Singer-songwriter-guitarist will release “Merry Christmas To You” on October 1
and embark upon the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour this holiday season.
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Butler
recorded eight Christmas chestnuts for the collection and penned a pair
of new songs, including “Happy Holidays,” an ardent urban groove
ornamented with riffs of cool jazz guitar. High-profile hornmen Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Paul “Shilts” Weimer contribute to the festivities on a couple of tracks as does Butler’s daughter, vocalist Jodie Butler, and bassist Dan Lutz,
who plays upright on a tune, but the heart of the intimate recording is
Butler solo pouring his impassioned voice and acoustic guitar into the
seasonal songs. His arresting performances and sparse production
captivates, fostering an air of freshness to the evergreen material.
“These
songs are beautiful on their own so I felt they didn't need a lot of
instrumentation. Plus I wanted my fans to have a personal Christmas
message from me. That is why the CD has very little production and
plenty of voice and guitar. It’s a very proud moment for me to finally
have a Christmas record, which has been a long time coming. I hope fans
feel blessed and uplifted when they play it at home or in their car or
wherever they may be. I truly thank God for giving me the strength and
the opportunity to make this album,” said Butler, who lives in
California’s San Fernando Valley with his family.
The “Merry Christmas To You” album opens with an energizing version of the Donny Hathaway
soul classic “This Christmas.” Butler applies South African
vocalization, chanting and rhythmic percussion to “Little Drummer Boy.”
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,”
“The First Noel,” “O Holy Night” and the lesser known “Sweet Little
Jesus Boy” are presented starkly featuring show-stopping performances by
the devoutly inspired man with his guitar.
Beginning November 30, Butler will venture out on a three-week U.S. concert swing performing on the Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour during which he will share the stage with the charismatic sax star as well as keyboardist Keiko Matsui and vocalist Oleta Adams.
A
former child star, Butler was the first black artist played on radio
stations in South Africa. The hint of grit in his expressive voice
reflects the pain he endured growing up under Apartheid, the youngest of
17 children. A true artist who refuses to segregate his music, Butler’s
recordings consist of vocal and instrumental hits and enduring fan
favorites spanning R&B, contemporary jazz, gospel, adult
contemporary, pop and world beat stylings. The natural-born performer’s
radiant spirit shines brightly through his beaming smile and twinkling
eyes. Additional information is available at www.JonathanButler.com.
The songs comprising Butler’s “Merry Christmas To You” are:
“This Christmas”
“Sleigh Ride”
“Merry Christmas To You”
“Happy Holidays”
“Little Drummer Boy”
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
“Sweet Little Jesus Boy”
“The First Noel”
“O Holy Night”
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