibly with him - he's also a talented Rocker whose music holds a special place in my collection. I knew I was going to be buying music for years to come once I purchased 'A Totally New Sensation', and boy, was I right! A few years ago, Josh released a new Christmas song I still listen to and love, so I was thrilled when I saw he posted a video with a new present this year! Josh has his own take on the traditional 18th century English carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Josh, who is a school teacher as well as a Rocker, exposes how "The Twelve Days of Christmas" can be translated for teachers.

Now if that wasn't cute enough, I have even more for you. I had mentioned Josh released a Christmas song in 2011, still a favorite. Well, not only did he do that, he also wrote and recorded with his former band, China White. It seems I am not the only one to love the song - it was also used for a dance number for a rather sexy lady in a clip you can see below. With her short 'Santa' skirt, fluffy boots, and her tap shoes moving, she dances while Josh sings his original Christmas song, "All I Want For Christmas is You".

Now, I am not sure if you were paying attention, but that was Josh taking the video, congratulating his mother on a dance well done! Yes, it seems good looks and talent do run in the family. The song is fantastic, and perfect to play at your holiday parties! You can purchase "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To learn more about Josh Zuckerman, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Leon Redbone • That Old Christmas Moon

I readily admit I am a big fan of Leon Redbone, and can listen to him anytime. His interpretations of early 20th century music makes me weak in the knees, it is so fresh and true. But come the Christmas season, I don't know if I could make it through without playing 'Christmas Island', his holiday album released in 1988. The album is chock-full of great music, but for this morning, I chose to feature "That Old Christmas Moon", a song written by Terry Waldo and performed to perfection by Redbone. So please enjoy one of my favorites, as Leon Redbone sings "That Old Christmas Moon".

The album is just a delight, with one charming song after another. You can purchase 'Christmas Island' on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Leon Redbone, visit his official website, where you can hear some of the great music Redbone makes. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and listen to some more great music.

A Very Disco Christmas

Since it is Friday and the start of the pre-holiday weekend, I was looking to find some music that might propel us into the weekend and the holiday spirit, all at the same time. And I was lucky enough to find a track I didn't even know existed to kick off the proceedings. I thought I knew all the songs released by the Village People, and, in fact, had most of them. Well, they fooled me, for I was not aware of a Christmas release, and could only find a version of "Disco Santa Claus", a campy take on their hits "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man". After a bit of research, I discovered it wasn't the Village People at all, but a sound-alike group called Holiday Express. They have adapted the lyrics, and spell out "N.O.E.L.", although I am not sure I would know the arm motions to spell it out! Please enjoy the Village People singing "Disco Santa (Santa Claus/N.O.E.L.)".

My remaining selections for the come from bands not nearly as well known, but still making sparkling Disco nonetheless. The Roller Disco Orchestra take on a song written in 1934 by composer Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard B. Smith, "Winter Wonderland". The song has been sung by many, but none with quite the flair in this recording. I hope you enjoy the recording of "Winter Wonderland" by the Roller Disco Orchestra.

The Hit Crew was a name used by a record label who put out many sound-alike covers of songs, and released on cheaper albums of so-called hits. But they also seem to want to take advantage of more than just the summer hits, for they did some interesting holiday covers as well. They did a Disco cover of "Silver Bells", the holiday classic written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, and first introduced by Bob Hope in the 1950 film, 'The Lemon Drop Kid'. I hope you enjoy this cover of "Silver Bells" by The Hit Crew.

Finally, there is also a Disco version of the Rock=influenced "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree", a song written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958. The song combined the sound and feel of Rock and Pop music, with a nod to the contemporary Christmas songs being made at the time. A couple of decades later, the holiday themed Mistletoe Disco Band added the song to their repertoire, and gave the Christmas classic a new sound. This is "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by the Mistletoe Disco Band.

Have a great weekend!

Gregory Douglass • Imagination

When it comes to the music of Vermonter Gregory Douglass, I must admit to having a problem. You see, I just can't get enough. The talented and handsome singer/songwriter have been making music for a while now, and I do believe I have his complete collection in my iTunes. After all, you never know when you might need to get that fix, or which song might be needed to scratch that itch. This time of year, I am looking for holiday music, and once again, Gregory does not disappoint. In 2010, he released an amazing new song he had written, and it remains a favorite of mine today. "Imagination" is both dreamy and sweet, with a wonderful cello accompaniment by Monique Citro. This is the music video for "Imagination".

I really do love this song, and love when it comes up in my Christmas Mix. You can purchase "Imagination" on iTunes and Amazon. One of the wonderful things about being a fan of Gregory, besides the music and some cool music videos, is feeling safe in the knowledge "Imagination" is not the only song to play during the holiday season. In fact, Gregory has a 2009 release that is quite special. 'Merry' is 5-song collection that combines a few old favorites with some special new songs from Douglass.Among the older songs was a wonderful cover of Wham's "Last Christmas", first heard in 1984. It was written by the oh-so-talented George Michael, and went to #2 on the UK Pop chart, behind only "Do They Know It's Christmas?", the fundraiser by Band Aid, which included both George and Andrew from Wham. This is a video featuring the song "Last Christmas".

The 'Merry' EP also includes original songs "What A Long Year It Was" and "Walking in the Air", as well as classic favorites "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "O Holy Night". I'd tell you my favorite, but I can't pick one, they are all so good! 'Merry' can be purchased from iTunes and Amazon To learn more about Gregory Douglass, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook.

Sugarbeach • My Perfect Christmas

The sexy ladies from Sugarbeach have done it again. What, you might ask? Well, Marlee Walchuk and Tully Callender wrote and produced their own holiday single, "My Perfect Christmas". It is a beautiful song, and it tells such a wonderful story, I feel we've been invited into their home for the holidays, enjoying life by the fire and watching the ladies prepare for Christmas Day. I know what I can now put on my wishlist, and it is hearing this song as often as I can this Christmas season. Give a listen to Sugarbeach celebrating "My Perfect Christmas".

Unfortunately, "My Perfect Christmas" is not available for purchase anywhere. However, fortunately for us all, Marlee and Tully are great people, and have made the song available for FREE DOWNLOAD! You just visit the Soundcloud page, and click on 'DOWNLOAD' underneath the sound file.To learn more about Sugarbeach, stop by their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook. You can check out the RightOutTV website, and check out some great music from the LGBT community. Marlee and Tully are also responsible for the RightOutTV Music & Video Awards, and the regular readers enjoyed the chance to hear the music of all the winners these past few years. Discover some great music and videos on RightOut TV!

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.

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.