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Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings- Sarah McLachlan- Jela Cello

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Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
It's a Holiday Soul Party

Daptone

For their first holiday-themed album Jones and company present a mix of originals like the slightly risqu� "Big Bulbs" and the '60s-style soul-pop of "Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects" along with covers of chestnuts like "White Christmas," here set to a funky go-go rhythm, a slow and slinky blues remake of "Silent Night" and an instrumental take on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" that turns loose the band's horn section.

Sarah McLachlan
The Classic Christmas Album

Legacy

This 17-song collection begins with the McLachlan-penned "Wintersong," a quiet and delicate number that sets the tone for a set that contains standards like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Takes on John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" and Gordon Lightfoot's subdued "Song for a Winter's Night" are included as are several songs featuring back-up vocals from students from the Sarah McLachlan School of Music and a take on "Christmas Time is Here" with guest Diana Krall.

Jela Cello with the Power Symphony Orchestra
Christmas Dreams

Imagen

Jela Cello is the stage name of Serbian cellist Jelena Mihailovic, an artist that's equally at home whether she's channeling long-ago composed classical music or rocking out on a Jimi Hendrix tune. Fans of bands like the Trans Siberian Orchestra will enjoy the spirit of opening cut "Deck the Halls" while Journey fans will be delighted to hear Arnel Pineda singing on the jazzy "Jingle Bells" (the song is reprised as an instrumental immediately following Pineda's vocal turn.) "Santa, Santa" is performed as an EDM number with slightly eerie overtones coming from the cello; "Snowdust Pearl" on the other hand is as sublime as the season's first snowfall. "Sleigh Ride," "Little Drummer Boy" and "White Christmas" are also included in this holiday soundtrack.


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