Christmas day is upon us. I mean really upon us. And some of us are scrounging for last minute gift ideas. Well, music always makes a good gift and here are a few ideas of music you can share with family and friends.
The innovators of “Blue Ridge Mountain Rock And Roll” have released a couple of standalone singles that may not be very rock and roll but nonetheless are very relatable.
The first is “Friends Are Falling Out” inspired by a conversation between Koda Kerl and a friend. As the co-founder of Chamomile & Whiskey tells it, “I wrote the line ‘That broken heart might just catch a break’ after meeting up with a friend of mine… she had regaled me with her latest story in a long line of bad relationships.” As bleak as it may sound now, at some point you may find the one you are meant to be with.
“This Time Of Year” is a seasonal tune for the less fortunate. Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. It certainly is the case for many people. “Not everyone is feeling joyous,” Koda reminds us. “There are a lot of other emotions that are often suppressed around the fanfare.” The last line of the song reminds us that even if we can’t hear the church bells ring, we can feel them in our hearts.
Chamomile & Whiskey are co-founders Koda Kerl and Marie Borgman along with Drew Kimball (Guitar), Brian Gregory (Bass) and Stuart Gunter (Drums).
Corey Ledet comes from a musical family who have played with Louis Armstrong, Ike and Tina Turner, Bobby “Blue” Bland, B. B. King, and other music legends. Corey has released 15 albums and has been Grammy-nominated twice. It wasn’t until he was invited to perform at the Anchorage Folk Festival that his dream of recording a live album became a reality.
Live In Alaska has a release date of December 23, 2025. You may think Zydeco music is not for you but if you give a listen, don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught up in the rhythm. Ledet’s many fans will hear live versions of their old favorites including “This Is All I Want,” “Creole Cruising,” and “Boudin Man” – the latter complete with a musical homage to “Land Of A Thousand Dances.”
“Alaska Funk” is an amazing five-minute improvisation that came about when Corey could not remember the next song on the playlist. When he asks, “Do you want to get funky? Do you want to get funky?” the only response is “Oh hell yes!!!”
Corey loved the Alaskan audience and they in turn clearly loved him. Give a listen to Live In Alaska and you just may love him too.
The very first in a series of Christmas albums produced to benefit the Special Olympics was released on October 12, 1987. It was titled appropriately enough A Very Special Christmas. It featured various artists presenting their versions of season favorites. Stevie Nicks, John Mellencamp, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and several others lent their talents to the effort.
Since then, several additional albums have been released in the series. A personnel favorite is A Very Special Christmas 2. It features Tom Petty, Jon Bon Jovi, Luther Vandross, Boyz II Men, and Aretha Franklin. Randy Travis does a killer rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock.”
It doesn’t really matter which album in the series you buy or stream. From the very first album to A Very Special Christmas – 25 Years Of Bringing Joy To The World each evokes memories of Christmases past. Not only that, but each album supports a worthy cause.
Jimmy Iovine was the mastermind behind the albums. He wanted to do something as a tribute to his father who passed away in 1985. His wife, Vicki, suggested the idea of a record to benefit the Special Olympics, as she was a volunteer for the organization. Twelve albums later, millions (and millions) of dollars have been raised to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities around the globe.
