HALLELUJAH! IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY - WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST & ENJOY THE LOVE OF THIS SPECIAL DAY

TO ALL VAGABONDS CELEBRATING THIS DAY -  MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Here we are - It's finally Christmas Day. Like all Vagabonds, I have memory after memory of Christmas from my growing up days to my kids' growing up days. It's the one time of year when you can just enjoy the stress and the joy of December. The gifts, the tree, the decorating - All fun! And the cooking. I've said it many many times - Without the women in our lives, it just wouldn't be worth it, and we would never have any good food to eat! But that's a story for another post on TNA. I fervently wish everyone who has listened to the music and read some of the stories on the 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A VERY VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Here is a great tune to celebrate this day - NO. 1 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - ANNE WILSON & JOSH TURNER - THE MANGER.

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IMHO - The greatest piece of music ever written is from the classical work Messiah by George Fredric Handel in 1741 - THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS. Here The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS with over 2,000 people from around the world virtually singing from videos uploaded to YouTube. Watch and hear the amazing sound of this classic piece of music by one of the largest virtual choirs ever assembled.

Enjoy your day with family and friends. And a Very Merry Christmas to all Vagabonds everywhere.

D.L.Stafford

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“For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9-6

CHRISTMAS EVE - NO. 2 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - WHAT A NIGHT!

 

One of the most hallowed nights of the year will be here in a few hours. It starts to bring back all of those memories we have of trying to go to sleep as we were ordered by our parents. Very tough for your basic 5 or 6 year old. 

First up today is a unique reading by the one and only Louis Armstrong. If you have little kids, make sure they see this distinctive Christmas video. NO. 2 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - LOUIS ARMSTRONG - A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS ('TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS).

To celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ - NO. 2 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A compelling arrangement and video - LITTLE DRUMMER BOY.

And to wrap up Christmas Eve - One of the greatest radio personalities to ever wax eloquently over the airwaves - PAUL HARVEY gives us a different take on the BETHLEHEM INN KEEPER sometime in the early sixties.

Get plenty of sleep tonight, you're going to need it!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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“Christmas Eve ought to be a very joyful evening to us in all its associations, in all the truths which it naturally brings to the soul…. A man’s soul is to be as the heavens were on the night when the shepherds looked up and saw them full of angels as well as stars.” – Henry Ward Beecher

ONLY THREE MORE DAYS - NO. 3 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GREAT SINGING - GREAT DANCING

We are nearing the final days of THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN. I have been hard at work finding mostly new tunes with some old standards thrown in. Today, you will hear one of the greatest Gospel groups to ever grace the stage. In addition, you will hear a group I discovered when they recorded Jingle Bells with Michael Buble'. And last, but not least, is a new discovery for me - A British phenom bringing a very cool song with some very cool dancing - Enjoy!

Bottom Line - I love Southern Gospel music. It just has a feel to it. Since 1981 The Gaither Vocal Band has ensured that the spirit and sound of Southern Gospel Music remains alive & well. It has changed members many times since then, but they are always performing new innovative tunes to audiences all over the world. NO. 3 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND presents MARY WAS THE FIRST ONE TO CARRY THE GOSPEL.

OK - It's Friday and I know that many of you Vagabonds will be attending one, two, or even three parties or family gatherings to celebrate Christmas. So, today, we'll close out Friday with a couple of tunes that will fire you up for the weekend.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE PUPPINI SISTERS. These girls can sing!

And if this last tune doesn't get you going - Sorry - Merry Christmas anyway. British sensation -

Si Cranstoun with three backup singers and dancers performs A CHRISTMAS TWIST.

This music makes me wanna' dance - LOL!!! Christmas is only two days away. I hope you're ready.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's heaven on earth.”
― William W. Purkey

IT'S THURSDAY - NO. 4 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - TIME TO HEAR FROM THE BOYS !

TODAY - WE'LL LISTEN TO SOME OF THE GREATEST MALE SINGERS TO EVER TAKE A STAGE SINGING CHRISTMAS TUNES

When I hear male singers hitting all those notes, high and low, and singing with amazing passion, fast or slow, I can't get enough. Today's post features some of the truly great singers both gospel and secular. Like any male singer I have always aspired to achieve the levels of inspired singing by the artists in today's post.

First up today features one of the greatest Gospel singers to ever record - NO. 4 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - Multiple Grammy winner LARNELLE HARRIS presents Sweet Little Jesus Boy with a strong Gospel Choir backing.

And then there is the one and only David Phelps, a longtime member of the award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, giving us his take on the classic OH HOLY NIGHT with the Vocal Band.

No list of great male singers would be complete without the great Tom Jones. I have had the pleasure of seeing this incredible singer from his early days to a show in Saint Petersburg a few years ago. Take a listen as Jones gives us a killer version of JESUS IS HERE TO STAY & JESUS ON THE MAINLINE at the tender young age of 77 with a power choir behind him! 

Once again - Crank up the volume. These guys peel the paint!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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• “Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it. You feel it. You know it. You remember it." — Kevin Alan Milne, "The Paper Bag Christmas"

NO. 5 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HOW ABOUT A LITTLE CLASSICAL FOR MIDWEEK?

CLASSICAL MUSIC FROM A MASTER IS ALWAYS COMPELLING AND PROFOUND

I'm no expert when it comes to the music of the Classical Masters. Suffice to say - Listening to Beethoven's 9th or Mozart's Requiem gives me a sense of history and majesty that comes from the geniuses who wrote the music and the talented players who perform it. Mozart was only 15 when he wrote his First Symphony.

Today's music features one of the greatest compositions by Ludwig von Beethoven ever written. This is the longest piece of music ever posted on The Countdown. I must admit to being emotionally moved beyond myself every time I hear this powerful composition by one of the world's greatest composers. Beethoven wrote Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Opus 125 between 1822 and 1824. 

One source states that he was completely deaf when he wrote this choral symphony.  Others say he was profoundly deaf. Ultimately, it really doesn't matter. I do hope you will listen to this Finale, the 4th Movement of the 9th Symphony. I highly recommend watching and listening on a large, big screen TV with the sound turned up high. NO. 5 on the 2022 Christmas Countdown - Ludwig von Beethoven's 9th Symphony - Finale - 4th Movement - Performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the The German State Berlin Choir comprised of over 200 singers and directed by award-winning conductor Daniel Barenboim. 

Here's a quick movie clip about the life of the composer. This clip shows the emotion and power of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - From the film Immortal Beloved starring the Oscar winning actor Gary Oldman.  Beethoven steps up on stage to stand facing the orchestra "feeling" the music he cannot hear. Then the conductor turns him around to face the wildly applauding audience as the 9th is completed. 

I hope you enjoy this moving powerful music by one of the greatest composers in history.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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“Consider difficulties as stepping stones to a better life.” Ludwig Van Beethoven.

NO. 6 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A NEW GUY ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT BLOG

CROWDER - I RECENTLY BECAME AWARE OF THIS GREAT CHRISTIAN ARTIST - HE'S ON TODAY

I discovered this talented artist after talking to one of my favorite relatives, who has very hip taste in music, about new Christian artists and he mentioned this guy and his band. So, I did a little research and checked him out. Crowder and his squad of players impress. 

CROWDER released his first record in 2014 entitled Neon Steeple and has been a force in the contemporary Christian music scene ever since. 

So here are a couple of cuts showing the evolution of Christian music with today's featured writer, performer and producer putting out some interesting new music. First up is a very cool Christmas Tune - NO. 6 0N THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CROWDER - THANKS GIVER

And just to show that CROWDER has a humorous perspective on Santa Claus and Christmas - THE ELF SONG.

I Hope your shopping and wrapping are nearing completion.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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"A cynic is just a man who found out when he was about 10 that there wasn't any Santa Claus, and he's still upset." - James Gould

IT'S NO. 7 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE LAST MONDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS-WE NEED SOME ENERGY

TODAY IS MONDAY - YOU'RE TIRED & STRESSED - THE SHOPPING, THE WRAPPING, THE COOKING, THE PARTIES JUST TIRES YOU OUT - NOTHING MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER THAN SOME GOOD OLD ROCK & ROLL - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

That's right! As I tell my kids all the time - Nothing is too good for my people. So today, my fellow Vagabonds, just crank up the headphones and take a listen to some great Rock & Roll Christmas tunes. Rock & Roll changed the world of modern music. And that, for the most part, has been a good thing.

First up on this last Monday before the big day is one of the greatest acapella groups to ever record. They do not generally do these kinds of songs. But this tune is rockin' and cool at the same time. NO. 7 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - PENTATONIX PERFORMS LAST CHRISTMAS.

Second - to get you off the couch and going on what I hope will be a Happy Monday - Dave Edmunds & Bonnie Tyler performing RUN RUN RUDOLPH.

And third from a group we have featured on The Countdown before - THE TRACTORS wailin' on THE SANTA CLAUS BOOGIE!

In all honesty, I have not wrapped a single thing. I've been so busy finding great music I just haven't had time! LOL! But today, on Monday, I start.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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• “A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” — Garrison Keillor

NO. 8 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HELLO ON THIS COOL - CRISP - BRIGHT SUNDAY MORNING - ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS

THAT'S RIGHT - ONE WEEK - NEXT SUNDAY IS CHRISTMAS - NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS? 2033 - SO ENJOY TODAY AS YOU PONDER WHAT'S COMING

Today, I want to feature an artist that has never been on The Christmas Countdown. This Arkansas native has been around as a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player since 2012. He is also a multiple Grammy and Dove Award winner. A classic example of the new breath being breathed into Contemporary Christian Music. 

When you first hear Zach Williams, one word comes to mind - Authentic! His voice, his writing and his music bring out a new sound of soul and gospel that is rare in this day of over produced same old same old! 

First up today - Zach Williams gives us his version of a classic - Composed in 1865 by John Wesley Work, Jr. - NO. 8 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN. Turn it up -This baby rocks!

Next up - Composed in 1818 - Silent Night is one of the oldest and greatest Christmas songs ever written. Williamses performance of this classic carol oozes gospel, soul, and blues with every phrase.

And last on today's post - One of the most profound songs ever written by Zach Williams and Casey Beathard with a powerful video. - THERE WAS JESUS - An amazing duet with Legendary Country Artist Dolly Pardon.

Merry Christmas to all everywhere.

D.L.Stafford

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"The XMAS holidays have this high value: that they remind Forgetters of the Forgotten, & repair damaged relationships" - Mark Twain - Letter to Carlotte Welles, December 1907.

NO. 9 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A TRIBUTE TO MILITARY AMERICAN MILITARY SINGERS & BANDS

TODAY WE HONOR THE US MILITARY MUSCIANS, SINGERS, BANDS AND ORCHESTRASWHO REPRESENT THE GREATEST MILITARY FORCES IN THE WORLD 

The world has benefitted from the brave men and women who fight for freedom and represent our nation with immense pride and honor. There are musical organizations in every branch of service in the US with amazingly gifted singers, bands and orchestras that let us know that they are with us and for us as Americans.

First up on today's post features The US Army Band. The band was formed in 1922 and is often referred to as Pershing's Own. It is the premier musical organization of the US Army with nine different performing ensembles. Today, they perform BLUEGRASS MEDLEY. 

Second on today's post is a rousing arrangement of GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN by THE UNITED STATES NAVY BAND with some power singers sharing this classic Christmas tune.

And one last Christmas set of tunes from the Marine Corps Chamber Orchestra performing Sleigh Ride and The Marine's Hymn on The David Letterman Show in 2012.

Play and sing for The Good Ole USA.

Merry Christmas to all those men and women around the world representing our country with honor.

Happy Holidays to All.

D.LStafford

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"Christmas, in its final essence, is for grown people who have forgotten what children know." -Margaret Cousins 

NO. 10 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - GREAT CROONERS SHOW US HOW IT'S DONE

TODAY - VAGABONDS EVERYWHERE CAN HEAR SOME OF THE GREATEST SINGERS TO EVER GRACE A STAGE - THE BEST OF THE BEST

I've said it before, but it bears repeating - I grew up listening to the great music featured on today's post. Great singers/crooners have a way of expressing lyrics with subtlety and panache that latch on to your soul and don't let go.

Today's post includes four tunes with great singers and interpreters of music that simply make you feel good.

Starting with the greatest crooner of all time - Frank Sinatra released his first record in 1946 - The Voice of Frank Sinatra. He soon became the idol of the Bobbie Soxers and eventually became known as The Chairman of The Board.

Next up, the current day crooner extraordinaire - Michael Bublé brings us It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.

Here's another amazing crooner - Tony Bennett - I saw him live several years ago in my home town. He turned off all the mikes and sang Fly Me To The Moon with only one quiet guitar accompaniment. I was mesmerized! Here he is singing the classic SILVER BELLS.

And, finally, the unforgettable voice of the great Nat King Cole. Smooth and subtle. Today - Nat brings us The Christmas Song.

Hope you enjoyed these classic songs from the forties through 2022 by some of the greatest singers ever.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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“You’ve either got or you haven’t got style, and if you’ve got it you stand out a mile.” - Frank Sinatra

IT'S BIG CHOIR DAY - NO. 11 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

THURSDAY IS A GREAT DAY TO TALK ABOUT AND HEAR SINGING LOUD AND PROUD

For those people who know me up close and personal, you know that I have been singing since I was a wee lad of 6 - I sang KKKKATY in a play at Sealey Elementary First Grade. Then at the age of around twelve, my dad told my brother and I that we were going to form a quartet to include him and my mom. We sang in churches all around my hometown. That's when I really learned to sing. Then, later in high school chorus and church choirs I fell in love with singing in choirs. There's nothing like it. 

First up today is a truly great choir -Mount Paran Church Atlanta. Enjoy a listen as they perform what has become a classic in gospel music - NO. 11 on the 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - The Mount Paran Church Choir Atlanta performs Mary Did You Know.

Another amazing choir in Nashville, Tennessee - I was a singer with this incredible choir for two years - brings us NOEL with soloist Jame' Swilley and the powerful Christ Church Choir Nashville.

Then there is the great Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake performing a true classic, the English Christmas Carol, that has been around since 1719 - JOY TO THE WORLD.

There's nothing like great singing from great choirs. Enjoy your day as you get inspired by this great music. 

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

NOMADarchitect

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." - Buddy The Elf

IT'S HUMP DAY - NO. 12 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN BUBLE' 7 OTHERS

THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK NEEDS SOME COOL TUNES BY SOME COOL ARTISTS                                                                                      

It's no secret - I am a huge Michael Bublé fan. I've seen him live twice. The boy can bring it as a singer. His audiences love his singing and his panache on stage. So, today you're going to hear a couple of tunes by Bublé in one tune and a very cool little duet with another cool guy - Chris Isaak. Bublé is a master of crooning and Isaak is a master of cool pop. So just crank up the stereo and throw on some headphones for some great tunes for the Christmas season. The big day is right around the corner.

Today's first tune is Bublé performing an interesting tune that only he can deliver. There is also a very telling video concerning fashion this time of year - NO. 12 on the 2022 Christmas Countdown - CHRISTMAS SWEATER.

And then let's bring in one of the smoothest voices performing today and he's actually wearing something that isn't covered with glittering sequins and other shiny things. LOL!! Here are Michael Bublé and Chris Isaak performing BLUE CHRISTMAS.

And this seems like the best time to post a classic tune in any Christmas Collection. The King of Rock & Roll - ELVIS from 1968 gives us his unforgettable - BLUE CHRISTMAS 

How's that for some cool midweek music?

D.L.Safford

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IT'S DIVA TUESDAY - NO. 13 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HIGH POWER FROM THE GIRLS

 THERE IS NO DOUBT - TALENTED FEMALES CAN STIR YOUR HEART AND YOUR SOUL

In the world of contemporary music, genuinely great singers are rare. Today we will celebrate some of the best singers performing today. Faith Hill combines grace, elegance and one of the most powerful soprano voices ever to be recorded. One of the most successful country artists performing today, she has won five Grammys and sold over 40 million records. 

Maria Carey was named the all-time top female artist of all time by Billboard. I'm sure there are people who would argue, but, IMHO she has never recorded an album as outstanding as her first entitled simply Mariah Carey at the age of twenty-one.

And the last tune today features three of the best - Kelly Clarkson, winner of the first American Idol, has become a major star with a voice second to none. Trisha Yearwood is another diva that always brings down the house when she sings. And, of course, the one and only Reba McEntire is one of the true greats of country music.

In honor of truly amazing female power singers - NO. 13 on The 2022 Christmas Countdown - Faith Hill performs Where Are You Christmas?

Enjoy the one and only Mariah Carey with a power choir behind her in the Cathedral of Saint John the Devine - New York City. - Joy To The World 

And wrapping up today's Countdown NO. 13 - Three of the most amazing singers in the world of music - Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire give us a powerful arrangement of the classic SILENT NIGHT.

I really hope you enjoyed today's music celebrating power and grace in music.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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“Music, of all the arts, stands in a special region, unlit by any star but its own, and utterly without meaning ... except its own.” - Leonard Bernstein, The Joy of Music

 

IT'S WAKE UP MONDAY - NO. 14 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

 EVERYBODY NEEDS A BIT OF A JOLT ON ANY MONDAY - BUT ON MONDAYS DURING THE BUSIEST MONTH OF THE YEAR - WE ALL NEED A SERIOUS JUMP

Let's all agree - We love Christmas - the tree, the food, the friends, the family, the parties, the decorations, and last but not least - AMAZON. According to the experts, 60% of US Consumers purchase their Christmas gifts online. But even online the whole process of buying stuff, wrapping stuff, and making sure that you "get it right" becomes tedious and tiring.

I hope today's tunes energize you and yours to press on through the storm of the "Happy Holidays". I've found some new tunes from one of the most American musical styles ever - Big Band Jazz. OK - Call me weird - Growing up in the early fifties and sixties my parents always had me listening to the Dorseys, Sinatra, Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters, and Big Bands. 

I was given my very own White Christmas album recorded by the great crooner Bing Crosby when I was a kid. I went to sleep every night during December listening to that album. I still have it today. And, it must be said - That genre of music is alive and well today, brought to us by current day singers and bands.

First up today - The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by the great Wynton Marsalis, gives us a new take on a classic - Jingle Bells - NO. 14 on The 2022 Christmas Countdown.

No. 2 - Another high energy take on Jingle Bells - Michael Bublé and The Puppini Sisters with some very cool kids from the ELTE BEST DANCE COMPANY doing some serious high steppin'.

And to close out today's set of high energy tunes - Enjoy this group of players and dancers that do their best to blow the doors off their studio- ASHBA - A Christmas Storm.

Also, drink lots of coffee or tea to get you started this Monday morning.

And just to give all VAGABONDS a hilarious take on Big Band Touring - have a listen of this Video of a roast of Frank Sinatra by comic genius Jonathan Winters.

Press On - It's Comin' - Merry Christmas

D.LStafford

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THE REASON FOR THE SEASON - NO. 15 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD

ON THE SECOND SUNDAY OF DECEMBER, WE MUST REMEMBER WHY WE ARE CELEBRATING.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9.6

Here we are. Only fifteen days until we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The most profound event in the history of man and angels. Not much explanation needed for this amazing miracle from Heaven. 

It is my hope today that you enjoy some beautiful music celebrating the birth of Christ. 

First - Here are Carrie Underwood and John Legend delivering a powerful song with a beautiful accompanying video - NO. 15 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HALLELUJAH.

Here is one of the greatest hymns of the church - written in 1772 by an English Anglican Clergyman and Poet - John Newton - Sung by the incredibly gifted acapella group PENTATONIX - AMAZING GRACE.

