Tuesday, December 25, 2018

SOMEBODY SAY HALLELUJAH!! IT'S CHRISTMAS - NO. 1 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

In my humble opinion, the greatest single piece of music ever written is the Hallelujah Chorus, written by George Frideric Handel as part of the great master work Messiah which was premiered in Dublin, Ireland in 1742. So, please enjoy several versions from ancient to contemporary of this great Christmas Classic. What better way to celebrate the birth of our Lord. 



THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR



THE NEW YOUNG MESSIAH



HANDEL'S MESSIAH: THE SOULFUL CELEBRATION



It is my fervent hope that you, your family and your friends enjoy this blessed day worldwide.. Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 24, 2018

TWO TUNES & A CLASSIC POEM FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - NO. 2 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE!! What better way to capture the essence of this great day and night than a reading of the poem by one of America's most iconic singers, songwriters and story tellers. Bob Dylan does today's Classic Countdown Tune with his aged voice as only Bob Dylan can do it. Legend tells us that this greatest of all Christmas poems was written in 1822 by Clement Clarke Moore for his family on Christmas Eve.




And, for a BONUS TRACK that captures the simple essence of Christmas, a heartfelt song by another Texas Troubadour - GRATEFUL FOR CHRISTMAS BY HAYES CARLL.



And I would be remiss if I didn't include at least one Christmas tune by one of the greatest jazz pianists to sit at a keyboard. The one and only DAVE BRUBECK PERFORMS SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. My bride and I are among a very few people that saw this master pianist at THE ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL POP FESTIVAL in 1969 - we were dating then - and again in in 2007 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida at the tender young age of 86. Truly amazing both times.


Gather your people around and enjoy this Christmas.

D.LStafford

Sunday, December 23, 2018

THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS - NO. 3 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A CLASSIC CAROL BY THOUSANDS

Today's Classic Christmas Countdown tune - The Piano Guys, Peter Hollens, David Archuleta and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square bring us "Angels We Have Heard On High", also known as GLORIA. Powerful singing and playing by great talents give fresh life to a classic Christmas Carol, written in 1862 and performed and rearranged by many through the years'




And for a rather unique bonus, I hope you enjoy a song, though not specifically about Christmas, is appropriate on this beautiful Sunday by a talented family of three brothers that can play and sing with power and nuance. Enjoy HEAVEN by Los Lonely Boys.


Merry Christmas on this beautiful Sunday. Only three days left!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 22, 2018

TODAY IS DECEMBER 22 - ONLY FOUR DAYS LEFT - LET'S HAVE SOME FUN - CHRISTMAS CARPOOL KARAOKE - NO. 4 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I love innovation in entertainment. James Corden, host of The Late Late Show With James Corden, came up with a very cool way to entertain people - CARPOOL KARAOKE featuring famous singers and Corden as they ride around having fun in a car singing hits, old and new.

It's the last Saturday before Christmas. The sun is out all day in God's Country. What a great day to have fun with a group of very famous singers, from every musical style imaginable, performing one of the great Christmas classics.




Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy CHRISTMAS today!!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 21, 2018

TODAY'S CHRISTMAS TUNE IS THE NO. 2 REQUESTED SONG ON RADIO - NO. 5 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

It's official. We are living in an insane PC culture right now and some people find today's Countdown Tune risque. Baby It's Cold Outside, compared to the current horrible state of pop music, not to mention rap and other explicit genres, is as tender and sweet as Mary Had a Little Lamb. This year, it is the No. 2 requested song on the radio, right after Silent Night. The best quote concerning this inane controversy is by Dean Martin's daughter -  He recorded this great little ditty in 1959.

"I was absolutely flabbergasted: it's just insane. she said of learning about the uproar caused by the song that's been around for more than fifty years. "When I heard it and I said, 'This can't possibly be'... I tweeted. 'I think this is crazy. What do you think?' and then all of a sudden it went viral. - Deana Martin

Thank goodness for some common sense. The song is now played on radio all over. Literally dozens of artists have recorded and performed this great little tune. It was written in 1944 by Frank Loesser as a duet for him to sing with his wife at parties.











