After spending much of the year recording, touring across the U.S. and Europe, and performing aboard premier music cruises, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, drummer, and philanthropist Arthur Thompson is looking forward to something far more personal: having his family together for Christmas. That longing inspired Tennessee Christmas, a new five-song holiday EP arriving November 6.
The holiday collection arrives as Thompson continues one of the most active and successful periods of his career. Earlier this year, Thompson released Keep On Dreaming: Arthurized Volume 1 on which he collaborated with 10-time GRAMMY® nominee Dave Koz and Billboard chart-toppers Peter White, Mindi Abair, Marcus Anderson, and Tom Braxton. Since then, Thompson has performed extensively across the United States and internationally, appearing with a variety of acclaimed artists and as a member of The Boneshakers. The devout father, grandfather, and now great-grandfather is especially looking forward to celebrating the holidays in Tennessee with the newest additions to his ever-growing family.
“I wrote ‘Tennessee Christmas’ thinking of my children and grandchildren coming home for Christmas and having a great time together,” said Thompson about the origins of the festive title track, which features Shelby Eicher on violin. “There’s one line that I added to the lyrics for the newest addition to my tribe, my great-grandson!”
Tennessee Christmas follows Thompson's 2020 holiday-themed release The 7 Principles of Kwanzaa, his debut album that celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture. On the new EP, Thompson reimagines beloved seasonal standards through a blend of jazz, R&B, gospel, blues, funk, and reggae influences. The EP includes inventive takes on "We Three Kings," "O Holy Night," "Come All Ye Faithful," and "My Favorite Things," alongside the original title track inspired by the joy of gathering multiple generations of family for the holidays.
Highlights include a reggae-infused version of “We Three Kings” featuring the Monkey Fist Horns, a blues-and-gospel-inspired rendition of “O Holy Night” featuring guitarist David John and a six-person choir, and a funky interpretation of “Come All Ye Faithful” featuring tenor saxophonist Grady Nichols and pianist Fred Smith.
“I remember singing ‘We Three Kings’ during many Christmas programs. I hated standing and singing in front of the congregation. I was very bashful in public,” said Thompson, who sings and plays drums, percussion, and cajón on the album. “On ‘Come All Ye Faithful,’ I wanted a song that we could just have fun with. I came up with a loose drum part and challenged the fellas (in the band) to follow me without rehearsing. Roll tape and let it happen! Fun groove!”
Tennessee Christmas follows the momentum generated by Keep On Dreaming: Arthurized Volume 1, a project that reflects Thompson’s commitment to creating purposeful music centered on optimism, empowerment, mental health awareness, and support for people battling cancer.
Beyond music, Thompson founded the nonprofit Build A Life, Save A Life, which operates the Math & Music and Drums Speak programs designed to connect music education with academic development for young people.
Thompson, who was named 2023’s Smooth Jazz Network’s Breakout Artist of the Year, is a first-call session and touring drummer from Tulsa, Oklahoma who now calls Nashville home.
As a solo artist, he uses his voice to tell stories rooted in love, faith, family, and resilience. His Arthurized brand spans music, education, books, and humanitarian initiatives. Thompson is also the author of three books reflecting his belief in the power of imagination, perseverance, and connection.
Tennessee Christmas contains the following songs:
“We Three Kings”
“O Holy Night”
“Come All Ye Faithful”
“My Favorite Things”
“Tennessee Christmas”
Tennessee Christmas will be available through all digital platforms.
To purchase CD and vinyl copies of Tennessee Christmas: www.arthurthompsondrums.com.
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