Welcome to our special Christmas New & Notable. We are excited about the number of outstanding new faith-based Christmas releases this year and our Christmas present to you is bringing these to your attention. And by the way, it’s common to celebrate the 12 days after Christmas that leads to Epiphany so keep on listening! As always keep your emails coming to utrsubmissions@gmail.com.

ALBUMS & EPs

As Foretold Part 1 – Poor Bishop Hooper

As Foretold Part 1 is not a typical Christmas recording as it touches on parts of the Christmas story that contain difficult details not usually put to music. “Out of Egypt” and “Weeping In Ramah” are examples. This different approach is one we respect and appreciate as it stands on its own for originality in music and lyrics. This is the first of three releases from Poor Bishop Hooper based on the prophetic fulfillment passages in Matthew’s Gospel. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK WEBSITE

Christmas in the Midwest – Chris Renzema

Like a handmade gift from a friend who knows you inside out, this EP is a warm hug for the soul. Filled with folk-rock originals making a theological and nostalgic tapestry, the highlight is a stunning rendition of “O Holy Night” that Chris mixes beautifully with his original “There Came A Light”. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Symphonic Christmas (Live) – Future or Forestry

Recorded live in 2022, this dynamic album is a cinematic gem. Eric Owyoung effortlessly blends conducting an orchestra and a choral choir, while at the same time singing, and his vocals seem to erase the gap between heaven and earth. It’s a stunning performance and a true pleasure musically and spiritually. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Advent, Christmas – Wendell Kimbrough

Wendell Kimbrough brings us two superb records for the Christmas season: Advent and Christmas. The music on both albums is times mournful, reverent, joyful, and upbeat. The instrumentation and vocals are splendid with a definite Americana flavor and are very well recorded. It’s a meaningful and satisfying listen which is typical for all of Wendell’s recordings.

Advent SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK        Christmas SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

I Celebrate the Day – Emilie Weiss

Weiss presents a beautiful singer/songwriter light pop EP celebrating Christmas’s old and new joys. She gifts us with two original songs, one about the birth of Jesus and another (the listener assumes) about the upcoming birth of her own child. There are also unique rewrites/renditions of two Christmas covers, as Weiss brings her artistic new to well-loved tunes. This is a thoughtful, well-rounded, and delightful collection. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

I Saw Three Ships – Dan Damon Quartet

Dan Damon is a jazz pianist who will remind you of Vince Guaraldi and Dave Brubeck. He’s that good. His new Christmas album I Saw Three Ships is a beautiful jazz-based album of Christmas classics and originals that is deserving of your uninterrupted attention. Fans of jazz and Christmas music will be well pleased on many levels. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Dwindling Light – Allie Crummy

This exquisite and wonderfully produced set of acoustic-driven tracks contains four stunning originals and one reworked Christmas carol. Allie’s writing is honest, disarming, and clever. What you will find here changes our paradigm of the holidays from a season of stress to an experience with the Divine. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Advent Songs, Christmas Songs – Psallos

Psallos brings us two EPs this Christmas season – Advent Songs and Christmas Songs. The orchestral arrangements, reharmonizations, and vocals on both EPs are absolutely breathtaking and elevate these records to a very high level. Psallos has always blazed its own path and continues to do so here.

Advent Songs SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK       Christmas Songs SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Halfway Through the Night – The Hedgerow Folk

A masterfully executed Americana/Folk Christmas project. We love that this is a concept album and you’ll find the title woven within and throughout the songs of remade Christmas classics. Their version of “Oh Come Divine Messiah” is a standout example of their well-crafted bluegrass music. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Happy Golden Days – The Arcadian Wild

Like a gingerbread latte, this album is warm, inviting, and a pleasure to consume. The intricate Americana arrangements and tight harmonies which are hallmarks of The Arcadian Wild’s music will make this a holiday favorite for years to come. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Hallelujah Noel – Wen Reagan

A fantastic blend of jazz, gospel, and Americana interpretations of classic Christmas songs and some notable originals fill this record. An impressive cast of musicians and singers adds to the overall excellence of this album and makes this an engaging listen.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

SINGLES

“God is With Us” – Drakeford

Weaving together personal storytelling while quoting the titles of classic Christmas carols, Drakeford presents an intimate, soul-stirring ballad of the season. This touching track focuses on our ultimate reason for the season – the God who chose to be with us. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“He Lifts the Lowly” – Aryn Michelle

There is something to be said about a nativity-themed song that surpasses the season, allowing us to connect with God year-round. This incredible ballad by Aryn captures the humility of Mary as she carried and birthed Jesus. If this is a tough time of year for you, this song will be a lifeline. SPOTIFY_LINK   YOUTUBE_LINK

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” – The Gray Havens & Joel Ansett

This hauntingly gorgeous remake of the sixteenth-century German Christmas hymn is a lovely gift for all of us. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Isaiah 9:2-5” – The Corner Room

As The Corner Room is wont to do, this is the literal Isaiah 9:2-5 which points to the coming Messiah. Great upbeat music with impressive vocals. Well, let’s just say the whole track is rousing and enjoyable! SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“No Time Like Christmas”- Jervis Campbell

Faith-based folk maven Jervis Campbell keeps it simple and cozy reminiscing about all the beautiful little things that make Christmas a time of year like no other. His verdict – we could do a lot of things, but it’s nice to just be home with the ones you love. A perfect song for an evening on the couch enjoying the tree. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Christmas Feels Different” – CCV Music

An honest and engrossing song of ache when facing Christmas after a loss that will be a comforting help to anyone experiencing the same. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“What Is It About Christmas” – Michelle Lynn Thompson

Michelle’s acoustic single is a personal reflection on the memories and meaning of Christmas. It’s something we can all relate to. BANDCAMP_LINK

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles