When In Rome: Holiday CD Giveaway

I usually don't do anything even remotely Christmassy until after November 11th, but Sara over at When In Rome is doing a holiday giveaway of a new Christmas CD, The Greatest Gift: Songs of the Season by Alexis Cole.  Alexis Cole, the artist, is an international Jazz musician who has dedicated her life to serving others, and has recently entered basic training for the US Army.  For more info, and an interview with the artist, see Sara's blog at  When In Rome: Holiday Giveaway .  You can listen to samples of some of the tracks, and learn more about Alexis, and purchase the album at www.alexiscole.com .  All profits from the CD are to be donated to World Bicycle Relief .

I listened to the sample tracks, and I agree with Sara that Alexis' voice is reminiscent of an earlier time, evoking a smoky basement lounge with ladies in long satin or velvet dresses, updo's, and bright red lipstick.  But there is also a hint of a celtic lilt in some of the tracks, and that quirky little rhythm or unexpected note that makes jazz what it is.

Sara has asked people what their favorite Christmas song is. I don't have one favorite, but here are some of the ones that make the list:

This Little Child, Scott Wesely Brown. I know this isn't *really* a Christmas song, it was originally actually a Viet Nam protest song, but to me it speaks to the spirit of Christmas, and one of the songs I always this of first when I am asked this.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Breath of Heaven, Amy Grant

The Bare Naked Ladies / Sara McLachlan version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings