A holiday party primer: George A. Paul's overview of 2013 Christmas music titles available now

By George A. Paul

If you're looking for fresh Christmas music to liven up your holiday party or tree trimming festivities over the next 10 days, here are some suggestions...

Artist: Nick Lowe
Title: Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family (Yep Roc)
You might enjoy if you like: Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Graham Parker
Tell me more: The veteran English pub rocker-turned-classy balladeer takes on sharp holiday tunes by Ron Sexsmith, Roger Miller, Roy Wood, plus a few of his own shrewd originals (one was penned with Ry Cooder) and dresses them up in vintage rockabilly and skiffle clothes that sound as if they were recorded at Memphis' Sun Studio. 
Highlights: "Christmas at the Airport," "The North Pole Express," "A Dollar Short of Happy"
Information: yeproc.com, nicklowe.net
Get Quality Street: a Seasonal Selection now


Artist: Erasure
Title: Snow Globe (Mute Records)
You might enjoy if you like: OMD, Pet Shop Boys, Sparks
Tell me more: Co-produced by longtime associate Gareth Jones, the UK synth-pop duo mixes melancholy ("In the Bleak Midwinter"), regal ("Silver Bells"), mid-tempo dance ("Gaudete," where Andy Bells sings in Latin; the frisky "There'll Be No Tomorrow") and bleak ("Blood on the Snow") tunes with equal aplomb. Musical mastermind Vince Clarke's plunging noises during the gradual dance rhythm of "The Christmas Son" is especially fun. 
Highlights: "Bells of Love," "Sleep Quietly," "Loving Man"
Information: mute.com, erasureinfo.com
Get Snow Globe here


Artist: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Title: It Feels Like Christmas Time (Savoy Jazz Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Tell me more: Scotty Morris and company get into the swing of things with a Hot Club of Cowtown-styled "All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)," the snazzy Dixieland in "Frosty the Snowman" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (sung by bassist Dirk Shumaker). Guest vocal trio She, Her & I give the proceedings an Andrew Sisters vibe. Bonus points for including two post-Christmas numbers: "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" (a laid back duet with Anna Kasper) and the mostly instrumental "Auld Lang Syne," patterned after a party countdown to midnight. 
Highlights: "Run Rudolph Run"
Information: savoyjazz.com, bbvd.com
Get your copy of It Feels Like Christmas Time - Amazon Exclusive


Artist: Jewel
Title: Let It Snow: A Holiday Collection (Trust Fund Baby Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, Joni Mitchell
Tell me more: A decade after her first Christmas CD, the folk/pop artist puts her frothy pipes around the countrified "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," does an adept job on the elegant Latin song "Panis Angelicus," uses an electronic vocal effect on "Blue Crystal Glow" and corrals Vince Gill to play some electrifying guitar licks during the mild rocker "White Christmas." 
Highlights: "Silver Bells," the title track
Information: jeweljk.com
Buy Jewel - Let It Snow: A Holiday Collection LIMITED EDITION CD Includes BONUS Track "Deck The Halls"


Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Title: Wrapped in Red (RCA Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Pink
Tell me more: Featuring the Motown-styled pop hit single "Underneath the Tree," Clarkson has created a jubilant, diverse album with four fine originals. There's a jazzy "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (Ronnie Dunn is her duet partner), a reverent "Silent Night" (Reba and Trisha Yearwood share the verses), the rocking' "Run Rudolph Run" and some dynamic, brassy ballads. 
Highlights: "4 Carats," "Blue Christmas," "Every Christmas"
Information: kellyclarkson.com, rcarecords.com
Purchase Wrapped in Red here


Artists: Alabama, Martina McBride, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, others
Title: The Classic Christmas Album (Sony Music Entertainment)
You might enjoy if you like: Any of the artists involved
Tell me more: This compilation series gathers selected tracks from artists who have put out more than one holiday collection in the past and typically averages 12-16 songs each. 

Alabama's country title is culled from their 1985 classic Christmas (which I play every year) and 1996's Volume II. McBride's is mostly sourced off her traditional, classical-flavored 1998 effort White Christmas (and its 2007 reissue), plus a pair of virtual duets with Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. Diamond goes the chorale route with half of the numbers here. Cash's come from 1963's The Christmas Spirit, 1972's Family Christmas and 1980's Classic Christmas. The Man in Black is joined by his brother Tommy, wife June Carter and her family, plus the Statler Brothers on songs ranging from spiritual to chorale.

John Denver, Andy Williams, Kenny G, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight & the Pips, George Jones & Tammy Wynette, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Luther Vandross, Barry Manilow round out this series.

Highlights: "Christmas in Dixie," "Joseph and Mary's Boy" (Alabama); "Away in a Manger" (McBride); "You Make it Feel Like Christmas" (Diamond); "Blue Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy" (Cash)
Information: LegacyRecordings.com
Buy Johnny Cash's The Classic Christmas Album


Artist: Dave Barnes
Title: A December to Remember (50 Year Plan Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Mat Kearney, Gavin DeGraw
Tell me more: With a foot in both the Christian and country music worlds, the South Carolina native has written songs alongside Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Billy Currington and more. His second Christmas album adeptly dives into the jazz and R&B realms, with a touch of spiritual for good measure. 
Highlights: "Christmas Eve," "When Love Was Born"
Information: davebarnes.com
Buy A December to Remember here


Artist: Bad Religion
Title: Christmas Songs (Epitaph Records)
You might enjoy if you like: Ramones, Descendents
Tell me more: This holiday release finds the LA punk stalwarts blitzing through nine tracks in approximately 20 minutes, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "What Child is This" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." No messing with the usual Bad Religion formula here. Sometimes "loud fast rules" even during the holidays. For the final track, they add a new mix of 1990s alt-rock hit "American Jesus" (I couldn't tell much different from the original). The band is donating 20 percent of all album proceeds to SNAP - the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. 
Highlights: "Little Drummer Boy," "Angels We Have Heard On High
Information: christmas.badreligion.com

Get special Christmas Songs (LP+CD) version here

Jason Aldean's live concert film 'Night Train To Georgia' to be released on October 15th

I was very impressed by Jason Aldean's headlining concert that was staged in Irvine as part of Go Fest a year ago. Here is big news related to that tour...

JASON ALDEAN TO RELEASE LIVE CONCERT FILM NIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA ON OCT. 15, FROM HIS HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AT UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA’S SANFORD STADIUM

Footage Includes 18 Songs, Personal Interviews and Special Guest Performances

Aldean Nominated for Three CMA Awards Including Entertainer of the Year

Nashville, TN – Sept. 12, 2013 – CMA Entertainer of the Year Nominee Jason Aldean is giving fans the opportunity to relive one of the biggest moments in country music this year when he releases the live concert film NIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA on Oct. 15.   Filmed this past April at the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium, the film captures the MULTI-PLATINUM Macon, GA native and a sold out crowd of over 66,000 fans making history with the first concert ever held “between the hedges.”  A TackleBox Films production, the piece was produced by Shaun Silva, Ivan Dudensky and Don Lepore. 

"That day in Athens will always be one of my proudest accomplishments," said Aldean.  "I've been working my whole career to get to this point where I can go into a stadium like Sanford, which I've idolized my whole life, and leave a mark.  I watch it back now to remember the details because it was all overwhelming and a pretty surreal moment for me." 

Watch a trailer for the film here:   http://bit.ly/1aukgOR

A pre-sale began today on  www.JasonAldean.com and Walmart is offering the exclusive reveal of the cover art, also beginning today, on their Twitter page.  Fans can visit   www.twitter.com/walmart and Re-Tweet to Unlock the image. 

The high-energy, state of the art show has an 18-song set list that showcases 10 of his No. one songs including "She's Country," "Big Green Tractor," "My Kinda Party" and "Take A Little Ride," and offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes from the time Aldean and his team begin the planning stages of this show right up to the moment he takes the stage.

Also featured in the 90 minute film are personal interviews from Aldean, footage from his record-breaking Fenway Park and Wrigley Field stadium shows held in Summer 2013 as well as appearances by Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan and Ludacris as each of them join Aldean on songs they've recorded together.   

TRACKLISTING FOR NIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA:

Crazy TownTake a Little RideTattoos On This TownWhen She Says BabyThe TruthFly Over StatesThis Nothin' TownJohnny CashAmarillo SkyNight Train1994Don't You Wanna Stay (with Kelly Clarkson)Big Green TractorThe Only Way I Know (with Luke Bryan)Dirt Road Anthem (with Ludacris)She's CountryMy Kinda PartyHicktown    

Additionally, it was announced this week that Aldean earned three nominations for the Nov. 6 CMA Awards, including his third consecutive Entertainer of the Year nod.  He is also up for Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for "The Only Way I Know" feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church.  

For more information, please visit  www.JasonAldean.com

Friday Files: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Ringo Starr, Buddy Holly

The Boss is set to rock the upcoming GRAMMYS next week, and today marks the 53rd anniversary of "The Day the Music Died." Read on as I share some exciting media releases that have landed in my inbox. Rave on and have a great weekend everybody!


BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND SET TO PERFORM ON THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®

Jack Black, Fergie and Ringo Starr to Present at the Music Industry's Premier Event

Music's Biggest Night®— Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J —
Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. ET/PT


Photo credit: Jo Lopez


Twenty-time GRAMMY® winner Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band (the E Street Band's members are: Roy Bittan – piano, synthesizer; Nils Lofgren – guitar, vocals; Patti Scialfa – guitar, vocals; Garry Tallent – bass guitar; Stevie Van Zandt – guitar, vocals; and Max Weinberg – drums; with Soozie Tyrell – violin, guitar, vocals and Charlie Giordano – keyboards) have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com).

Actor/recording artist Jack Black, six-time GRAMMY winner and current three-time nominee Fergie, and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Dierks Bentley, Drake, Miranda Lambert, and Gwyneth Paltrow. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.



On the 53rd Anniversary of the rock pioneer's tragic death, acclaimed film and TV star to share stories, perform immortal Buddy Holly songs tonight (Feb. 3, 2012)



GARY BUSEY TO TAKE PART IN THE "THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY" FAN EVENTS AT PEPITO'S PARKWAY THEATER; McNALLY SMITH BAND FROM THE "BUDDY" HISTORY THEATER PRODUCTION TO PLAY HOLLY SONGS AFTER THE FILM WITH BUSEY FRIDAY


BUSEY'S ROLE AS HOLLY IN 1978 FILM EARNED HIM AN ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION AND BEST ACTOR AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF FILM CRITICS

WHO: Buddy Holly died tragically 53 years ago today with two other musicians when their plane crashed outside of Clear Lake, Iowa, after playing the Surf Ballroom and heading to Moorhead, Minnesota to play.

Many music fans know February 3, 1959, as "The Day the Music Died."


WHAT: But Pepito's Parkway Theater and Rob Chapman Presents Rock & Roll Moving Picture Show will make the music and the life of Holly alive again with a Buddy Holly fan event TONIGHT, FRIDAY, Feb. 3, 2012 at 7 p.m. when it will present actor Gary Busey, who portrayed Holly in the 1978 film, The Buddy Holly Story. The scintillating performance earned Busey an Academy Award Nomination and the National Society of Film Critics' "Best Actor" award.


Busey will introduce the film, share stories about its making and talk about Holly.

Following the movie, he will perform a brief set of timeless Buddy Holly songs after the movie, with a backing trio that includes the former McNally Smith College of Music students who played as Holly's band, The Crickets for the History Theater's production of "Buddy." Those players include Josh Bourdon (Upright Bass), Brandon Petron (Guitar) and Zach Spicer (Drums).

The same group will do a set of Holly songs Thursday night after the screening.


WHEN: TONIGHT, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, BEGINNING AT 7:00 P.M. DOORS OPEN AT 6:15 P.M.


WHERE: Pepito's Parkway Theater is located at 4814 Chicago Avenue South , Mpls., 55417 and online at www.theparkwaytheater.com (612-822-3030). Tickets are available online at www.brownpaperticket.com

WHY: "Buddy Holly was one of rock's earliest pioneers, not only as a gifted songwriter and musician, but he was also doing highly innovative things in the studio, which later became commonplace," notes Rob Chapman, whose series of rock 'n' roll film events at the Parkway have included movies and conversations about Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones (with special guest saxophonist Bobby Keyes), The Doors, Prince and others.

"We are very fortunate to have Gary Busey join us on this memorial weekend," Chapman added, "and to share his insights into Holly's music, the celebrated Biopic in which Busey seemed to become the legendary rocker, and to sing select songs from the Buddy Holly songbook with a great young backing group of musicians. It's going to be a terrific night to fondly remember Buddy!"