Mariah Carey’s timeless classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is my all time favorite Christmas song. This is the one I never tire of hearing, whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving or the middle of July.
While Justin Bieber and countless other musicians have put their own spin on Carey’s hit, the original will never go out of style.
Watch the music video below and to listen to my 90s holiday mix, click here. Merry Christmas!
Tis the season for giving and what’s better than free music for the holidays? (Nothing in my opinion!)
Some of my favorite artists are offering free downloads and I’d love to share them with you! Head over to Matthew Mayfield’s website for his original holiday track, “Christmastime Again” and a cover of a band I’m pretty sure you’ll recognize.
New York based band, The Young Things are also offering fans free music. To download three holiday tracks off their Modern Christmas EP click here.
And, for a twist on Paul McCartney’s holiday classic “Wonderful Christmastime” listen to Tristan Clopet‘s cover below. What’s your favorite holiday tune? I’ll be posting mine tomorrow! Happy Holidays!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wShATbRoEPg
The Barr Brothers have put their own spin on holiday music with their latest song. A serenade to Santa’s lady, “Dear Mrs. Claus,” is an original track written and performed by the band and embodies everything fans know and love about this Montreal-based group.
With delicate harp features, distinct vocals and a 50s influenced beat, “Dear Mrs. Claus” is a refreshing addition to the holiday classics.
The Barr Brothers recently revealed dates for their February tour with Blind Pilot. Be sure to visit their Website for the complete list here. Happy Holidays!
As 2011 comes to a close and music fans everywhere compile their “Best-of” lists, here’s a look at five bands making a name for themselves in New York City and the music world. Be sure to catch them live in 2012.
With the release of their debut full-length album, Feel You’re Different, in October, the Long Island-based trio showcased their staying power. Sing-along choruses and a big arena sound embody the standout 11-tracks while their live show continues to impress. Catch them at Bowery Ballroom January 14 and see just why they’ve been compared to the Bravery and Muse.
Having toured with Sara Bareilles earlier this year, Elizabeth and the Catapult continue to show their prowess. Elizabeth Ziman, the singer/songwriter/keyboardist of the band, captivates audiences everywhere with her honest lyrics and emotional yet haunting singing style.
For my complete list, visit CBS.
Bon Jovi fans received heartbreaking news the other day when it seemed that beloved frontman Jon Bon Jovi had died unexpectedly after paramedics found him in a coma.
But the rumor was was proven false when he uploaded this photo to his Facebook page. Dated December 19th, 2011, the caption informed fans, “Rest assured that Jon is alive and well! This photo was just taken.”
In Bon Jovi’s honor, look at the 9 biggest death rumors ever to hit the music world on Rolling Stone.
Quirky songstress Anya Marina puts her own spin on the classic “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Originally performed by then-child star Gayla Peevey in 1953, the playful song is sure to bring a spark to the holiday season.
Listen to Marina’s cover of the tune here and read my interview from SXSW where she spoke candidly about being told she’d never make a career singing, recording shirtless and having a breaking feature in Rolling Stone here.
Be sure to check out her forthcoming album, Felony Flats, due out February 14 on Chop Shop/Atlantic Records.
What do you get when you cross Carrie Underwood with Carrie Bradshaw?
The Vanity Belles, a New York-based music act making waves on the local scene.
Both Carrie Welling and Jessi Rae Waltz grew up in musical families, so it comes as no surprise that the duo joined forces a year and a half ago. Making a name for themselves in the New York music scene, the band’s self titled EP garnered a mention on iTunes as a New and Noteworthy release earlier this year.
A blend of country roots and city influences, the Vanity Belles define their music as Cosmo-Country. Welling said the initial vision for the band was to be a crossover country act in New York embodied by two small town girls with big city dreams.
“If you combine Carrie Underwood, Carrie Bradshaw and Carrie Welling of the Vanity Belles than you will understand Cosmo-Country,” Waltz said.
“It’s like Dolly Parton wears Diesel,” Welling added.
For my complete article, visit CBS. Be sure to catch The Vanity Bells live tonight at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 1.
The holidays are officially here! This week, I’ll be featuring an appropriate seasonal track each day. So, it’s only fitting to begin with the 1990s holiday playlist I created for Guitar Shop TV. A product of the 90s, I was a HUGE boy band fan (Backstreet Boys were my favorite in case you’re wondering), so my childhood definitely inspired this list.
Be sure to visit Guitar Shop TV to stream some of the tracks. Enjoy!
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
2. “Christmas Time Is Here” – Backstreet Boys
3. “Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays” – ’N Sync
4. “This Gift” – 98 Degrees
5. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Christina Aguilera
6. “My Only Wish (This Year)” – Britney Spears
7. “Merry Christmas Baby” – Hanson
8. “Christmas Song” – Dave Matthews Band
9. “The Chanukah Song” – Adam Sandler
10. ”Silent Night” – Boys II Men
11. ”And So This is Christmas” – Celine Dion
12. ”Grown Up Christmas List” – Amy Grant
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas at Carnegie Hall.
The New York Pops, the largest independent pops orchestra in the United States, is a staple throughout the nation and New York. They’ll be appearing at the legendary city venue this weekend for a jazz-filled Christmas show featuring hits by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Rosemary Clooney.
Friday and Saturday, Music Director Steven Reineke will lead the orchestra, along with critically acclaimed vocalists John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey, for “John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Wish You a Swingin’ Christmas.”
“The Swingin’ Christmas idea came about because of the style of music John does. But also, I grew up loving Ella Fitzgerald’s album, Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas. I wanted to do something with that same sort of vibe,” Reineke said.
For my complete article, visit CBS.
It’s nearly impossible to picture a New York City Christmas without the Radio City Rockettes. Celebrities in their own right, the Rockettes are a holiday icon.
A dream career for many young dancers, Jacey Lambros is no exception.
“I think it’s every young dancer’s dream to dance on the great stage at Radio City Music Hall and to be a Rockette,” she said. “A friend who’s a few years older from a nearby town was a Rockette so everybody in my dancing school aspired to be just like her.”
Lambros said she often wondered what kept her friend auditioning year after year – for 10 years. Currently in her eighth season as a Rockette, now she knows.
“It’s the camaraderie, it’s dancing onstage. It’s the spirit of Christmas,” she said. “It doesn’t get tiresome. Being here and being part of the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, it keeps you coming back for more.”
For my complete article, visit CBS.