Friday, December 25, 2015

TODAY IS ALL ABOUT JOY - CHRIST IS BORN - SO SING, DANCE AND OTHERWISE MAKE NOMAD MAYEM FOR THIS SPECIAL DAY


No Christmas would be complete without today's Countdown song. Based on the English poem by Isaac Watts, published in 1719, Joy To The World was written to proclaim the joy of this day we celebrate the birth of the Living Christ.



NO. 1 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - JOY TO THE WORLD BY TWO CERTIFIED DIVAS AND ONE BY A GROUP OF KIDS THAT YOU MAY HAVE HEARD OF.

From the a capella group that is currently storming its way around the world comes a one of a kind take on this Christmas Class - PENTATONIX does the classic with a new twist.



We lost this amazing voice, way to early. But, what she left us will never go away. Whitney Houston does Joy as only she could.



And finally - the one and only Mariah Carey, with a little help from a killer choir, blows the roof off of Saint John the Divine Cathedral New York.



So get on up Nomads - it's JOY all day and every day. CHRIST IS BORN!!

D.L.STAFFORD
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 24, 2015

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE & I WAS JUST THINKING - DON'T EVER STOP DREAMING - I MEAN WITHOUT DREAMS, WHAT IS THE POINT?

What is it about this time of year that  makes people like me want to wax eloquent? I think it's the spirit of the season. Today, while I was completing my annual wait until the absolute last minute shopping, every single person seemed to be in good spirits. A Merry Christmas here. A Have a Great Christmas there. And, even the pc Happy Holidays makes one feel better.


For a brief period of time we get to be with the ones that mean the most. And we can forget about the insanity in the world and the idiots that run our country right here at home. Plus, we get to open a present or two and see the utter magic of Christmas when the kids remind us that the love of Christmas has managed to endure because kids are always a joy - well, not always.

Well, guess what? I still dream like all the time, you know what I mean?. My bucket list keeps growing. The serendipity of life always amazes and changes us, if we let it. Like the song says - for kids from 1 to 92, Christmas is for dreamers. If you don't believe it, just set a spell and watch It's A Wonderful Life or Miracle On 34th Street. If those don't get you dreaming, that's on you my fellow nomad.

I truly hope this Christmas brings you the dreams of your heart. Please enjoy today's song and video as George Michael presents the beautiful and poignant December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas).



And just to show my fellow nomads that this dreaming thing is for real, here is the final scene from It's A Wonderful Life, when George realizes that his life does, indeed , have meaning. In fact, I think I am going to go watch it right now.



Merry Christmas - Do You Hear the Bells? Clarence Just Got His Wings- God Bless!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

A CAPELLA CHRISTMAS DONE RIGHT - SOMEBODY SAY AMEN!

Nobody, and I do mean nobody, has ever done a capella quite like TAKE 6. Combining gospel, jazz, r&b and pop, this group, with cues from the the great a capella quartet The Hi-Lo's, formed in 1953, took the concept of nothin' but voice to new heights. Their technical skill and vocal range, along with some of the most vocally challenging arrangements ever written, sets them apart from all other groups that perform this unique style of vocal music.

This multiple Dove and Grammy award winning sextet brings us an entirely new way of hearing  the story of The Night Before Christmas with  their version -  'Twas Da Night!



Another classic done as only TAKE 6 can do it - AMEN!



Just Makes You Feel Merry - Doesn't It?

d.l.stafford
THENOMADarchitect

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE TULL FOR TUESDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS - NO. 5 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Ian Anderson's Jethro Tull is one of the few groups I never had the pleasure of seeing live. So today's version of an off centered Christmas classic will have to do. No one in rock, pop or any other genre of music has ever done what Ian Anderson does with the flute. His mastery of the instrument and his innovative interpretations of all music really have no equal. Some say Tull is an acquired taste. Their blend of British folk, blues, jazz and rock with a flute centered sound produced one of the truly great bands of the late sixties. Ian Anderson is alive and well today, touring and presenting his unique blend of rock, jazz, blues and insane "flauting". Many classically trained flutists roll their eyes at the mere mention of Tull's or Anderson's name, but, hey, I bet they can't vocalize and blow at the same time!

Today's Countdown No. 5 - Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull performing live and improvising like crazy -  God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.



And just for those that like their Christmas music at the very edge, today's bonus track is the one and only Tom Waits performing Silent Night. It has become one of my annual favorites and, if you listen to it several times, it will grow on you.




Happy Listening Nomads

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 21, 2015

OK NOMADS - JUST IN CASE YOU ARE HAVING A BAD CASE OF THE MONDAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS - CHECK THIS OUT

I have been married to a certified cat lover for over four decades. I learned early on - yes when we were dating - that I better get with the program. I did and we have been cat lovers since back in the day. Some more so than others - if you catch my drift. But that's another story for another day. My one and only, Susie, showed me one of the cartoons from today's  submission to the Top 25 Christmas Countdown.

When I finally caught my breath after watching this inventive collection of a cat that can't help but go his own way, I just had to share it with my many Nomad Friends. So here are a few vignettes from the funniest cat around. I just know Kitty, Harry, Norman and Mason are looking down with an ironic smile as we entertain ourselves laughing at their famous friend. I mean, we do know that they all know each other right?

Simon's Cat - Christmas Collection will improve your mood and help you get ready for Friday coming up. Somebody say meow baby!!!!




Merry Christmas Cat Nomads Everywhere - This One's 4 U

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 20, 2015

GOOD SUNDAY MORNING - HOW ABOUT A LITTLE PEACE & CONTEMPLATION? - NO. 6 PLUS ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

The last Sunday before Christmas. Churches are presenting the Christmas Story everywhere. Christians the world over are preparing for the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. And parents and kids alike are hoping they got or will get all the right stuff for and from everybody. And even here in God's Country, it's pretty chilly, though, it's supposed to be in the eighties Christmas Day. Today's selections are for just such a morning as this Sunday. I hope you can sit back and contemplate the meaning of this amazing time of year with these songs.

Technical Note -If you see multiple images just click the circular arrow at the bottom left of the videos to play the selected tune.

I found this beautiful, simple song with a video that captures all that is good about this time of year - The Florin Street Band performs My Favorite Time of Year.



And as a bonus, for me, no Christmas would be complete without at least one irony filled ballad from the master of ironic country music. Lyle Lovett captures Christmas with a thought provoking song simply entitled Christmas Morning.



And finally, John Lennon sings Happy Christmas (War Is Over) with a hope for all of the world to be in peace. No matter your politics, that's a good sentiment in my book.



PEACE

d.l.stafford
THENOMADarchitect

Saturday, December 19, 2015

HOW 'BOUT A LITTLE JAZZ FOR CHRISTMAS - NOMADS? CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN NO.7 +

There's apple pie, there's baseball and then there is JAZZ.  Heard by aficianados and casual listeners the world over, jazz, with its African and European influences, is the most American of all musical genres. One could even argue that we would not have rock, pop or any of a dozen transmutations of modern music if it weren't  for this American music form. It's been around longer than you think and shows no signs of going away, only getting better with each new generation of innovators.

So, today, the last Saturday before Christmas, I thought Nomads the world over might like to hear some takes on America's best music. No. 7 on the Christmas Countdown plus a few extras.

Technical Note - If you  see multiple images you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu to here today's countdown video. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Diana Krall. This chanteuse of jazz, with influences from Nat King Cole, brings a nuanced voice and great piano chops to bear on a live version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. We saw her at the Shermerhorn Center in Nashville and she did not disappoint.



Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra continue the innovative tradition of big band jazz with vocalist Rene' Marie performing 'Zat You, Santa Claus?. And I'm not bragging when I say we saw them perform this very song last year in my home town - Tallahassee. So there!



Here's one I found last year. Michael Buble' and The Puppini Sisters perform a killer version of Jingle Bells. I just know the Andrews Sisters are smiling..



The Count Basie Orchestra is still with us, even though the master left us in 1984. The current iteration keeps the unique sound of a piano centered big band in contemporary form. Sleigh Ride from one of the greatest big bands around. BTW - Saw 'em in 1963 while still a lowly sophomore in high school. With Tom Jones no less. Man I AM weird.


Chick Corea is the essence of modern piano jazz. Some might even say, hard to access. His talent is unquestionable though. Listen to this expressive  arrangement of What Child Is This and I think you'll know what I mean. 


And last but not least. Mel Torme and a piano is all you really need to here one of the greatest voices in the history of jazz. Listen as Torme' performs a song that he co-wrote - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). Truly Amazing!


Here's Hoping for A Jazzed up Christmas One and All!

d.l.stafford

Friday, December 18, 2015

CHICAGO - IT'S ABOUT TIME - NO. 8 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Finally, a wrong has been righted. Chicago is going to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame forty eight years after release of their first album - Chicago Transit Authority. That album alone should have put them in on the first ballot (Performers are eligible for the Hall 25 years after their first recording). Songs from that album are still being played in rotations by rock stations and XM 24-7. You just wouldn't think it would take the purveyors of rock culture that long to put a group that has sold over 100 million records with a sound like no one else into the Hall of Fame. But, let's face it, history has proven that rockers have never been known for having good sense.

Which brings us to today's Countdown tune. Chicago produced one of the top Christmas records ever made with the album Chicago XXV: Christmas Album. Today's Countdown number is a live recording by this mega group - NO. 8 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW.




And, as we get closer to the big day, we need bonus tracks right? More stuff to fill the hours of slackery during this busy holiday season. The Nomad Bonus Track today features the funniest of the funny men working today. Jim Gaffigan's take on Christmas and the other big holidays will lighten your mood and make you think.





Have a Happy Weekend - Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
THENOMADarchitect

Thursday, December 17, 2015

IT'S TIME TO HAVE CHURCH - LISTEN TO THE BEST OF THE BEST - NO. 9 - THE OFFICIAL 2015 COUNTDOWN CHOIR DAY

There is something very special about singing in a choir. From early childhood, I have no memories of not singing in a choir, a choral group, an ensemble - whatever was open to me to sing about the Christ who's birth we are celebrating. The sheer joy and power of singing with a great choir is something that shapes you and makes you see a better world. As completely imperfect as I am, singing has always been my connection to the profound and simple joys of life, spiritually and otherwise.

As my brother can attest, we never really had a choice about this singing thing. From an early age, we were both required to get up and sing. So to Chester and Juanita, from your son - Thanks. I just know you are laughing and watching when I do as you told me and just sing! And I know you are having a great Christmas.

In honor of all the great choirs and all the great choir singers, I have collected some samples from three of the greatest choirs I have ever heard. I know its the middle of the week, but, today on the countdown, we gonna have church!

Technical Note - If you  see multiple images you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu to here today's countdown video. Sorry for the inconvenience.

First up. Mount Paran Church of God Sanctuary Choir in Atlanta. Their take on the classic Mary Did You Know is both nuanced and powerful. Excellence reigns in worship at this great  urban church.



And then their is the one and only Christ Church Choir of Nashville. I had the distinct pleasure of singing in this choir for almost two years. It's all about the power with this bunch. As you would expect, being located in Nashville brings the best of the best. Listen as Jaimee Paul, killer alto and jazz singer, performs a soulful Do You Hear What I Hear with this ultimate power choir behind her.




And last but not least. No choir Christmas Choir Extravaganza would be complete without The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. This 360 member, all volunteer choir held its first concert July 4, 1873. MOTAB, as they are colloquially known, continues to bring excellence and power to the church and the world through its music. Listen as they perform The Hallelujah Chorus from the greatest religious musical work ever written - Handel's Messiah.




