Jonathan Butler - Merry Christmas To You (2013)

Jonathan Butler is a contemporary icon, a global artist that continues to grow and develop his artistry with each passing year. Merry Christmas To You is a little thank you to friends and fans that is as un-produced and organic in feel as a Christmas release should be. Butler takes what had the makings of a good release and elevates it to a level of greatness few artists can match.

Christmas records have a pretty simply formula. To start the Federal holiday is Christmas so while references to other celebrations are politically correct they tend to water down the original intent of what a Christmas release is all about. Another stumbling block for most artists is the self serving attempt to try and write original music for a Christmas release with most tunes simply crashing and burning faster than a Christmas turkey. Butler contributes two originals, "Merry Christmas To You" and "Happy Holidays." Both tunes are beautifully written and fit nicely with the overall vibe of this traditionally oriented release. The usual suspects including "Sleigh Ride" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" are included and within this acoustic oriented setting take on a harmonic freshness long missing in the over produced commercial arena of "Holiday Music." Jonathan Butler allows the true spirit of the season to shine through with an exemplary performance that all music fans should enjoy.

A fantastic ensemble, tunes you know and love, and the genuine soul of a gifted artist makes Merry Christmas To You the perfect gift for fans across the globe.

Tracklist:

01. This Christmas (4:13)
02. Sleigh Ride (3:34)
03. Merry Christmas To You (4:33)
04. Happy Holidays (4:38)
05. Little Drummer Boy (4:13)
06. I'll Be Home For Christmas (4:24)
07. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:08)
08. Sweet Little Jesus Boy (4:58)
09. The First Noel (5:49)
10. O Holy Night (7:06)

Personnel:

Jonathan Butler (all vocals, instruments and programming) except: Dan Lutz (upright bass - 6),
Jodie Butler (background vocals - 1, 5),
Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Paul "Shilts" Weimer (horns - 1-2)