It's cold outside somewhere. Merry Christmas!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 20, 2018

HOW ABOUT A LITTLE ROCK & ROLL ON THIS GLOOMY THURSDAY - NO. 6 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Steven Tyler is like they Energizer Bunny. He never runs down. At the tender young age of seventy, he is still one of the great rockers working today. I had the pleasure of seeing him and his band Aerosmith and I was absolutely amazed at his voice and his stage performance.

With over a hundred million records sold with hits like Walk This Way and Dream On, he and Aerorsmith are one of the truly great rock bands to take the stage. And they are still performing with a new tour beginning in February. And, Tyler completed a solo country album which he performed to an insane crow at The Grand Ole Opry/Ryman Auditorium in 2016. 

With some help from the great country artist and guitarist, Brad Paisley, Tyler brings us today's Countdown Rocker - Turn up the volume for RUN RUN RUDOLPH - NO. 6 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN BY STEVEN TYLER & BRAD PAISLEY

And for a bonus track today please enjoy a great version of Merry Christmas Baby by Sheryl Crow and one of the highest rated guitarist in the land Eric Clapton.



Rock & Roll Will Never Die. Merry Christmas!!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadarchitect

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

FRANK & BING - THAT'S ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID - NO. 7 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby are two of the greatest singers to ever pick up a microphone - period. Bing Crosby was the original master crooner. I have my very own White Christmas Album given to me by my parents when I was a kid.

And of course, Frank Sinatra was the first "pop star" with kids lined up around the block to see him perform wherever he went. Nobody has ever done this kind of music better than these two masters of phrasing, nuance and feeling in a song.




May your days be Merry & Bright - Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

GREAT TALENT WITH A SERIOUS FUNNY BONE - THE CHRISTMAS CAN CAN - NO. 8 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

STRAIGHT NO CHASER, which came to be in 1996 at Indiana University, has been delighting audiences everywhere since, with their unique brand of high quality singing and unique arrangements of classic and modern tunes, particularly today's Countdown tune. 

Their You Tube classic, The 12 Days of Christmas,  went viral in 1998 with over eight million views. That lead to a five album record deal with Atlantic Records. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today's tune highlights their unique arranging skills and the ability to sing at the highest level while moving all over the stage.




And, in keeping with today's Christmas humor is a new bonus track from the one and only SIMON'S CAT IN THE WINTER GAMES (A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL).



Sun's out - not too cold - Christmas is almost here - so laugh - Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 17, 2018

TODAY IS ALL ABOUT JAZZ AND MORE JAZZ AT CHRISTMAS - NO. 9 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC COUNTDOWN

I have been listening to jazz since before I can remember, particularly ensemble and big band jazz. When I was a kid I would go to sleep at night listening to Dorsey, Miller, Basie and The Duke. I thought it was a sad day when the Tonight Show changed and no longer had the great Doc Severenson Tonight Show Orchestra. I guess I am really aging myself. But, when I hear The A-Train or anything by Glenn Miller, I just smile, sit back and listen.

Today's selection is a medley of Christmas tunes, old and new, performed by Tony Glausi and a small ensemble of great horn players and a rythm section. This is one of those pieces you can just turn on and let it play to make you relax after spending way too much time in the mall or shopping online.




Great Jazz just makes me want to say - MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 16, 2018

AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWN CHOIR PLUS AN EXTRAORDINARY TENOR - NO. 10 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today's Christmas Countdown Classic is for me. I grew up singing in church - ensembles, quartets, trios, solos - but there was never an experience that could ever touch the absolute joy of singing with a large group of talented singers and musicians.

I had the privilege of doing that for almost thirty years beginning with my father as director, then my brother, then some of the most talented passionate musicians, singers and teachers that had an impact on me as a singer and as a person. I say thank you to all of you and, if you are reading this, you know who you are.

Today's Classic Countdown tune is by the incomparable Mormon Tabernacle Choir with one of the great tenors singing today, David Archulete. Please enjoy this arrangement of one of the great classics of Christmas - NO. 10 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - JOY TO THE WORLD BY THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR WITH DAVID ARCHULETE.



This season brings us to understand what Joy To The World really means. Merry Christmas.

D.L.STAFFORD
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 15, 2018

A BIG BAND, SOME GREAT GUITAR RIFFS AND A LITTLE BOOGIE WOOGIE - MERRY CHRISTMAS - NO. 11 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Brian Setzer, the former front man for the Stray Cats has developed into a great entertainer, combining big band music and amazing guitar for great performances. I had the pleasure of seeing this consummate musician and his orchestra when he opened for none other than Bob Dylan. With his skills on electric guitar and his growly vocals, he adroitly traces his music back to the best of big band music and  fifties rock and roll.

Today's tune is an outstanding big band arrangement of a great tune that was written by Leon Rene' in 1948. This arrangement has some of the best solo work you will ever hear on guitar, trombone and trumpet.

Enjoy NO. 11 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - BOOGIE WOOGIE SANTA CLAUS BY BRIAN SETZER AND HIS ORCHESTRA.



Nothing says Merry Christmas like a big band with unmitigated power. Merry Christmas!!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 14, 2018

JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD & DAVID PHELPS - IT JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER - NO. 12 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

David Phelps is a very rare singer. He's a consummate power singer with nuance. A fixture with the Gaither Vocal Band for years, Phelps performs at the highest possible level in the world of Christian/Gospel music. As a member of the GVB and as a solo artist, he always brings the story and the power to every song he sings.

Today's song has been recorded by many artists, but, Phelps delivers it like few have ever done.




NO. 12 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD BY DAVID PHELPS



The Reason for The Season. Celebrate with today's tune. Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Thursday, December 13, 2018

TODAY - NO. 13 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A TRULY GREAT SONG PERFORMED NEW AND OLD SCHOOL

The song HALLELUJAH has been recorded by almost every major recording artist it seems. However, the closest version approaching the power of the original, written and first recorded by Leonard Cohen in 1984, is by acapella super group PENTATONIX.



So, please enjoy the first track of this powerful song by a group that has taken the pop music world by storm - NO. 13 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HALLELUJAH BY PENTATONIX.

And the bonus track by the master himself - HALLELUJAH BY LEONARD COHEN.


It's always a good day to say Hallelujah AND Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

IT'S MIDWEEK - SO LET'S HAVE A GOOD LAUGH - NO. 14 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

It's Wednesday and Christmas is coming fast, so I decided to post a little humor by one of the premier comics working today. Jim Gaffigan's take on Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween and other holidays is, in my humble opinion, very funny and very spot on. And, apparently, his wife writes most of his material. Known as the clean comic, Gaffigan brings absurdity to every day things we all know in life.



Known best for his his song Popsicle Toes,  please enjoy today's take on Christmas from jazz singer, songwriter Michael Franks - NO. 14 BONUS TRACK ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - I BOUGHT YOU A PLASTIC STAR FOR YOUR ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS TREE.


Enjoy a laugh with the ones you love today. Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY BY A LEGEND - NO. 15 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

RAY CHARLES. One of the truly great blues, R&B, soul and even country singers of all time. Around 1970 my bride and I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Ray Charles & The Rayettes perform in a small auditorium at North Florida Community College (he was born in Greenville, Florida just down the road) and it was two hours of pure, unadulterated magic from one of the greatest artists of all time.

Please enjoy one of the great Christmas songs done as only Ray Charles could do it - NO. 15 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY BY RAY CHARLES.



Say Merry Christmas Baby to the one you love today. Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 10, 2018

IT'S MONDAY AND OVERCAST - SEEMS LIKE A GOOD DAY FOR BLUE CHRISTMAS - NO. 16 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Well - Today it's kind of overcast and it's Monday in God's Country. What better time to highlight one of the great classic Christmas tunes that brings out some sadness when your significant other may not be around for the big day. I have included two arrangements of this great Christmas Classic for your enjoyment on this overcast Monday. Hey, the sun WILL come out tomorrow.

First, enjoy Grammy nominated top folk rock band The Lumineers - Why they didn't win is a complete mystery - doing a heartfelt rendition of  - BLUE CHRISTMAS - No. 16 on the 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.



