Monday, December 25, 2017

NO.1 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SOMEBODY SAY HALLELUJAH!!!

It's finally here. It is my fervent hope that your Christmas Day will be everything you wanted it to be. On the Countdown today I have selected songs that honor THE REASON FOR THE SEASON - THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. I have three selections that will bring that honor into focus. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOURS.



ENJOY NO. 1 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

1- Tom Jones performs a powerful version of  Mary's Boy Child celebrating the birth of Jesus



2- Hallelujah You're Worth To Be Praised by one of America's greatest gospel choirs



3-The greatest  piece of music ever penned - The Hallelujah Chorus by the unparallelled Mormon Tabernacle Choir with some interesting virtual additions - One of the most unique videos you will ever see.



MERRY CHRISTMAS ON THIS BLESSED DAY!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 24, 2017

NO. 2 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SANTA'S COMIN'

Are you ready? Are your little ones ready? Are your big ones ready? Tonight Santa is going to get in his sleigh and make all the good little boys and girls happy all over the world. The idea of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle or Father Christmas goes all the way back to the fourth century. Today's portly, bearded and spectacled Santa really became popular in western culture  during the twentieth century. Of course today you see Santa on every street corner in large and small cities this time of year. And, if you are a kid, he is as real as rain. I remember waking up on Christmas morning and finding the empty glass of milk and cookie crumbs that my parents claimed Santa enjoyed when he visited our house. Even if you are an adult, you can't escape the joy of Santa when you watch little kids enjoy the gifts that are brought by the big fat man with the long white beard.

So,  to honor December the 24th, Santa's hardest working day of the year, I have brought some tunes about the jolly old man from the North Pole.

ENJOY NO. 2 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SANTA AND THEN SOME.

1- A very cool blues song by Marty Stuart  - EVEN SANTA CLAUSE GETS THE BLUES



2- The best version of the classic - SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN BY MICHAEL BUBLE'



3- Elvis does HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS like no other



4- And just to be sure you don't forget, here is the legendary Bob Dylan reading 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS



So tomorrow is THE DAY. Have a wonderful Christmas with the ones you love.

d.l.stafford
theomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 23, 2017

NO. 3 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S RANDOM SATURDAY

It's only three days until Christmas. So I decided to pull in a variety of tunes by artists that are great and interesting. First you can hear a master of rock, the former lead singer for the Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald and a legend of country music, Vince Gill, sing What Child Is This. Second, take a listen from the truly legendary Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers doing Christmas All Over Again. And last, but not least, the incomparable writer, singer and guitarist, Joe Bonamassa, performs an absolutely killer version of O Holy Night. I know this is all a bit random, but, hopefully you will hear something you like.


FOR NO. 3 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN, ENJOY THESE THREE COMPLETELY RANDOM TUNES. AND MERRY MERRY MERRY!!

1- Michael McDonald & Vince Gill - What Child Is This



2- Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Christmas All Over Again



3-Joe Bonamassa - O Holy Night



Enjoy your weekend and get ready for the big day in just three days. Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 22, 2017

NO. 4 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE INDEED

I decided today would be great Christmas Movie Day. And, in my humble opinion, the greatest Christmas movie ever made is the incomparable  It's A Wonderful Life. This Christmas fantasy comedy-drama has it all. First - the story about a man who comes to the realization that his life has meaning to those around him. Second - the lead actor is Jimmie Stewart, one of the greatest and most respected actors in history. Third - the director is the acclaimed multiple Oscar winning Frank Capra. Released in 1946, this great story of George Bailey, his family and the people of Bedford Falls has pathos, humor and joy in life in all its complexities that brings home the meaning of Christmas. It has since become the No. 1 Christmas movie of all time and consistently in the Top 25 movies of all time.

So sit back and enjoy some scenes from this great Christmas story. And you really need to find it on your TV and watch the entire movie. You can't watch it and not be moved from laughter to tears and back again. 

NO. 4 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

This clip shows various stars talking about It's A Wonderful Life with the iconic Jimmie Stewart and some of the most important scenes in this classic Christmas movie. FYI - You can catch the entire movie on XFINITY Dec. 24.



Life is not perfect, but Christmas makes it all better. Merry Christmas!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 21, 2017

NO. 5 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE KING DOES CHRISTMAS

Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll, was the first artist to combine blues, country and attitude for a brand new genre of music - Rockabilly. In 1956, Elvis went from a virtual unknown small town performer to a national sensation who changed popular music forever. With three No. 1 hits, Heartbreak Hotel, Don't Be Cruel and Love Me Tender, his good looks, charisma and, in many people's opinions, lascivious dancing, Elvis became a national phenomenon selling over $22 million ($199 million in today's dollars) in records in 1956.

If you look at old clips of Elvis in 1956, one thing becomes obvious - the girls loved the guy. He also appeared on television 11 times and did over 143 live performances. And after sixty years, since his first brush with super stardom, Elvis still ranks in the Top Ten selling records year after year. With over one billion records sold, Elvis remains the top selling artist of all time.

The COUNTDOWN tunes you will see today come from his 1968 TV show - The '68 Comeback Special - with Elvis performing the first "unplugged" performance that became the rage later by multiple artists. Just click the link if you want to see the entire show.

So please enjoy NO. 5 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - ELVIS PERFORMING SANTA CLAUS IS BACK IN TOWN & BLUE CHRISTMAS IN BLACK LEATHER FROM HIS '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL. 



And for a bonus, here is Elvis performing Here Comes Santa Claus with a video of multiple clips of The King showing why he is still considered the King.



I was seven in 1956 and I still like Elvis.   You better get ready, it's only 5 days until. Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

NO. 6 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S BIG BAND WEDNESDAY

Since I was a kid, I have been a Big Band Music fan. Whether Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington or The Tonight Show Band, I have always loved the sound of big brass, great rhythms and arrangements of Big Band Music. Great performers like Doc Severinsen, Buddy Rich and today's Wynton Marsalis have provided incredible music for generations since the 1930's. It's music that makes you want to dance or romantically hold your better half and move to the occasional slow tune.

So today you will hear the great Tonight Show Orchestra With Doc Severinsen, the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis and, for good measure though not Big Band, the one and only Dave Brubeck Trio. His kids play bass and drums.

SO JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY NO. 6 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - DOC SEVERINSEN/JINGLE BELLS, 'WYNTON MARSALIS/ZAT YOU SANTA CLAUS & DAVE BRUBECK/SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN.







Man, the Countdown is getting close to the Big Day. Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

NO. 7 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

OK. It's Tuesday, you probably still have a lot of presents to wrap or purchase, oh my! I found this live version of the classic tune, I'll Be Home For Christmas, by The Avett Brothers -  a group that should be on everyone's Musical Bucket List to see live. For me, I can't wait to pick up my daughter at God's Country's International Airport (ha ha) this Saturday after her arrival from D.C..  Her arrival, combined with our family and our new, best looking grandson on the planet, Hayes - Well, it just can't get any better. Living away from your family absolutely requires that you figure out a way to get together at Christmas. So I added a bonus track by recording artist Marc Broussard - Please Come Home For Christmas.

So - By car, train, plane or boat just make sure you get home to the ones you love for Christmas so you can enjoy the spirit and sound of today's COUNTDOWN Tunes.

ENJOY NO. 7 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS & PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.





It's Comin' fast. Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 18, 2017

NO. 8 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - NOTHING SAYS CHRISTMAS LIKE GREAT JAZZ

The first time I  heard Diana Krall, I became an instant fan. And when I heard her live, I became a lifelong fan. In the grand tradition of earlier jazz greats, Krall's interpretations of jazz classics will make  you appreciate music that crosses generations with ease. And when you listen to her new music which willingly goes where no woman has gone before - Well, you get the picture. Great piano licks combined with a rich contralto voice of an accomplished chanteuse insures that all of her music is worth a listen.

Today you will hear Krall perform Jingle Bells with The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas . And just to show I haven't forgotten about one of the truly greats of jazz you can check out Harry Connick Jr. performing It Must Have Been Ol' Santa Claus.

Enjoy today's tunes on NO. 8 OF THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - DIANA KRALL PERFORMING JINGLE BELLS & HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS and HARRY CONNICK JR. PERFORMING IT MUST HAVE BEEN OL' SANTA CLAUS.







One week folks. I can't help it, it's impossible not to feel good at Christmas time. Merry Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 17, 2017

NO. 9 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S SUNDAY - TIME FOR A LITTLE CHOIR MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS

NORWAY - OSLO GOSPEL CHOIR. Who knew? Well I discovered this amazing rockin' choir years ago. They were founded in 1988 and have become one of the top choirs in Europe and around the world. Influenced by American soul, gospel and singers like Andrea Crouch, they bring a sophisticated sound combining R&B, gospel and jazz for a powerful rejoicing unto The Lord. On today's post you can hear an extended medley entitled This Is The Day Christmas. And then, for this Sunday, you can hear over a thousand singers joining The Piano Guys singing a medley of Christmas tunes - Power and then some! And finally, I found a great version of Joy To The World by The Dublin Gospel Choir with one of the coolest videos you will ever see. So Happy Sunday to you all and enjoy. 

Enjoy your Sunday today with some truly great choirs singing the best of Christmas - NO. 9 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - OSLO GOSPEL CHOIR, THE PIANO GUYS/CHOIR & THE DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR.







It's Sunday. Say Merry Christmas to every single person you see today.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 16, 2017

NO. 10 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S DAVID PHELPS SINGING TWO CLASSICS

I have been singing since I was a wee lad. My first solo was K-K-K Katy in the first grade at Sealey Elementary right here in God's Country.  I am a proud tenor. I sang with my family and throughout  the years with groups and choirs as a first tenor. And when I get to Heaven, I will be able to sing like today's COUNTDOWN artist - David Phelps. With a three octave range of amazing power, his delivery of everything he sings is masterful in every way. As the lead tenor with the Gaither Vocal Band for many years, he has become one of the most sought after Christian singers on the planet. 

Today's COUNTDOWN has one of the greatest versions of  Oh Holy Night ever recorded. Plus I have included Phelps' take on Jesus  What A Wonderful Child. 

So please enjoy today's NO. 10 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - David Phelps performing OH HOLY NIGHT & JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD. 





Hey - It's only one week and two days until the big day. So get that stuff wrapped. Merry Christmas!

d.l.stafford

Friday, December 15, 2017

NO. 11 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SOME HUMAN NATURE FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS PLUS A BONUS

I pride myself on knowing about the latest and greatest singers, groups, bands, etc.. But today I found someone I didn't know about until today. The group HUMAN NATURE has been around since 1989. The Australian Boy Band known is 4 TRAX has evolved into one of the coolest singing groups I've heard in a long time. With spotless vocals and cool moves, these guys know how to deliver tunes in the vain of the great Hi-Lo's from the 50's who essentially invented the stylized vocalizing heard today by groups such as Human Nature and PENTATONIX. With multi platinum releases and a history of touring with the likes of Celine Dion and Michael Jackson, these guys have proved their staying power with great arrangements and great singing. 

And as a bonus, you'll hear Bing Crosby sing White Christmas from the classic 1942 Christmas film Holiday Inn. It is believed to be the highest selling single of all time with over 100 million copies sold. Even though there is no snow here in God's Country, it is white in many places in the good old USA. Stay warm and enjoy today's tunes.

NO. 11 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - WHITE CHRISTMAS BY HUMAN NATURE & A BONUS - BING CROSBY  SINGS THE GREAT SONG FROM THE CLASSIC MOVIE HOLIDAY INN.