From Wikapedia - When this was first performed in England before the king, He stood during the song and remained standing until the song was over, since the practice was at that time that if the king stood, everyone stood, it is now today presented as "etiquette" to stand while this song is being played.

If you are going to be in Salt Lake, Atlanta or Nashville this Christmas - Well You Know What To Do - Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT


Wednesday, December 16, 2015

THE KING OF BLUES BRINGS IT ALL HOME - NO. 10 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I had the great pleasure of seeing the one and only BB King sitting on the old wooden floor in Tully Gym at my alma mater, Florida State University, with my BFF and future bride - who looked really good in short shorts - and music lover extraordinaire (she's the one that found this tune on YouTube and suggested it for the Countdown).



Back in 1972, you were allowed to bring your own wine to events at Tully - Mogen David - Booyah! Sitting on an ancient wooden floor, drinking cheap wine and listening to The King of Blues with the most amazing woman on earth. Life was, indeed, good. Attention all NOMADS - To paraphrase John Cougar - Hold on to sixteen as long as you can, Changes come around real soon,  Make us women and men.

That concert left a lasting impression of this simple musician and his guitar. Not a lot of fancy riffs, just simple, almost minimalist melodies and improvisation. And, of course, his voice runs deep with the colorings of the Mississippi Delta. That doesn't change on this deep down blues version of today's Christmas classic.

NO. 10 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - BB KING PERFORMING MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY.

Technical Note - If you  see multiple images you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu to here today's countdown video. Sorry for the inconvenience.




Make Sure Wish Your Baby a Merry Christmas

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR - RAY LaMONTAGNE BRINGS IT HOME - NO. 11 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

There are not adequate words to describe Ray LaMontagne's voice. It must be heard. His take on every song he sings is always from somewhere way down deep. I first heard him when my daughter sent me a You Tube about this guy singing a powerful, disturbing ballad entitled Jolene. He and the song were the focus of a lengthy dissertation on the power and meaning of music in our culture. Well , the paper was amazing. After all my daughter is usually the smartest person in the room. Her brother would probably take exception to that, at least when he's around. From the first note by "this guy", I was hooked. There was more pain in one note than most singers give in their entire careers. No irony, just plain, simple singing from his very soul.

Today's take on a classic standard, made famous by Ray Charles, with a gospel choir and The United States Navy Band backing, makes us see what's important this time of year - Take it to heart as Ray LaMontagne performs live THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS on the Mall in Washington, D.C..

Technical Note - If you  see multiple images or if you don't see Ray (the guy with the beard),  you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience.


Keep That Spirit Alive Fellow Nomads

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 14, 2015

JERRY LEE- THERE'S ONLY ONE - NO. 12 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

From Great Balls of Fire to dozens and dozens of hits and near misses, Jerry Lee Lewis defines an era and a genre of music that is so uniquely American, that no one has ever even tried to copy him. With that unmistakable rockabilly voice, those smokin' piano riffs and an attitude that says I am the great Jerry Lee, he rocks and rolls like no other. As someone once said, it ain't braggin' if you can back it up! One of my regrets is that I never got to see this American Music icon live. Fortunately, he was taped enough that we can see his larger than life persona and talent.

Even though Elvis made today's Christmas Countdown tune famous, Jerry Lee gives a one of a kind rendition  live in Cork, Ireland of  NO. 12 on the 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - BLUE CHRISTMAS.

Technical Note - If you  see multiple images -or if you don't see Jerry Lee,  you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of these videos or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience.



Hope Your Christmas is Not Blue!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 13, 2015

NO. 13 ON THE CRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S SUNDAY NOMADS - MARIAH - 'NUFF SAID



Mariah Carey  recorded one of the greatest Christmas albums of all time simply entitled Merry Christmas. Today's Countdown song is from that instant classic recording. Recorded with a great rhythm section, Hammond B-3 and a killer gospel choir, this cover of a long established traditional hymn brings new meaning to a song with a simple message for believers of all stripes.

No. 13 on The 2015 Christmas Countdown - Mariah Carey and Jesus, Oh What A wonderful Child

Technical Note - If you  see multiple images - you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of these videos or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience.



And in honor of this Second Sunday of December - a bonus track - Harry Connick Jr. and Kim Burrell sing a very funky version of I PRAY ON CHRISTMAS.




Somebody Say Hallelujah and Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 12, 2015

YOU GOTTA BE GOOD GIRLS & BOYS - CHRISTMAS 2015 COUNTDOWN NO. 14

Chris Isaak was born about 15 years too late. He has a rockabilly style that would have fit the early Elvis era perfectly. And seeing him live with the sequined jackets, the classic Gibson guitar and the pompadour hair, he is 50's old school for sure. Plus, the women in the audience - about eighty percent when we saw him - swoon just like in the day. IMHO - Isaak's Christmas album is a great investment for people who like great music with a twist. His arrangements, guitar playing and that late fifties  voice make it a definite keeper.

So - here is a great little tune for young and old alike - NO. 14 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - YOU GOTTA BE GOOD BY CHRIS ISAAC.

Technical Note - If you do not see Chris driving a vintage Chevy with a Christmas tree on top or you see multiple images - you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience.



Everybody better straighten up and fly right - Only fourteen days 'til the big day!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 11, 2015

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & THE CROONER FROM WHITE CHRISTMAS - SINATRA + CROSBY - AHH, IT'S CHRISTMAS FOR SURE WITH THESE TWO LEGENDS!

Christmas, without these legendary crooners, just simply would not be Christmas. Frank Sinatra - the first megastar of the modern music era with crowds of swooning girls and all, and Bing Crosby, the star of  White Christmas, the classic film with some of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded. I knew every word to every song from the album before I was ten.



Take a listen to this collection between this two legends. Great music never goes out of date. Frank & Bing present - No. 15 on the 2015 Christmas Countdown - Christmas Tunes Galore!

Technical Note - If you do not see Frank and / or Bing or you see multiple images - you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience.




Find a Crooner this weekend and wish him a Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 10, 2015

TOM WAITS + THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA - JUST TELLIN' IT - NO. 16 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN


With Tom Waits, the voice of a thousand roads, in the lead and  backing by the soulful sound of The Blind Boys of Alabama, you are going to get singing that is on the edge. This pairing of artists delivers more soul in this classic Christmas tune than anyone I have ever heard.

IMHO - This arrangement captures the pure essence of this great Christmas standard. And with the unmistakable sound of The Blind Boys of Alabama and the lead of Tom Waits, well, it may be an acquired taste, but, take a listen and you will hear the soulful, moaning joy in every note.


NO. 16 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN BY TOM WAITS & THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA

Technical Note - If you do not see The Blind Boys of Alabama Red Album Cover or you see multiple images - you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience - VEVO & YOUTUBE  keep messing with us!



Somebody Stand Up and Tell The Good News!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

KELLY, REBA, & TRISHA - IT DON'T GIT NO BETTER - NO. 17 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

When you combine the vocal talents of veteran country stars Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood with the first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, you get the best of the best of the best. As they say in music appreciation circles - Those girls can just flat out sang! Not too bad to look at either. There is something that all great singers have, particularly country and blues artists. Some call it a cry in the voice. Others call it pain. And still others just call it the IT factor. A soulful, God given character that cannot be taught, only encouraged, It's a difficult to define quality that drives right through to the place inside us all that makes us understand the meaning of a song beyond just words and notes. Aretha, Mariah, Steven Tyler, Lyle Lovett - just to name a few - have it. Well, these three girls have it and IT.