And then, of course - The King of Rock and Roll does this song like no other has or ever will  do it. 1968 - black leather - a small acoustic band and a group of fawning fans from his '68 Comeback Special. In 1973 he would do his Aloha From Hawaii Special that was watched by over a billion people. With worldwide sales of of over a billion records, The King was and is kind of a big deal.




Hope you are busy getting ready. It's coming fast. Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 9, 2018

ACAPELLA AT ITS ABSOLUTE BEST - NO. 17 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

From Arlington, Texas, in 2011, the group PENTATONIX, started performing complicated, yet simple acapella arrangements of old and new tunes.

In the tradition of groups like THE HI-LOS, THE FOUR FRESHMEN, MANHATTAN TRANSFER, TAKE SIX and many others, PENTATONIX takes acapella to an entirely new level. Their arrangements, vocal diversity and passion for the music they sing is second to none.

Today, I have included an incredible arrangement of one of the great Christmas Classics.





Merry Christmas on this second Sunday of December.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Saturday, December 8, 2018

TODAY YOU MUST TAKE A STAND - FAKE OR REAL + A COOL TUNE - NO. 18 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I MUST ADMIT IT. I AM NOW OFFICIALLY IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - RIGHT? We just got our REAL Christmas tree and put it in the stand. Since we are purists in this regard, we allow the tree to sit in water overnight so all the limbs can "fallout" before we add the new lights we bought for this year and ornaments, some of which are 60 years old.

So, which are you and yours - Real or Fake? I have several in-laws, family members and friends who are a part of the disloyal group of FAKE TREE owners. I am sure all those trees were made in China. But don't be too concerned about that. Almost everything is made in China nowadays. But not REAL Christmas trees!! We are card carrying members of the REAL TREE FAMILY of true believers helping our fellow Americans who grow Christmas trees on over 15,000 tree farms across the fruited plain. Good for the environment and good for all of the poor souls who are willing to go through the process of buying, setting up and decorating a REAL tree. God Bless America and the farmers. Many of my bride's family are farmers. Hard working, good Americans all.

So for all of you hardy Revelers, I have given you a little News Flash below to argue both sides of this most venomous debate. Enjoy the take.



And since this is the Top 25 Christmas Countdown, I have included today's tune about someone you love changing everything - Multiple Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson, the inaugural winner of American Idol, with a great live performance of  NO. 18 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - UNDERNEATH THE TREE.



If you don't have that real or fake tree up, you better hurry. The big day is just around the corner. Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Friday, December 7, 2018

THE POWER OF AMAZING MUSIC NEVER GETS OLD - NO. 19 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Chris Tomlin wrote today's Countdown song and Lauren Daigle, a truly amazing singer, performs it. I have been a rabid fan of all great music since I was a kid. But, I am always moved when I hear such passion and power delivered unflinchingly in a great song. Lauren Daigle delivers on today's tune from a flawless live performance. The lyrics in the chorus of this song definitively spell out the power and beauty of Christmas: 

Noel, Noel / Come and see what God has done / Noel, Noel / The story of amazing love! / The light of the world, given for us Noel.



Merry Christmas on this great day in God's Country.

D.L.Stafford

Thursday, December 6, 2018

THESE GUYS HAVE DONE IT ALL - PUNK, ALT. COUNTRY, ROCKABILLY - YOU NAME IT - THEY ARE NO. 20 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

THE MAVERICKS started in, of all places, Miami. Throughout their history, they have performed  numerous genres and styles of music. Today's tune is sorta Texas Rockabilly. It will get you jumping off the couch and make you do something with today. Which, in God's Country, is stunningly beautiful on this Thursday before the weekend.

So, turn up the volume, relax and enjoy - NO. 20 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HEY MERRY CHRISTMAS BY THE MAVERICKS.



Like the song says. HEY! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

IT'S HUMP DAY - WHO BETTER TO GET US TO THE WEEKEND THAN A TRULY GREAT BLUES MAN DOING CHRISTMAS

JOE BONAMASSA is   one of the best blues men around today. His virtuosity on the electric guitar along with some very gritty vocals make him a true experience to listen to. As you might expect, he brings his unique brand of musicality to create an incomparable brand of Christmas music. He opened for B.B. King when he was twelve. So there!

