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    0 8 Christmas Rebound Memories

    We've shared so much about Christmas music and the artists. How about taking a look back at the abundance of yuletide riches. So far, there are thirty-five Christmas updates in the archive. Here are 8 that you can enjoy again. To see all 35, touch "Categories" next to the little house, then select "Christmas!" Christmas Classic Soul Crooners Merry Christmas II You is New from Mariah Carey James Brown Christmas The Flamingos Flock to the Christmas Song (plus interview) Candy Cane Christmas from Darius Rucker Howard Hewett Christmas Wynton Marsalis Christmas Jazz Jam a Gem Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas   Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas is my short review of this book. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Christmas Classic Soul Crooners

    Every December Powerhouse Radio connects with and plays a unique collection of non-stop commercial free holiday music for about a week leading into Christmas. Here's a short 30 second video with just a tiny selection of artists. See our complete Powerhouse Radio holiday playlist in our archive. Enjoy! Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Earth, Wind & Fire's Holiday

    For Earth, Wind & Fire lovers, lead singer Philip Bailey's new 2014 autobiography, and EWF's hot new Christmas album Holiday http://amzn.to/14HUnxb are here and available at Amazon. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Merry Christmas II You Is New from Mariah Carey

    Mariah Carey is in perfect voice for her second Christmas album release and 2010 follow-up to 1994's Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas II You opens with a short, fully orchestrated instrumental ode to "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," segueing directly into the new "Oh Santa." Bouncy, bubbly, and bold, the album opener "Oh Santa" tips the hat to Toni Basil's 1981 cheerleader anthem "Mickey" using a catchy hook to drive the song along. "O Little Town of Bethlehem/Little Drummer Boy Medley" is a great showcase for the melodramatic phrasing of Ms. Mariah, who hits this song-pairing out of the park. It's well arranged, creative, and solidly delivered. "Christmas Time Is In The Air Again" sparkles as a pop standard slow arrangement that you might expect from a Sarah Vaughan or Carmen McCrae. A Classy impression from Carey that floats on air. "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)/Housetop Celebration," with the help of a bass line inspired by Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" puts a party face on this happy track. I was blown away by the operatic interlude in "O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus" featuring Patricia Carey. 3 New Mariah Carey Christmas songs are included in this release, as are 8 traditional holiday songs. The contemporary remix of "Auld Lang Syne" rocks 'house music style.' Fans young, old, and new will certainly enjoy this classy collection. Merry Christmas II You is a rare holiday combination of great songs, top notch arrangements, diverse material, and Mariah Carey, who finally displays her gifted sonic range through nuanced maturity rather than reverting to showy vocal gymnastics as used in the past. When I saw this album was going to be released, I was skeptical. Now that I've heard it, shame on me! Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas II You is excellent. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Intro" "Oh Santa" "O Little Town of Bethlehem/Little Drummer Boy Medley" "Christmas Time Is In The Air Again" "The First Noel/Born Is the King Interlude" "When Christmas Comes" "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)/Housetop Celebration" "Charlie Brown Christmas" "O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus" "O Holy Night" "One Child" "All I Want For Christmas Is You" - Extra Festive "Auld Lang Syne" - The New Year's Anthem Listen to 30 seconds of Mariah Carey's "Auld Lang Syne" - The New Year's Anthem. Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 James Brown Christmas

    This December 25th marks the 3rd year since the passing of James Brown on Christmas Day, 2006. The Godfather of Soul believed in the spirit of the holiday. In 1966, he released the album: James Brown & His Fabulous Flames Sing Christmas Songs. Another Christmas collection, A Soulful Christmas, was distributed in 1968. 1994 saw the compilation James Brown Christmas. In 1999, another much weaker collection was released: The Merry Christmas Album. Without compromise, James Brown stuck to his own style on holiday tunes. Here is one interesting exception. Listen to 50 seconds of "The Christmas Song" from James Brown Christmas. You'll have a chuckle at the string arrangements which are out of character for Soul Brother #1. Your browser does not support the audio element. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Earth, Wind & Fire Cleveland Christmas Karaoke

    "Get Your Hump on this Christmas," a new 2009 'Stoolbend Virginia' holiday hit, features Fox TV cartoon character Cleveland Brown. Cleveland sings the track along with the dynamic instrumental and harmonic backing of Earth, Wind & Fire. "Get Your Hump on this Christmas" is funky, proving once again that if you can dance to it, good taste gets kicked right out of the lyric window. Who listens to the words anymore anyway? You can add this song to other infamous novelty holiday fare. At least Earth, Wind & Fire can proudly boast that they share the billing on this fun Christmas song (but will they want to)? Here are some group members, along with Cleveland. The mp3 single is available at iTunes. Powerhouse Radio's holiday music special begins Thursday, December 17 and will continue through Saturday, December 26. Yes, we'll play this one too, along with many of your favorite holiday classics. Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 30 seconds of "Get Your Hump on this Christmas." Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 The Christmas Song Video Treat

    As mentioned a week ago when we featured just The Christmas Song audio, "The Christmas Song" by the legendary Flamingos featuring Terry Johnson is a delightful new treat. Read my 2006 interview on PowerhouseRadio.com via the "Flamingos featuring Terry Johnson" link above. Enjoy 90 seconds plus of the promotional video below. Thank you Terry Johnson and company! In the video Terry is wearing the white shirt. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 The Flamingos Flock to the Christmas Song

    The Flamingos featuring Terry Johnson have just released a classy 2009 rendering of "The Christmas Song." You'll like this 'retro harmony' version from these doo wop legends who are in both the Vocal Group and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's been a long time since their iconic smash, "I Only Have Eyes for You," hit the charts in the late 1950s. "The Christmas Song" is Terry Johnson's first Flamingos release since 1962 and is The Flamingos' first-ever holiday recording. Your browser does not support the audio element. Listen to 30 seconds of "The Christmas Song," and visit Terry Johnson's website featuring: The Flamingos. Bonus: Don't miss my 2006 interview: "Baltimore Flamingo Terry Johnson Soars to the Sky." Previous Post | Next Post

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    1 Candy Cane Christmas from Darius Rucker

    Darius Rucker, vocalist - guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish fame, has just dropped "Candy Cane Christmas," a 2009 holiday ditty right out of the Lou Rawls, Sammy Davis Jr. school of pop. This charming song has all the hooks of an attractive Christmas classic. "Candy Cane Christmas" offers Darius a way outside of blues-rock to showcase his earthy voice. Listen to and enjoy 30 seconds of "Candy Cane Christmas" by Darius Rucker. Your browser does not support the audio element. 2022 Update: Download below has expired. Download the complete song for free (for a limited time) from the iTunes music store. Previous Post | Next Post

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    0 Howard Hewett Christmas

    Howard Hewett found independence in his solo career the second time around when he moved on from Shalamar to pursue additional interests. Just after December 25th, 2008, I was able to get a hold of his new holiday album: Howard Hewett Christmas. Timing is everything, so last year's missed opportunity opens the door to a new season of cheer, a perfect time to take a look at this still relatively new release. Fans easily connect Jody Watley's female voice to the aural personality of Shalamar's vocal blend. There were several guys in the history of Shalamar, so in many ways, Howard Hewett is an undiscovered lead singer. He gets the job done on Howard Hewett Christmas. I can't say that there's an aspect of his voice that really makes it unique, but he performs the songs well using very tasteful arrangements. The carols are just contemporary enough to give the songs a new millennium edge without drifting into gimmicky waters. It's easy listening, with some great help from among others: Stevie Wonder who performs a harmonica solo on "The Christmas Song." George Duke produces a couple: "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "That's Christmas." Howard collaborates with other writers for a couple of pleasant original songs, "That's Christmas" and "I Remember Christmas." Ralph Johnson of Earth Wind, & Fire fame plays drums on several tracks and produces 5 of the songs. Howard Hewett Christmas is delightful. The tempo is just right for relaxing listening. "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" "The Christmas Song" with harmonica soloist Stevie Wonder "Sleigh Ride" "That's Christmas" "Baby It's Cold Outside" "Christmas Time" "Christmas On Sunset, interlude" "I Remember Christmas" "What Child Is This" "This Christmas" "Silent Night" Your browser does not support the audio element. Enjoy 30 seconds of "Baby It's Cold Outside," a duet with Jasselle. She sings her part in Spanish, Howard sings his part in English. Previous Post | Next Post

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