I hope you and yours have a blessed day and Christmas.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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"Christmas is not a myth, not a tradition, not a dream. It is a glorious reality" - Billy Graham

HAPPY RANDOM SATURDAY - NO. 16 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

 TODAY YOU CAN HEAR SOME TUNES FORM ARTISTS THAT ARE NEW TO THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND AWHILE

Sometimes, you just gotta' find stuff that you like without any preconceived ideas. On this Saturday, that is what is being posted. The photo at left is a world renown painting by Picasso entitled Guernica, the great Spanish artist who spent most of his life in France. I have seen the powerful 12' x 26' painting at the Museo Ruina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain. How's that for random for the Christmas Spirit?

So, today I found some new and old tunes to feature on this Saturday. Christmas is only fifteen days away. I hope you got that tree up and decorated and most of your orders from AMAZON in. 

First on this Random Saturday - The Jonas Brothers. Formed in 2005, these guys have broken up and reformed several times but have still managed to sell over 17 million records. They have a great sound on today's tune with a very cool video. NO. 16 on THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - THE JONAS BROTHERS SINGING A NICE POP/ROCK TUNE - LIKE IT'S CHRISTMAS.

For all the Country Fans out there, here is a tune by the great Randy Travis - HOW DO I WRAP MY HEART UP FOR SHRISTMAS.

And, to wrap up this Random Saturday - Enjoy three super stars of Country Music - Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers and Trisha Yearwood - The Old Man's Back In Town.

Santa's probably loading up his sleigh as we get ready for the big day. And, it will have great stuff and random stuff for kids worldwide.

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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IT'S THE WEEKEND - NO. 17 ON THE 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN WILL GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR THE BIG DAY RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEKEND - SEE & HEAR SOME CHRIS ISAAK WITH A LITTLE STEVIE NICS THROWN IN

Chris Isaak is one of the most unique rock/pop singers performing today. His release of the mega-hit Wicked Games in 1991 established him as a serious soft rock singer/performer. His voice brings out a rockabilly feel in the manner of Elvis or Roy Orbison. The winner of multiple awards for his music and videos - Isaak is a very cool guy that can sing. His live shows are always entertaining, and he wears some of the funkiest throwback suits you will ever see.

Today's tunes have been around awhile but appear on The Nomad Architect Christmas Countdown for the first time.

First up - Take a listen as Isaak gives us his take on the classic Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer with the help of one of the most popular and influential singers of rock and roll - Stevie Nics of Fleetwood Mac - NO. 17 on the 2022 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN.

And enjoy this tune and video that highlights Isaak's cool sense of humor. A great tune on Christmas for all the boys and girls - Gotta Be Good!

Of course, it's kinda late if you've been bad all year. But Santa is a very forgiving guy!

Merry Christmas

D.L.Stafford

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TODAY'S TUNE IS OLD BUT OH SO NEW - NO. 18 ON THE 2022 TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

THE ANDREWS SISTERS - 1941 AND NOW OVER 80 YEARS LATER - THE AMERICAN SIRENS - THE JUMP BLUES ARE STILL SWINGIN'

Today, we honor the one and only Andrews Sisters who ushered in a style of music referred to as Jump Blues in the early forties. With their 1941 hit Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Selling over 80 million records, this trio of tight harmony singers changed music forever. 

So, what do we do when we want to listen to that kind of music today, with its tight harmonies and boogie woogie style? Well, a modern-day group that can swing and sing with the best of them is THE AMERICAN SIRENS. 

To make a killer video to go along with a great tune American singer Geoff Castellucci joins the girls with an amazing bass voice that resonates from deep down. The video gives us a new take on a very old song - Mele Kalikimaka, which is Hawaiian for Merry Christmas. The song achieved fame when it was recorded and released by the one and only Bing Crosby with The Andrews Sister in 1951.

So, it's Thursday and the weekend is coming fast. Just sit back and listen to this great new/old tune and video featuring an elegant dream state by THE AMERICAN SIRENS & GEOFF CASTELLUCI as the dream comes and leaves - MELE KALIKIMAKA.

And for some remembrance of this classic song, enjoy Bing and The Andrews Sisters with a great animated video.

So - Aloha and Merry Christmas to You and Yours

D.LStafford

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