I can’t believe that I’m going to admit this but I still pull out the same old music come holiday season. Sure, I’ve made some additions over the years but I am still partial to The Jackson 5, The Temptations and the smooth sound of Nat King Cole. And I know I’m not the only one. But judging from recent appearances by Tony Bennett, Harry Connick Jr., and most recently, Brian McKnight, holiday music can be pretty lucrative (either that or all of these artists are terribly sentimental).
Anyway, I’ve come across nine CDS worth gifting or giving to yourself should you be inclined to create some holiday spirit (in these trying economic times). Among them are four smooth crooners, two American Idol alums, one sister with a voice, and the one and only Queen of Soul.
For the American Idol fans:
Mandisa gives us a more pop-infused look at both holiday classics and new songs on It’s Christmas. If you like your music smooth, check out Ann Nesby’s granddaughter and new mother herself, Paris Bennett’s A Royal Christmas. She’s got a rich quality to her voice that makes you wonder why she didn’t go further in the competition.
For the total jazz fan there’s Ledisi’s It’s Christmas. (Too bad that such good music has such an uninspired title shared by Mandisa).But her renditions of “I’ll Go” and “What A Wonderful World” and inspired. Or the incomparable Al Jarreau’s Christmas if you know and love what Al can do with a song, you won’t be disappointed.
From the former Sisters With Voices (SWV) frontwoman, turned solo gospel artist comes A Coko Christmas. I’ve got to say that her solo efforts have staying power and this is no different. Since American Idol alum are everywhere, it’s no surprise that George Huff shows up for a collaboration.
Two dynamic brothers are holding up the neo-soul holiday banner. First, there’s Rashaan Patterson with his totally modern and original Ultimate Gift. And one of my favorites, Musiq Soulchild with A Philly Soul Christmas where he’s giving us his twists on the classics like Jingle Bells and O Holy Night. While Brian McKnight, more of a r&b crooner puts his spin on the traditional with I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Sons, Nikolas and Brian Jr. (who’ve been touring with Dad lately) lend their voices to Let It Snow, very Take 6-ish.
Finally, believe it or not, the Queen of Soul has never released a holiday CD. That is, until now. And surprise, surprise, her offering is also entitled This Christmas. On it, the Queen gives us the classical with Ave Maria and the spiritual with The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow along with more expected fare like Angels We Have Heard on High. Except whenever this sister sings she never phones it in.
There’s something here for everyone—that is unless this Holiday isn’t your thing. And in that case you may want to tune out until January 1st.
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