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

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

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

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

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

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

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