I have said it a bazillion times - great music lasts forever from generation to generation. Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 14, 2017

NO. 12 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HOW ABOUT A STRAY CAT DOIN' SOME ROCKABILLY BIG BAND CHRISTMAS

If you remember the hits from the 80's then you'll remember Brian Setzer, the front man for the Stray Cats, who revived Rockabilly with hits like Stray Cat Strut and Rock This Town Tonight. Then, as a solo artist with The Brian Setzer Orchestra, combining Rockabilly and Big Band Jazz, he launched a successful second act with songs like the Grammie Award winning Jump Jive An' Wail. Now, every Christmas, he performs one of the greatest live Christmas shows anywhere with a huge sound of a seventeen piece band and his blazing guitar.

Today, you'll hear three cuts from this rocker who knows how to do hot Christmas tunes. I had the pleasure of seeing The Brian Setzer Orchestra right here in God's Country when he opened for Bob Dylan -  a strange mixture of artists, but great performances by both.

So - To get you ready for all the Christmas parties coming up, enjoy some serious Big Band/Rockabilly Christmas Tunes from Brian Setzer and his Orchestra - No.12 on the 2017 Christmas Countdown with a couple of bonus tunes thrown in - JINGLE BELLS, BLUE CHRISTMAS & ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE.







When in doubt, just say Merry Christmas! And rock around your very own Christmas tree.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

NO. 13 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THERE IS ONLY ONE RAY LAMONTAGNE

That's right. There is only one. With one of the most unique voices and presentations in popular music today, Ray LaMontagne can deliver any song like no other. With one of the most unique voice stylings you will ever hear, LaMontagne says his voice is different because he sings "through his gut instead of his nose". As a listener, you will hear a soulful, R&B vocal style in the vane of Otis Redding or Van Morrison. I have a theory about great blues/R&B singers - The great ones have an inexplicable pain in there voice. LaMontagne's voice has that quality  that makes you stop and listen intently when he sings.

Please enjoy today's NO. 13 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THAT SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BY RAY LAMONTAGNE.



It's an amazingly beautiful day here in God's Country and I have bought one Christmas present - So there! And a Merry Christmas to you too.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

NO. 14 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SIMON'S CAT AND GAFFIGAN FOR LAUGHS

It's Tuesday and only thirteen days 'till Christmas. So I decided today would be a good day to bring a little levity into your busy, harried, stressful December. I now have grown kids, but I remember the shopping (usually done by my bride), the concerts, the food (also done by my bride) and all the other stuff that makes Christmas time, while most enjoyable for kids, a bit nerve racking for big kids (parents). So today's COUNTDOWN TUNES include a couple of Simon's Cat Cartoons and a video from one of the funniest comedians working today, Jim Gaffigan, on Holiday Traditions from his TV special Beyond The Pale. Gaffigan lives in a walk up apartment in New York with his wife and five kids, so you know he has to be funny.

So - take a few, sit back and relax and laugh at today's NO. 14 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SIMON'S CAT AND JIM GAFFIGAN on the funniest parts of Christmas and then some.










Laugh and laugh and laugh while telling everybody you see MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 11, 2017

NO. 15 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - BUBLE' & STEWART SING A CLASSIC

Michael Buble' is a consummate modern day interpreter of old and new music from the 40's on. Rod Stewart (Sir Roderick David "Rod" Stewart) is a great 60's Rock & Roller who is still bringing his unique take on anything he sings. Sir Rod just shows more proof that those Brits love their rockers. Put these two talents together singing the classic WINTER WONDERLAND  and you get a memorable tune which crosses generations with ease. 

So I hope you enjoy this smooth as silk version of this classic Christmas Tune - NO. 15 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - WINTER WONDERLAND by Michael Buble' and Sir Rod Stewart.



We have no snow here in God's Country, but, we do have the cold to help us relate to Winter Wonderland. So Merry Christmas to all today.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 10, 2017

NO. 16 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - AN AMAZING TWIST ON THE DRUMMER CLASSIC WITH A POWERFUL VIDEO MESSAGE

OK. Today's COUNTDOWN is one of the most powerful versions of the classic Little Drummer Boy ever recorded - in my humble opinion. With British/American singer Alex Boye' fronting Genesis Choir performing an extraordinary video with the true message of Christmas. The singing, the dancing and the music are profound and touching.


Please enjoy today's NO. 16 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - The Little Drummer Boy by Alex Boye' and Genesis Choir.



And to be sure we keep the funk in Christmas, here is a bonus track of Little Drummer Boy by the Christian Rock group from Atlanta - Family Force 5.



It's the next to last Sunday before Christmas, so say Merry Christmas to everyone you see today.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 9, 2017

NO. 17 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - ANOTHER TEXAN - HAYES CARLL - COUNTRY POETRY AT CHRISTMAS

In this age of music that is over produced, over dubbed and lip-sunk, Hayes Carll is an acquired taste. He is the real deal. With a simple country voice that could only be from Texas, a poet's heart and a sarcastic view of life, Carll brings real life, in all its glory and imperfection, to every song he writes and performs. All great songs, particularly country songs, tell a story about life. Today's  tune captures the essence of Christmas with all of the beauty and faults we see in life.

So I hope you will listen to this simple, heart felt dirge/poem set to simple guitar accompaniment and feel better this great season. NO. 17 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CARL HAYES PERFORMING GRATEFUL FOR CHRISTMAS.



And find a family member and tell them Merry Christmas just to be sure they understand you love them.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 8, 2017

NO. 18 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CROW AND CLAPTON BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

When you put two icons like Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton together - Well you just know it's going to be good. With eight Grammies and years of great songs and performances, Sheryl Crow always brings outstanding rock and roll bonafides to any song she sings. And, when you throw in Rolling Stone's No. 2 greatest guitarist of all time, Clapton,  you're going to get something worth hearing. Here in God's Country it is a very cold and gloomy day. My fervent hope is that today's COUNTDOWN TUNE will brighten your day.

So, please enjoy NO. 18 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A rock and roll version with two great artists of a modern Christmas Classic MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY.



Wherever you are, I hope your day is full of the promise of this great season. Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 7, 2017

NO. 19 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GIMME SOME LYLE LOVETT AT CHRISTMAS

Anyone that knows me or has followed this COUNTDOWN, knows that I am a hard core Lyle Lovett fan. When I saw his performance of Here I Am and She's Hot To Go with the incomparable Francine Reed, on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show, the greatest late night talk show of all time, it was instantaneous. I went out the next day and bought two CD's and I have seen him live at least three times. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band is an absolute must on any Musical Bucket List. Combining alternative country, jazz, big band and pop, Lovett proves that irony is not dead by any means as he delivers amazing writing, arranging and singing as only a true Texan can. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

So today's countdown has two performances by Lyle Lovett for No. 19 on THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN. Please enjoy a great live performance of BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE with popster Kat Edmonson



and a short cut of CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE, also with Kat Edmonson from the Christmas Movie Angels Sing starring Harry Connick, Jr. and Connie Britton.



And for the first time here in God's Country it is actually cold. But no snow. It's Florida Christmas at its best. Merry Christmas!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

NO. 20 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A LITTLE KEB MO AND PHIL KEAGGY

Ah yes - KEB MO. I first heard this great blues guitarist, writer and singer a few years back. Keb Mo is one of those artists you just need to listen to regularly. His music is simple, clean, often funny and always ahead of the curve, musically speaking. And for today's tune a little Phil  Keaggy guitar is  joined up with Mo for delivery of a new take on a Christmas Blues Classic. Keaggy brings his Dove Award winning chops to this cool tune by Mo.

So sit back and enjoy a great little Christmas Blues Ditty. No. 20 on THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY by KEB MO.


