Various Artists
Soul of the Holidays
An incredible array of Soulful R&B and Smooth Jazz artist combine for a twist on The Holiday Classics. Angie Stone, JOE, and Phil Perry have set a new standard for Holiday Classics
ABOUT SOUL OF THE HOLIDAYS
This holiday direct-to-CD/DVD music compilation captures the "essence and soul" of classic holiday favorites that have stood the test of time. From the first funky lead-in of Spur of the Moment's smooth jazz rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High" to Phil Perry's incredible vocal stylings and powerful rendition of "Away in a Manger," Soul of the Holidays delivers the range of all that soul has to offer in a tidy package. The collaboration between Angie Stone and Mike Phillips that pairs Stone's rich vocals with Phillip's sultry sax on "This Christmas" emerges as a highlight, along with the stirring blend of Maysa Leak's (famed Incognito vocalist) smooth scat style with Brian Culbertson's mastery on the keyboard for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Comfort and Joy)". Soul of the Holidays features contemporary R&B artists like Angie Stone, JOE, Plunky and Tony Rich, while paying homage to the legacy of soul music with powerhouses like Maysa, Brian Culbertson, Phil Perry, and Mike Phillips.
Musical arrangement and production was handled by Chris "Big Dog" Davis and Wayne Bruce. Chris Davis is a tour de force, having made his mark on the music industry producing for greats such as Najee, Phil Perry, Maysa and Will Downing. This holiday collection is no exception to his impeccable work, which continues to be stunningly original. Wayne Bruce is a keystone member of Spur of the Moment, in addition to producing for them. With his skill evident in the production he has done for Spur of the Moment and Maysa, his touch contributes to this seamless compilation of musical styles as well.
The DVD features the live full-length concert videotaped in high-definition in front of an intimate audience at The Bowie Center for Performing Arts, with Spur of the Moment backing all the artists. DVD bonus features include, "behind-the-scenes" footage, on-camera testimonials with music artists discussing their most-memorable holiday moments, and a photo gallery.
The feel good nature of Soul of the Holidays extends beyond the aesthetic gratification, as proceeds from the sale of the Soul of the Holidays CD/DVD compilation will go to support WHUR-FM 96.3's nonprofit organization, "Food2Feed". For more information visit: www.souloftheholidays.com. This direct-to-CD/DVD very soulful contemporary classic will surely be a holiday favorite for MANY years to come!
Urban/R&B: Smooth Soul