We called this album "1 + 1 = Christmas" because of its simplistic nature, including just voices and the soothing sounds of a classical nylon string guitar.
Making this Christmas album was more fun than I would have ever imagined. I hope it's fun for you to listen to, and makes you think fond memories of family and friends.
HUGE THANK YOU: First and Foremost, my family: Mom Lisa, Dad Bruce, Step-dad Bob, and niece Breanna. Thanks for letting me be crazy and always letting me try to live my dreams, and for letting me use parts of your houses as a recording studio. Andrew Powers (for putting this opportunity in my life) and Powers' family (for producing Andrew), Amelia Bednark (for inspiring the entire idea to even do a Christmas album, AND for taking our pictures at Target). Jill Rivers (for singing that beautiful music), Ashley Dillon (for convincing me to purchase the machine we recorded this music on.) And also a huge THANKS to the rest of the Leone family: Rick, Brenda, Delores, Erica, Elise, Giana, Jill, Kerri, Todd, Hannah, Joe Melfi, and Mark Bergeron (for yelling "Stink!" "Stank!" "Stunk!" at the Thanksgiving table). Thanks you to anyone who has ever shown any kind of support or encouragement for what I/we do. And most importantly I want to thank my and your God, gods, deities, forces, earth, universe, karma, Ancient Aliens, or whatever you want to call it for yourself, that made all of us and this project possible.
"As an artist, Brandon shines the brightest at his live shows. Connecting through a one-man, one-guitar, one-microphone performance, fusing technology and tradition, he mixes danceable beats and riveting guitar solos with fiery acoustic singing and strumming. Brandon is relatively new to the music scene but his sound brings you back to warm memories with friends and bitter break-ups doused with cold beer; his songs reverberate in your mind and heart. Brandon reminds you of your best friend or a brother...good memories, late nights, and music to write home about..." -Live Music: Raleigh
Brandon Scott McLean has built a solid reputation for his eclectically influenced, versatile guitar style and unique vocal qualities. He grew up in Rhode Island, and started strumming the six string guitar at the age of seven. While pursuing a degree in psychology at Ithaca College in upstate New York, a generous jazz professor trained Brandon in jazz music on the side. After graduating, he moved down south to Raleigh, NC start a small business but somehow fell in love with country music and southern rock. Now he explores ways to integrate many genres of music including rock, blues and alternative country. From 2006 to 2010, Brandon served as frontman for Raleigh-based Cougar Magnum. In 2010 Brandon "went solo" and home-recorded unique blend of acoustic and electric sounds that reach beyond conventional sounds you expect. Titled "First Kisses," the album includes 10 of his songs, and some campfire renditions of Dierks Bentley, Van Halen and Dave Matthews Band staples. Cougar Magnum morphed into The Windsor Oaks Band in early 2011, put out an album called "Above the Garage" and spent their entire summer on the road traveling up and down the east coast playing clubs and small venues. Please check out the Windsor Oaks Band on facebook or at http://www.thewindsoroaksband.com, but understand that the band plays full-band rock music, and this album is merely an easy-listening excursion for your holiday mood.
Produced by Brandon Scott McLean and Andrew Powers
2011
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