DECEMBER 7 - NO. 19 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - 2 ARE BETTER THAN 1 INDEED - FOR A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS TUNE FROM 1865

HOMETOWN - These guys can flat out sing! They started in 2001 and have reconfigured numerous times over the years. Today, joined with Texas Hill, you will hear these two accomplished vocal groups perform Go Tell It On The Mountain with country, soul and an amazing arrangement of acapella singing with minimal instrumental accompaniment. 

BONUS TRACK - Today's bonus tune is from the Grammy, AMA and Dove Award winning Christian Rocker, from Jonesboro Arkansas, Zach Williams . Listen to this tune, first published in 1901, as Zach and his band blend soul and southern rock performing Go Tell It On The Mountain. Turn it up!!

Christmas will be here before you know it. I hope all you Vagabonds, far and wide, are enjoying The Nomad Architect's Christmas Countdown.

Merry Christmas 

D.L.Stafford

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DECEMBER 6 - NO. 20 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A TOTALLY UNIQUE CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN GROUP BRINGS A SONG ABOUT THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS

I love it when I find a group or artist I have never heard before. Today's group is more proof that Contemporary Christian Music is not just alive and well but is proceeding upward on a path of excellent music, writing, and recording. Winner of a Dove Award as New Artist of The Year in 2010, The Sidewalk Prophets show what real affirmative singing is all about. They tour in the US and other countries bringing their unique presentation of gospel music.

Today's tune gives us a very modern poetic take on the birth of Jesus. Please enjoy the Sidewalk Prophets as they bring you What a Glorious Night.

BONUS TRACK - I must admit - I can't help it. This bonus tune is not, technically, a Christmas song. However, it is one of the most unique songs proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. And the video tells the story of Christ with flair and a lot of dancing. Plus, it just makes you feel better. Bottom line - Gospel is the best it's ever been. So, get up and dance as Mercy Me gives us a crazy video - HAPPY DANCE.

Dance yourself to a Merry Christmas!

D.L.Stafford

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DECEMBER 5 - NO. 21 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - TODAY IT'S OFFICIAL - CHRISTMAS TIME NEEDS ROCK & ROLL - TODAY'S TUNE FEATURES TWO INCREDIBLE TALENTS

WOW!! BRAD PAISLEY, GRAMMY WINNER - CMA WINNER - AMA WINNER - PRETTY GOOD GUITARIST TOO! DOIN' A ROCKING DUET WITH ONE OF THE GREATEST ROCK SINGERS TO EVER HOLD A MIKE - GRAMMY WINNER - MTV AWARDS WINNER - AMA WINNER - LEAD SINGER FOR AEROSMITH - STEVEN TYLER!

I had the pleasure of seeing Steven Tyler with AEROSMITH a few years ago to relish some of the most amazing vocal insanity I have ever heard from one of the most intense Rockers to ever step on a stage. We were completely entertained with his performance. His energy level is just as intense as his singing. Then there is Brad Paisley, his partner on today's duet. Paisley is a world renown guitarist and singer of country and rock. Some of the riffs on this tune are impressive.

Enjoy today's Rock & Roll Tune - RUN RUN RUDOLPH - Turn it way up!

BONUS TRACK - And for another great rocker/guitarist - take a listen - the one and only Eric Clapton playing and singing - WHITE CHRISTMAS in a very cool acoustic version of this classic.

So, rock and roll hard & loud or soft & cool reminds us that Christmas is the best time to enjoy life, family and friends - Merry Christmas to all Vagabonds here, there and everywhere!

D.L.Stafford

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"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph." - Shirley Temple

DECEMBER 4 - NO. 22 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - LISTEN TO SOME CHRISTMAS IN FRENCH - BEAUTIFUL!!

Tatian Eva-Marie, along with Avalon Jazz Band , gives us a beguiling Christmas tune in French for the fourth tune on the Countdown. This talented songstress, accompanied by the three-piece Avalon Jazz Band, comprised of guitarist Vinny Raniolo, bassist Wallace Stelzer, violinist Gabe Terracciano, and other players when needed, specializes in Parisian inspired jazz and swing of the 1930's and 1940's. 

This tune, The Christmas Waltz, performed in French, shows the unrestricted love of beautiful music. 

BONUS TRACK - For those Vagabonds that don't speak French, including this Vagabond, here is today's tune, entitled The Christmas Waltz, by the one and only Frank Sinatra, recorded in 1954 - In English no less. There will be more of Frank later in the Countdown.

So, Joyeux Noël to all Vagabonds that love music!

D.L.Stafford

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“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day." - Andy Rooney

DECEMBER 3 - NO. 23 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - AN INCREDIBLE TUNE PRESENTED BY ONE OF THE GREATEST GOSPEL SINGERS TO EVER HOLD A MIKE!

Today is the first Sunday of December - the perfect day to celebrate the true Reason for The Season - The birth of Jesus.  Over two thousand years ago, a savior was born. The changing of the world is still with us. There are over 2.4 billion Christians worldwide! To celebrate this holy birth, please enjoy listening to an amazing high tenor gospel singer presenting his version of one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written. The origin of this astounding song celebrating Jesus's birth is unknown. 

Many artists have recorded this song over the years, but no one does it like today's artist - David Phelps gives us a jazz influenced version of JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD. I have had the pleasure of seeing Phelps live twice. He brought down the house with power and joy.

As a side note - David Phelps sang with The Gaither Vocal Band from 1997 to 2005 and again from 2009 to 2017. He rejoins them on occasion when he is free from his solo career. The Gaither Vocal Band, led by one of the greatest gospel songwriters in history - Bill Gaither, has been singing great Southern Gospel since 1981. The Gaither Vocal Band will be featured later in the Christmas Countdown.

Merry Christmas as you celebrate!

D.L.Stafford

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• “Christmas is the most thrilling season of the year because its message is that Jesus brings joy and love through His sacrificial gift of forgiveness and redemption.” Rev. Bill Graham

DECEMBER 2 - NO. 24 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - TODAY WE'LL HEAR FROM A COUPLE OF GREATS - ROCK SOLID

On the second day of December, enjoy a great tune by the one and only Tom Petty along with his band The Heartbreakers - It's Christmas Time All Over Again. Petty was the lead singer for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers 1976 - 1987. He was one of the most creative and influential writers to ever record or step on a stage. Enjoy this great video and tune with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers at the White House for the TV special A Very Special Christmas.

BONUS TRACK - Petty was also a member of the Super Group The Traveling Wilburys which included, in addition to Petty, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne 1988-1991. If there was ever a Super Group, The Traveling Wilburys were it. This Bonus Track is NOT a Christmas song. But it's message of hope and joy in life is appropriate for any Christmas season. The video and the tune are outstanding - Enjoy END OF THE LINE by THE TRAVELING WILBURYS.

OK. Better get busy, sales are everywhere! Or for those of us that don't like "shopping", just sign onto AMAZON and go for it! Merry Christmas!

D.L.Stafford

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• “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” - Winston Churchill

DECEMBER 1, 2023 - NO. 25 ON THE 2023 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN -THINGS CHANGE & THINGS STAY THE SAME - SANTA IS COMING AGAIN FOR KIDS & THOSE THAT REFUSE TO GIVE IT UP !!

December 1 - And we're off. Year Eleven of an obsessive search for great Christmas Music, including Jazz, Rock, Gospel, and some things that may not technically be Christmas tunes, but fit perfectly to celebrate most Vagabond's favorite Holiday.

I have looked high and low for new tunes that have not been on the Countdown before. It is my fervent hope and desire that all you Christmas Vagabonds will enjoy some great tunes, some funny takes on the holiday season and other thoughts on this favorite time of year. Also, I must apologize for the annoying ads that usually appear before the cool tune plays. Getting rid of them is beyond my technical skill.

First up on The 2023 Top 25 Christmas Countdown is a very cool vocal jazz number by an accomplished award-winning Australian quartet giving its listeners doo wop, jazz, acapella, and other styles of always great music. Here is Human Nature performing a jazzy rendition, written in 1934 - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

BONUS TRACK - Although, we'll be hearing this tune later in the Countdown, Human Nature's rendition of the Christmas Classic White Christmas is a must on any Vagabond's Christmas Song List. 

So, here's to all Christmas Vagabonds - Hope all of you have a great Christmas and I hope some of these tunes will help you enjoy the season.

Merry Christmas!!

D.L.Stafford

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