Most artists feel the urge to do it – it seems they have to get to it of their systems….yep, THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM. The latest contender in the Yuletide long player stakes is South African jazz guitarist and vocalist, JONATHAN BUTLER. His hugely imaginatively titled ‘Merry Christmas To You’ hits the sales racks on September 30th, giving everyone plenty of time to get into the seasonal spirit!

Butler’s album is a 10 tracker with 8 of the songs being traditional Christmas chestnuts (roasting round an open fire or otherwise!). You can probably guess the tunes – amongst them ‘Sleigh Ride’, ‘The First Noel’, ‘Little Drummer Boy’ and Donny Hathaway’s ‘This Christmas’ – now a standard in its own right.

The album boasts two original songs, both penned by Jonathan – ‘Merry Christmas To You’ and ‘Happy Holidays’. Both are easy going and easy on the ear – perfect programming for the smooth Jazz stations if we ever get to December.

To help him deliver his Christmas set, the guitarist has enlisted stellar players like Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Paul “Shilts” Weimer, while Butler’s daughter, Jodie helps out with the vocals.

JONATHAN BUTLER’S ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU’ is released on September 30th on Artistry Records.