Please enjoy today's tune -  NO. 21 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - JOE BONAMASSA DOING LONESOME CHRISTMAS.



LONESOME CHRISTMAS




OH HOLY NIGHT - BONUS TRACK
And for the 2018 Countdown's first bonus track, I have included Bonamassa's electric guitar arrangement of OH HOLY NIGHT. You have never heard this classic Christmas Carol, written in 1847, performed like this blues master performs this ancient classic



The weather is still beautiful in God's Country today. Have a Merry Christmas.

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

THIS ONE NEVER GETS OLD - FAMILY CHRISTMAS INDEED - NO. 22 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

IT'S TUESDAY AND SUNNY ALL DAY - PERFECT TIME TO ENJOY A CLASSIC

This tune never wears out and will always be included in the 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, Delbert McClinton and Don Henley. If you want to see one of the most unique performers around today, then you need to go to a Robert Earl Keen concert. And when he does today's tune you can sing along with the entire crowd because his fans know every word

Like all great Texas artists, Robert Earl blends sarcasm, irony and great lyrics into all of his music.

No. 22 on The 2015 Christmas Countdown - An ode to celebratory familial excess - Robert Earl Keen's Merry Christmas  From The Family.



Just tell me you don't appreciate this tune's essence of family roustabouts everywhere.
Merry Ho Ho!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Monday, December 3, 2018

A NEW TAKE ON AN OLD TUNE - NO. 23 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN



Alex Boye', a British-American singer and actor brings a truly unique style and energy to his music. He became a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 2006 and continues to break new ground in his recording and performance careers. 



This tune, written in 1941 and first recorded in 1951 captures the essence of the love and giving spirit of Christmas. And the video captures the true joy of this great classic Christmas tune.

So please enjoy this unique version of a Christmas Classic - No. 23 on The 2018 Christmas Countdown - THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY BY ALEX  BOYE' AND COMPANY



Just think. Tomorrow it's predicted to be no rain and sunshine. Merry Christmas indeed.

D.L.Stafford
THENOMADARCHITECT

Sunday, December 2, 2018

ANOTHER GREAT KEEPER OF THE FAITH - NO. 24 ON THE 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

CHRIS ISAAC IS THE REAL DEAL. He has a very devout following of fans, including me and mine, who enjoy his unique blend of early and new rock, pop and even a little jazz. 

He keeps it current with his timely take on new and old music with a style that constantly refers back to the early days. When we saw him live, wearing a sequined suit and playing and singing with a sense of modern and old school, we became hard fans. He's a great performer and interpreter of old and new alike. Even though most people know him from his mega hit "Wicked Game " released in 1989, he performs and records  today with a broad range of tunes that capture the essence of great rock and pop..

So, just sit back and enjoy a Christmas tune that just makes you feel better. No. 24 on The 2018 Christmas Countdown - Hey Santa by Chris Isaak.




I think this Christmas is going to fly by. So, get busy, you know - with the tree, the presents, the food- the big day will be here before you can blink.

Merry Christmas

D.L. Stafford
THE NOMAD ARCHITECT

Saturday, December 1, 2018

YEAR SIX COMIN' AT YA - NO. 25 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT 2018 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN


THIS IS THE SIXTH YEAR OF THE TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SO WE GOTTA START WITH THE BEST OF A CLASSIC BY TODAY'S PRE-EMINENT MASTER OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SONG TRADITION - MR. MICHAEL BUBLE'.

And I can promise you more great tunes and videos to take you all the way to the big day. Slow, fast and everything in between. Maybe even a little funk thrown in for good measure. Merry Christmas to all of the well read lovers of everything great about this time of year.


If  you you have  never seen the modern  day Sinatra, Michael Buble' (no he's not retiring),  perform live, you  need to add him to  your Bucket List. And when  you pair him  with the hot  Pupinni Sisters, and they perform the most classic of classics - JINGLE BELLS -  first published in 1857 - Well - it's a perfect way to kick off this years TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN with No. 25 - Jingle Bells by Michael Buble' & The Pupinni Sisters.



Christmas is the best time of year. And remember, if you can't hear the music - you can't see the light.

Merry Christmas,

D.L. Stafford
THE NOMAD ARCHITECT