Today's Countdown tune gives a definitive take on a Christmas Standard. When they hit the three part harmony near the end- Well - it really doesn't get any better. SILENT NIGHT WITH KELLY CLARKSON, REBA MCENTIRE AND TRISHA YEARWOOD - NO. 17 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

Technical Note - If you do not see Kelly Clarkson (the cute chick in the red dress) or you see multiple images - you can either click the little circular arrow at the bottom left of the video or just right click and then click refresh in the dropdown menu. Sorry for the inconvenience - VEVO & YOUTUBE are just messing with us now!



Hope You Find Your Silent Night This Christmas

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

HOW ABOUT SOME CHRISTIAN HIP HOP WITH A LITTLE ROCK THROWN IN FOR CHRISTMAS ? NO. 18 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN



DC TALK - Founded in 1987, this trio, comprised of  Toby MacKeehan, Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith, took the Christian and secular music worlds by storm during their relatively short time as a group. Their last group effort was the amazing Supernatural in 1998. Combining hip hop and rock with great vocals, this group delivered on the promise of Christian Music as relevant and strong lyrically. The Encyclopedia of Christian Music called DC Talk the most popular overtly Christian act of all time.

I hope you enjoy today's take on a classic from this Dove and Grammy winning Christian Trio- WE THREE KINGS BY DC TALK.





Merry Christmas

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 7, 2015

IT'S MONDAY - GOTTA HAVE ME SOME ROBERT EARL - NO. 19 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Robert Earl Keen is a classic Texas Troubador. It's a pretty select group of great writers, singers and pickers from The Lone Star State, including luminaries Lyle Lovett, Joe Ely, Kinky Friedman and Delbert McClinton. My son gave me a Christmas present to see Robert Earl live in Atlanta a couple of years back, and, he did not disappoint. He performed today's Countdown tune along with about 3,500 roudy fans who knew every single word, including me and mine.

Robert Earl proves that irony, sarcasm and humor are alive and well in his musical world. And we are all the better for it. Maybe you see someone you know in the video or, heavens to Betsy, yourself. Wouldn't that be a hoot!

No. 19 on The 2015 Christmas Countdown - An ode to celebratory excess - Robert Earl Keen's Merry Christmas  From The Family.



Party On Vagabonds and Elves Everywhere!
Merry Ho Ho!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 6, 2015

A NEW TAKE ON PIANO & STRINGS - NO. 20 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

What do you get when you combine piano, cellos and immense talent and creativity? You get The Piano Guys. These four talented musicians take classically centered music to entirely new levels. In addition to capturing the power and grace of multi-stringed instruments, their interpretations of the great classic Christmas Songs, old and new, bring a new, fresh appreciation for Christmas Music in the grand tradition. Today's presentation is actually twelve arrangements from their Christmas album A Family Christmas (Sorry for the ad interruptions - You Tube's gotta make money right?) For this first Sunday in December, just get your morning coffee or tea, sit back and allow yourself to be warmed by this truly unique quartet of innovative musicians. Their take on Pachelbel's Canon in D alone is worth the wait. The videos are very cool too, IMHO.




I really wish I had taken more piano lessons like Juanita wanted!

Have a great Sunday!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 5, 2015

THIS JUST IN - PLANT & KRAUSS DELIVER A BRAND NEW TUNE - NO. 21 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Since 2007 when country's angelic beauty with the heavenly voice, Allison Krauss, joined up with arguably the greatest rock singer in history, Robert Plant - he would be the beast to the beauty - to record one of the most compelling albums ever, Raising Sand,   we have been waiting for another recording by this unlikely duo from seemingly disparate musical genres and histories. But, for a variety of reasons, a sophomore effort has not happened yet. So we will take the next best thing - A bona fide Christmas tune that really hits a Christmas chord in the times we live.

As the featured song in LOVE THE COOPERS, it captures the essence of family and all of its dysfunctional glory  at Christmas time. If the video here is any indication, it would appear that the movie is a keeper. So, I hope No. 21 on The 2015 Christmas Countdown - The Light of Christmas Day will help get you to the ones that matter the most in your life. And make sure they know how you feel. Well, maybe not exactly how you feel - You know what I'm sayin'!