There;s nothing like some serious blues music to change up your Christmas Vacation. Merry Christmas!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

NO. 21 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY

ROBERT EARL KEEN.  If he had only written The Front Porch Song - with his good friend Lyle Lovett, another great Texas Troubador - he would go down as one of Texas' greatest song writers. But he has written so many great songs in the tradition of great Texas writers, singers and performers that he is on my All Time List of Great Songwriters/Singers. The first time I heard today's tune I laughed without ceasing. And today's video creates a complete understanding of its humor and craziness. I also heard him perform this great song with my son in Atlanta about three years ago. All 3,000 plus attendees sang the entire song with him. That memory with my kid will never fade.

So, I hope you enjoy Robert Earl Keen's ode to the ultimate family Christmas. I have received many comments and feedback from people that can relate. Kinda scary!! No. 21 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY by ROBERT EARL KEEN.



I hope you can find a porch or special place to sit with friends and family and enjoy this special time of year. Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 4, 2017

NO. 22 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S A CURE FOR YOUR CASE OF THE MONDAYS

It's Monday, it's gloomy - So here is a funny take on the classic WHITE CHRISTMAS

Please enjoy today's NO. 22 on The 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - WHITE CHRISTMAS by The Drifters and a cartoon by Joshua Held. It will improve your mood on this first Monday of December. Of course we don't ever have snow here in God's Country.


Only 22 days folks! And I haven't even made my Christmas list, but I am buying a tree this week. Merry Christmas.

d.lstafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 3, 2017

NO. 23 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE TENORS

THE TENORS, originally the Canadian Tenors, follow in the same vane of  other great opera tenors to combine classical and pop music in arrangements that bring new life to classics. Founded in 2004 as a trio, then expanded to four singers in 2009, this group of gifted singers makes you stop what you are doing and listen to this amazing music. Today's presentation includes the quartet singing one of the great all time classics. They have since returned back to a trio - Go figure.

Brand new on the Countdown, I present No. 23 of The 2017 Christmas Countdown - The Tenors performing OH HOLY NIGHT.



It's Sunday, please enjoy the day and this great music. Merry Christmas

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 2, 2017

NO. 24 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE AVETT BROTHERS

The AVETT BROTHERS. I am a huge fan of this North Carolina band that combines rock, jazz, bluegrass, folk and honkie tonk, you name it, for a simple, unique and powerful sound. Their originality is refreshing in a world where banality and cliche rules the day in pop music. The two brothers and a  band that includes great singers, players and an insane stand-up cellist present a real, unfettered sound with spot on writing. You owe it to yourself to see this Grammy award winning band live. The energy level and quality of music is worth every penny. I have to give kudos to my kids for bringing this great band to my attention a couple of years ago. Upon first hearing them, I became an instant fan.

One very pleasant thing about The Avett Brothers is their inclusion of classic gospel songs in their repertoire. Songs such as Amazing Grace, In The Garden and other American Gospel/Spiritual Standards set them apart from other pop/rock groups. And the way they keep it all very simple adds to the power of every tune.

So - Please enjoy a simple version of a Christmas Classic - No. 24 on the 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - AWAY IN A MANGER.



Only 24 days left, so start crossing off your list for the ones you love. Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford

Friday, December 1, 2017

NO. 25 ON THE 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - COHEN AND PENTATONIX

LEONARD COHEN told Bob Dylan that it took two years to write the soulful powerful song HALLELUJAH. The word Hallelujah means "Glory To The Lord". For me, in this age of meaningless, over produced and badly written music in the world of pop, hip hop, rock, etc., etc., this song transfers brilliant poetry and simple music to every soul that hears it. 

Leonard Cohen died on November 7, 2016 after almost sixty years of singing, writing and performing. A truly unique artist who captured profound and touching sentiments in this song as well as many others across every age group. Today's song is one of the most recorded songs in popular music history, being covered by more than one hundred artists. So, for a bonus I could not resist one of the best versions of this great tune by the Grammy Award winning accapella group PENTATONIX.

Today, December 1, 2017, please enjoy the original and a cover of one of the great songs of popular music that has become a Christmas Standard - No. 25 on The 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HALLELUJAH by Leonard Cohen and Pentatonix.






Have a great weekend, hug somebody you love and tell them Merry Christmas.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT