Yes, it’s only September, but the record biz is gearing up for the Festive Season by announcing new releases to celebrate what our US cousins call the “Holiday” season. Here’s a couple that you need to maybe make a note of…
Our friends at Blue Note/Decca Records tell us that the incomparable GREGORY PORTER will be releasing a Christmas album, ‘Christmas Wish’ on November 3rd. Still a bit early we think but it sounds intriguing. His team have said that the LP “is a loving tribute to his Favorite time of year – and to great songwriters, singers, and interpreters including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole.”
Amongst the tracks are the usual chestnuts ( e.g ‘Silent Night’) and things a little more esoteric ( e.g ‘Purple Snowflakes’) . The set will also include three Porter orignals including ‘Everything’s Not Lost’ which has just been released as a taster single.
Equally intriguing is the upcoming release of TEDDY PENDERGRASS’S ‘This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love)’. Originally released in 1998, it was TP’s final album and it’s long been out of print. If you know it, you’ll know that it was mix of original songs and Christmas standards, including a treatment of John Lennon’s ‘Happy Christmas War Is Over’. This album will be available digitally via Craft Recordings from November 3rd.
