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.

Erasure • Gaudete

Last month, Erasure released a new album, and I somehow managed to miss it until I read about it on Marc Harshbarger's wonderful blog, Deep Dish. Erasure first came to my attention back in 1985, with the release of their first single, "Who Needs Love Like That?", a great song that convinced me to buy the album. I have been a big fan since. Erasure is made up by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, both wonderfully talented men. Bell's voice has an unerring clarity, and Clarke's use of keyboards is beyond reproach, as can be heard from his days with Depeche Mode to Yazoo to this 28 years with Erasure. 'Snow Globe' is the name of the latest, and it is a 13-song offering is collection of holiday music, both old and new. The first single off the album, "Gaudete", is a lovely song, part Pop yumminess, and part chorale treat. And it is traditional color, composed in the 16th century, and arranged by Bell and Clarke. This is the official music video for "Gaudete".

The first cut on the album is an original written by Andy and Vince. "Bells of Love (Isabelle's of Love)" is a wonderful song, sounding very much like an Erasure song, but carrying a message fitting for the holiday. It takes a look at what is happening in society today, and the need to healing hands to help be a part of the change for the better. This is an audio track for "Bells of Love (Isabelle's of Love)".

While just over half of the tracks are either tradition or newer holiday favorites, they are arranged by Andy and Vince, giving them a new sound and feel. That would include the eleventh song on the collection, "Midnight Clear". It is a Christmas carol written by Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wayland, Massachusetts, in 1849, better known as "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear". The following year, Richard Storrs Willis, a composer who trained under Felix Mendelssohn, wrote a melody that would be the sound of this music. Again, Bell and Clarke add their magic to the mix, making it a special track. This is the audio for "Midnight Clear".

I will grant you, the title "Blood on the Snow" does not sound like a great start to a holiday song, but never underestimate the power of Clarke and Bell. The dynamic duo tell a modern-day story of life and the struggle that comes with it. The search for divine intervention, for the sign to let us know we are moving in the right direction, sounds both timely and timeless in the hands of Erasure. This is the audio track for "Blood on the Snow".

This is a wonderful album, a must-have to Electronica fans, and people who love great music. You can purchase 'Snow Globe' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Erasure, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. To check out Deep Dish, Marc Harshbarger's wonderful blog, you can visit the official website. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Christmas Music - Sacha Sacket

A FREE DOWNLOAD for Christmas from the talented California-based singer/songwriter, Sacha Sacket. Yesterday, Sacha recorded God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen for his fans, and is offering it for free here. The music is simple and beautiful, quite the holiday treat. listen here:



While you are there, you might want to check out the other music by this fantastic artist. He has been putting out a song a week, and offering them for sale for $1, all well-worth the price. I just downloaded Who Will Save Me?, another gorgeous offering from Sacket.



You can check Sacha out at his official website here. For Christmas, you can celebrate by purchasing an album for yourself from his online store here. You can get Hermitage on iTunes here for under $5.