 

Merry Christmas to You and Your Family

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 4, 2015

BRIAN SETZER JUST FLAT OUT ROCKS - NO. 22 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

If you were of the age of accountability, teenage or older, back in 1979, you will remember the Rockabilly Band The Stray Cats fronted by a guy with a very funky haircut - he still has it - Brian Setzer. With rock credentialed vocals and a blazing guitar style, he and his band posted a few hits - Stray Cat Strut, She's Sexy + 17 and Rock This Town.

Since then, Setzer has created a unique blend of rock & roll and big band with his current traveling show THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA. His live shows are a blast. When we saw him, there was a designated area on the floor of the arena for dancing, and the crowd danced up a storm.  He opened for none other than Bob Dylan. How's that for completely weird? Of course, Dylan was amazing as you would expect. But the real hit of the night was this insane orchestra and this funky lead singer/guitarist with a big pompadour doing this utterly unique blend of rock and big band. 

So today's Countdown number is for all ages that like great music that makes you want to get up and move. This cut is from his Third Annual Christmas Extravaganza 2009. Just crank it up and hit the floor with Dig That Santa Claus and Boogie Woogie Santa Claus. I am sure Elvis and Basie would approve.


HOPE YOU HAVE A MERRY MERRY ROCKIN' CHRISTMAS!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 3, 2015

KIDS BETTER LISTEN UP - NO. 23 ON THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS - something very rare these days - a real rock band with a point. Formed in 2002, this band, with a lead singer that channels many of the greats - Rait, Benatar, Tina - even Joplin,  has become a popular fixture on the American rock scene.

So today's tune brings a bit of an edge to the Christmas Spirit. The kiddies better get their act together or things will not go so well for them when the Big Man shows up.



BTW - Just in case you were wondering, the Hammond B3 riffs are by the bona fide rocker chick from Vermont - Go Girl!! Grace Potter and the Nocturnals deliver a little rock ditty that will wake up the kids -  Naughty Naughty Children (Better Start Actin' Nice).


BETTER BE GOOD OR IT COULD BE BAD!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

NO. 24 0N THE 2015 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - A DIFFERENT VISUAL TAKE

The name Buble' reminds us how relevant great songwriting and great singing still are. The age of Big Band Crooning is not gone. It's alive and well. Michael Buble' has dedicated his career to making sure that we don't forget how fabulous this genre of music is. All of my friends in high school thought I was weird because I used to listen to the likes of Dorsey, Crosby and Sinatra along with Zeppelin and The Beatles. Well, I was not weird and this music is not passe'. No siree my fellow vagabonds - Great music is great music.

And no artist working today brings that absolute fact home quite like Michael Buble'. And he is even more relevant when he and some of the best arrangers on the planet present a classic like today's tune - BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. With help from Tony Award winning Idina Menzel, and one of the coolest over dubbed videos you will ever see, he/they keep this classic tune fresh and cool. And, I hate to use the word, but, let's face it - these kids are downright cute!



Of course, it is a balmy 70 degrees in God's Country as I write this, but - hey - it's cold somewhere - so MERRY CHRISTMAS wherever you are.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN NO. 25 - SINGING FOR PEACE

Here we are again - the most wonderful time of the year. Even with all that is going on in our world at large, Christmas makes us focus on the things that matter - family, friends, cool stuff from people that get you. And, of course, ridiculous food with the ones we love AND the ones that annoy us. I will be sending a lot of new stuff your way this year with some classics thrown in to keep the yule fire going.

The first line of today's tune says "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me". In today's world of social media insanity, road rage at every light and just a lack of civility in general, that's quite a request of one's self and one's God. This song brings that heartfelt desire into complete focus. Performed by gifted singers Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Michael McDonald along with legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, The Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra and the Oral Roberts University Chamber Singers, this powerful nuanced anthem let's us know peace does indeed starts within.




Remember - Count to ten before you send that email - MERRY CHRISTMAS NOMADS!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT