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Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks with the Holiday Album That Keeps on Giving ‘Another Christmas Day’

Eric Alper
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Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks with the Holiday Album That Keeps on Giving ‘Another Christmas Day’

Acclaimed Canadian vocalist and songwriter Alex Bird, together with his band The Jazz Mavericks, is proud to announce the release of their new holiday album ‘Another Christmas Day’. Recorded live off the floor in Toronto at Canterbury Music Company, the album brings ten original songs into the rich tradition of holiday jazz with warmth, artistry, and timeless appeal.

The album, originally released on November 1, 2024, marks the fourth full-length project from Bird and longtime collaborator, musical director, and arranger Ewen Farncombe. Joining them are Jacob Gorzhaltsan (sax & clarinet), Julian Anderson-Bowes (bass), and Norbert Botos (drums & jingle bells). The collection showcases the group’s seamless chemistry, capturing the intimacy and joy of live performance.

‘Another Christmas Day’ highlights Bird’s ability to craft new standards for the season, songs that balance festive cheer with heartfelt emotion. Tracks like “Ho Ho Hold Me Close” and “Christmas in the City” invite listeners to share in the joy of togetherness, while “Every Time This Year” and the title track reflect on those who are alone during the holiday season. The result is an album that feels both classic and fresh.

“We wanted to create a holiday record that honors tradition but also brings something new to the table,” says Bird. “Recording live, without headphones, allowed us to truly listen to one another in the room. It brought out the honesty and magic that the music and audience deserves.”

The lyrics carry a distinctly personal touch, with vivid imagery that evokes all aspects of the season. In “Prelude to Christmas,” Bird sings: *“The snow is falling, the fire is calling / The faces you love are by your side.”* In the introspective “Everytime This Year” Christmas past is reflected in the fragments of a snowglobe, ”Fallen from the fireplace, shattered memories in the glass.” And in “It’s December,” the refrain rings out: “It’s December, and it’s Christmas everywhere.”

Throughout his career, Bird has become one of the most exciting voices in Canadian jazz. His sophomore album ‘You Are the Light and the Way’ was nominated for Best Vocal Jazz Album at the 2022 JUNO Awards, a recognition that placed him firmly among the country’s leading vocalists. His surprise 2023 release ‘Songwriter’ was again nominated for a JUNO in 2024, cementing his reputation as a versatile and visionary artist. And in 2025 Bird and Farncombe released an original bossa nova EP in collaboration with Latin Grammy Award winner, Cheo, ‘Casanova, Bossa Nova, Lover Man’.

Beyond the accolades, Bird has become a fixture on stages across the country, headlining the Sudbury Jazz Festival and appearing at The Markham Jazz Festival, The Kensington Market Jazz Festival, and The Niagara Jazz Festival, alongside performances at The Jazz Bistro, Upstairs Jazz, and The Old Mill.

Industry peers and press have hailed ‘Another Christmas Day’ as an inventive and enduring addition to the holiday canon. Metronome Magazine praised the album as “a modern-day holiday jazz masterpiece,” while Jazz Weekly called Bird “the freshest singer around” whose songs “swing the jingle bells.”

bird  Farncombe reflected on the project: “Holiday music has always been about connection. We wanted to write songs that could bring people together now and for years to come. There’s joy, but also space for reflection—because that’s what the season is really about.”

As the holiday season approaches, Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks invite audiences everywhere to discover ‘Another Christmas Day’. With its blend of swing, sentiment, and originality, the album promises to become a beloved companion for many winters ahead.

Upcoming Tour Dates

November 28 – Upstairs Jazz, Montreal, QC

December 5 – The Classic Theatre, Cobalt, ON

Cree/Halfbreed and Métis Artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle Releases Transformative New Album ‘Why the Caged Bird Sings’

Eric Alper
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Cree/Halfbreed and Métis Artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle Releases Transformative New Album ‘Why the Caged Bird Sings’

Edmonton, AB-based Indigenous singer, songwriter, and interdisciplinary artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle announces the release of her powerful new project, ‘Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ out now via Miyoh Music. The collection is a deeply human, participatory collaboration that brings together the voices of incarcerated women, men, and detained youth from across the land now known as Canada.

A recipient of the 2021 Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts and an honorary doctorate from Queen’s University in 2025, Edmonton-based L’Hirondelle continues her life’s work at the intersection of art, healing, and community. Rooted in her Cree/Halfbreed and Métis heritage, her music merges Indigenous and contemporary sounds into an artform of profound empathy and self-determination.

“Why the Caged Bird Sings” originated as a five-day songwriting and recording workshop engaging small groups of incarcerated individuals and their educators. Each song emerged through a collaborative process where participants contributed lines and melodies shaped by consensus, ensuring every voice was equally heard. The resulting works affirm freedom as both creative expression and self-ownership.

The first single, “Here I Am (Bless My Mouth),” co-composed with Gregory Hoskins and featuring the voices of twelve Indigenous female artists, is an anthem of resilience and reclamation. The song was originally written at the Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge at Nekaneet First Nation and later recorded in studios across Canada, reflecting both the project’s breadth and its unifying vision.

Following in December, the second single, “Can’t Break Us,” co-produced by Mark Schmidt and Cheryl L’Hirondelle, was created with youth at the Paul Dojack Youth Detention Centre in Regina. With lyrics by young writers using aliases to protect their privacy, the song radiates hope and empowerment—asserting that voice and creativity remain unbreakable, even within confinement.

L’Hirondelle describes the collection as ‘freedom songs’—not in the traditional civil rights sense, but through the Cree understanding of tipēyimisowin, meaning self-determination and self-expression. Each song serves as a lyrical declaration of sovereignty, resilience, and the power of collective storytelling.

Among the project’s remarkable works are “The Beauty Within,” “Come My Sisters, Come,” and “Live the Life That Is Meant for Me,” each recorded live within correctional institutions in Saskatchewan. These songs blend hand drums, harmonies, and Indigenous chant traditions with contemporary arrangements by long-time collaborators Gregory Hoskins, Mark Schmidt, Glenn Ens, and David Travers-Smith.

The album’s accompanying videos expand its vision. Three performance films—”Here I Am, ” “The Journey Home, ” and “Live the Life That Is Meant for Me”—were filmed in Saskatoon, while experimental immersive videos for “Can’t Break Us, ” “The Beauty Within, ” and “To All Our Nations” tour as part of a multi-sensory exhibition amplifying the voices of participants through technology and art.

‘Why the Caged Bird Sings’ stands as a testament to the restorative power of music. Through this project, Cheryl L’Hirondelle transforms creative collaboration into a space of healing and reclamation, extending the reach of song beyond walls and borders.  

The Andy Kim Christmas Comes to River Rock Casino December 13 Featuring Tom Cochrane, 54-40, The Washboard Union, Men Without Hats, and More

Eric Alper
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The Andy Kim Christmas Comes to River Rock Casino December 13 Featuring Tom Cochrane, 54-40, The Washboard Union, Men Without Hats, and More

Live Nation, in partnership with The Legacy Loog Foundation and Shocore Music, will present the inaugural West Coast edition of The Andy Kim Christmas concert on Dec. 13, 2025, at the River Rock Casino in Richmond, B.C. with confirmed artists Tom Cochrane, Neil Osborne & Dave Genn (54-40), The Washboard Union, Men Without Hats, Joe Keithley (D.O.A.), Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat / Mounties), Lee Aaron, Dan Hill, Jo Jo Mason, and more to come.

This milestone event will unite an all-star roster of Canadian music icons for an evening of unforgettable performances, with proceeds benefiting Variety – the Children’s Charity of B.C., supporting children with disabilities and complex health needs across the province.

For 21 years, The Andy Kim Christmas has been a marquee fixture of the Canadian music calendar, raising more than $2.25 million for charity and featuring collaborations between some of the country’s most celebrated artists. Past performers have included Barenaked Ladies, Broken Social Scene, Alex Lifeson, Men Without Hats, Dan Hill, William Prince, Molly Johnson, Billy Talent, Kim Mitchell, Serena Ryder, Tom Cochrane, Burton Cummings, Cowboy Junkies, Nelly Furtado, and Dallas Green.

Tickets to The Andy Kim Christmas are on sale now at ticketmaster.ca. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We’re honoured to be the beneficiary of the first-ever Andy Kim Christmas event in Vancouver in an inspiring evening of music and generosity,” said Andrea Tang, CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity of B.C. “This support helps us change the lives of children and youth with disabilities and complex health needs across B.C., ensuring they have the opportunities they need to thrive.”

Zoie Starks, CEO of The Legacy Loog Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to bring this treasured event to the West Coast, and with Andrew Loog Oldham and his vast network of friends, audiences can expect some special surprise guests. It’s a celebration of music, generosity, and community that investors, media, and fans will be proud to be part of.”

Cory White, CEO of Shocore Music, said: “We are incredibly honoured to work alongside Andy Kim, The Legacy Loog Foundation, and Variety – the Children’s Charity, to help facilitate the first-ever Andy Kim Christmas on the West Coast. It is truly a privilege to help bring together musicians and our community, to share their time and generosity, as they put the needs of children first.”

To maximize donations this year, Andy has enlisted long-time friend, Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Andrew Loog Oldham, and The Legacy Loog Foundation, to help him acquire some incredible one-of-a-kind music memorabilia and online auction items.

Fans will be able to bid on items donated by:

  • Paul Rodgers – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bad Company
  • Peter Frampton – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Gered Mankowitz FRPS – Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society (the highest distinction awarded by the UK-based organization)
  • Mike Reno – Canada’s Walk of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Loverboy
  • Peter Noone – Herman’s Hermits
  • 54/40, The Washboard Union, and Steve Bays

Additional sponsors include WestJet Airlines, MNP financial and Miller Thompson, with special thanks to Music Royalties Inc. for allowing the use of the recently recovered Rod Stewart film Rod the Mod. More donors and sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Andy Kim Christmas online auction details can be found here:  https://www.variety.bc.ca/events/andy-kim-christmas-concert/

Andy Kim, a Montreal-born Canadian, has sold over 30 million records worldwide and has a string of timeless hits including Sugar, Sugar and Rock Me Gently. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, an inductee to both the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame, as well as the recipient of the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award. His career includes multiple Juno Awards and the Key to the City of Toronto. Kim’s philosophy — “It’s up to anyone who really believes in a dream to fight for it” — continues to guide a career spanning more than five decades.

Justin Faulknor Channels Classic Rock Spirit in Playful New Single and Video “Girl Like You” From Album ‘Far From Home’

Eric Alper
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Justin Faulknor Channels Classic Rock Spirit in Playful New Single and Video “Girl Like You” From Album ‘Far From Home’

Canadian rock singer-songwriter Justin Faulknor unveils his latest single and video, ‘Girl Like You’ — a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek ode to classic rock storytelling and creative independence. The track serves as the lead single from his full-length album, ‘Far From Home,’ both out now.

A lifelong student of melody and lyricism, Faulknor wrote, produced, and performed ‘Girl Like You’ with a sound steeped in sixties and seventies influences — nodding to the timeless grooves of The Beatles and Bob Dylan while infusing his own modern-day wit and warmth.

“’Girl Like You’ started as a little bass riff I always kicked around,” says Faulknor. “One day, I decided to see how far the riff could take me, and it quickly morphed into a playful ditty with a soulful sixties kind of groove.” That spontaneous spark became the heartbeat of a song that feels both vintage and vividly alive.

Recorded with session players Federico Cremoli on bass and lead guitar and Sammy Dumanauw on drums, the single balances tight musicianship with a laid-back charm. The result is a track that captures Faulknor’s ability to blend introspection and humor, hallmarks of his evolving songwriting voice.

The creative energy extended to the video — a full-scale puppet production conceived, directed, and built by Faulknor himself. Inspired by his lifelong admiration for Jim Henson, the video follows two handmade characters through a whimsical, romantic storyline that could have played on The Muppet Show in its golden era.

“I doodled this Muppety female character one day and thought, what if she was the girl in ‘Girl Like You’?” he recalls. “I ended up storyboarding the whole thing, designing puppets, building sets, sewing costumes, and even learning some puppeteering. It became a huge labor of love.”

Drawing on his background in film and television production from Sheridan College, Faulknor edited and produced the video independently — a true one-man show in both vision and execution. “It was a lot of pressure and a whole lot of work,” he admits. “But my love and admiration for Jim Henson and his team helped me see it through.”

The result is a warm, nostalgic visual love letter to the artistry and joy that defined Henson’s creations. Both the song and video radiate the sincerity of a musician who believes deeply in craft, humor, and heart — the very pillars of great rock songwriting.

“Girl Like You” fits seamlessly within the broader tapestry of ‘Far From Home,’ an album written during the isolation of the pandemic. “There’s a playfulness, tongue-in-cheek feel to many of these songs, but also a touch of darkness at times,” Faulknor says. “It’s about feeling adrift, but still hearing that soft, distant voice of hope.”

Through its melodic guitar hooks, evocative lyrics, and imaginative storytelling, ‘Girl Like You’ captures Justin Faulknor as his most free and inventive rock craftsman reimagining nostalgia with contemporary heart.

Henry Lees Fires Off a Funky Kiss Off with Blazing New Single “Smoke”

Eric Alper
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Henry Lees Fires Off a Funky Kiss Off with Blazing New Single “Smoke”

It’s a commonly held belief that the dating pool is infested with hungry sharks looking for easy prey. Put your trust in the wrong person and you could swipe right into a load of heartache. We’ve all been there and so has award-winning Toronto singer-songwriter Henry Lees.

Lees knows the perils of romantic pursuit all too well and some of those experiences provided the kindling for his fired up, funky new single, “Smoke”, out now and adding some spice to the start of another super sweet, Hallmark-drenched holiday season.

“I like to call ‘Smoke’ the bad dream date song,” offers Lees. “The reality is that it’s tough out there in the modern digital dating world, Connections are made so conveniently on a screen but, you can often discover how tenuous and superficial that connection is in real life.”

“It’s a good thing though that bitter disappointment can be great fuel for a song,”

You made promises you knew you’d never keep

You lit the fire then, left me smouldering in the street

Now, I want all the charming words you spoke to disappear like smoke

Co-written with and produced by Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer-on-the-rise Sean Thomas (Debbie Gibson, Joey McIntyre, NKOTB, New Edition), “Smoke” was ignited and almost completely finished during a single, laugh out loud cross-country writing session between Lees and Thomas.

“There’s always an incredible energy co-writing with Henry,” notes Thomas. “He has such a natural talent for translating his passions into powerful, heartfelt songwriting. It was an honour to produce this track and bring it to life!”

This new collaboration already garnered pre-release industry honours when Lees was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the Best AC Artist category for the 2025 Unsigned Only Music Awards based on the strength of “Smoke” as a submission to the annual, international contest.

“It was a real gift to have “Smoke” rise up and almost magically appear for Sean and me,” notes Lees. “Then, recognition by a major international music competition confirmed our feeling that we created something very special with this song.”

This is not the first time Lees and Thomas have won accolades for their collaborations. “Free This Love”, a 2023 single by Lees, co-written with Heather Pirie and Matt Gerber and produced by Thomas, became a Top 10 Finalist in the Pop category for the 27th USA Songwriting Awards and a Semi-Finalist for both the 2023 International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only. An earlier Lees/Thomas song, “Nothing Left to Lose” won second place honours in the 2021 Indie International Song Contest and was named a Top 10 Finalist for the 17th annual International Acoustic Music Awards. Since 2021, Lees’ songs have been honoured 10 times by major music competitions.

“Sean and I met and started writing together during the annual SongStudio Workshop in Toronto in 2018,” notes Lees. “I’m thrilled to see his career bloom as a sought-after writer, musician and producer doing amazing work with legendary pop icons like Debbie Gibson and Joey McIntyre and still finding time to produce and release his own brilliant music. I’m grateful for what we get to create together.”

Prior to this, Lees’ varied musical life included writing, recording and performing everything from radio jingles to musical theatre and has taken him from the national airwaves to stages across Canada, including singing on two cross-Canada Huron Carole benefit tours with singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist and Officer of the Order of Canada Tom Jackson. Shannon Gaye, a dear friend Lees’ sang with on those Huron Carole tours and an accomplished Canadian singer-songwriter with several releases to her credit, provides the soulful harmony vocals on “Smoke”.

In 2022, Lees celebrated his first number ones as a songwriter when triple Maple Blues Award nominee Chris Antonik and his album “Morningstar” hit #1 for 2 weeks on Roots Music Report’s all-genre, Top 50 Canada Albums Chart and “Back to the Good”, one of six songs Lees’ co-wrote with Antonik for the album, also hit #1 on the RMR.

Also in 2022, Lees released the single “Walking With Fear”, a very personal song of support for those dealing with anxiety disorders co-written with multi award-winning singer-songwriter David Leask and produced by Leask with JUNO winner Steve Dawson and The Henhouse Express. “Walking With Fear” was released in partnership with Anxiety Canada in support of Action Anxiety Day.

And more music is on the way from Lees, with three more singles and a full EP in the works for 2026.

So, has creating “Smoke” cleared away at least some of Henry Lees’ own bad-dream-date memories?

“I’m very happily past those dangerous dating pool days,” he says, “but long may those life experiences keep the songwriting fires burning.”

Singer-Songwriter Ryan McMahon Unveils Emotional Folk Rock Single “There She Is”, Produced by Steve Dawson at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio

Eric Alper
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Singer-Songwriter Ryan McMahon Unveils Emotional Folk Rock Single “There She Is”, Produced by Steve Dawson at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio

Canadian singer-songwriter Ryan McMahon unveils his powerful new single “There She Is,” produced by Steve Dawson and recorded at Bryan Adams’ Warehouse Studio in Vancouver. The track stands as one of McMahon’s most personal and moving compositions—a song about rediscovering beauty, forgiving oneself, and finding sanctuary in the simplest moments of life.

With seven solo albums, two acclaimed records with his folk-rock trio Lion Bear Fox, and nearly two decades of touring across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, McMahon has carved a reputation as one of Canada’s most authentic musical voices. His work bridges folk, Americana, and rock, rooted in sincerity and emotional storytelling.

Born in Ladysmith, British Columbia, McMahon’s rise from small club stages to national tours alongside Burton Cummings, Tom Cochrane, and Lisa Loeb speaks to his craft, resilience, and connection to audiences nationwide.

A multiple Vancouver Island Music Award winner and SOCAN-affiliated songwriter, McMahon’s songs have been featured in Californication, Chesapeake Shores, and global campaigns, expanding his reach beyond the stage. His latest chapter builds on the success of Live Now (2023), an album that showcased his ability to channel life’s challenges into raw, redemptive art.

Lyrically, “There She Is” captures a moment of rebirth. Lines like ‘A sun that rises up over my town / A promise I believe this time around’ embody gratitude, serenity, and rediscovery. The song moves from heartbreak toward clarity, embracing the idea that peace comes not from control, but from acceptance. McMahon paints vivid images of sunrise, ocean waves, and forgiveness—symbols of beauty returning to a life once clouded by loss.

“It’s about recognizing beauty in all its forms,” McMahon explains. “A sunrise, a sunset, a slow smile of approval from someone you love. This life is beautiful, and I forgot that for a while. I wanted to write a song that people could exhale to—to find peace in what is, and to honor the beauty all around us.”

McMahon adds, “When I started working with Steve Dawson and his Henhouse PopUp Gang, the inspiration came fast. The song wrote itself in under half an hour. It’s about forgiveness, letting go of what doesn’t serve us, and holding tight to what does.” The result is a cathartic musical journey—one that invites listeners to feel both grounded and uplifted.

Produced by Steve Dawson (a multiple JUNO Award-winning producer), “There She Is” features an ensemble of exceptional players: Ryan McMahon (vocals, acoustic guitar), Steve Dawson (electric guitar, pedal steel), Jeremy Holmes (bass), Liam MacDonald (drums, percussion), Darryl Havers (organ), Jordan Pritchett (percussion, backing vocals), and Danielle Marie King (backing vocals). The track was engineered by Sheldon Zaharko, mixed by Jordan Pritchett, and mastered by Railtown Mastering Co. in Vancouver.

The song’s sonic palette blends folk introspection with Americana grit and soulful optimism. Dawson’s production brings warmth and texture, while McMahon’s vocal—equal parts weathered and reassuring—anchors the emotional core. It’s a sound that feels both timeless and unmistakably personal, embodying the best of Canada’s singer-songwriter tradition.

“There She Is” arrives as a statement of endurance and gratitude in an age that needs both. It’s a testament to McMahon’s gift for turning vulnerability into strength, and solitude into shared experience. For fans and newcomers alike, the single reaffirms why McMahon’s voice continues to resonate across the country’s stages and airwaves.

Toronto Rising Pop Star Bella Cole Brings Confidence, Fun, and Fire to New Single “Got Your Number”

Eric Alper
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Toronto Rising Pop Star Bella Cole Brings Confidence, Fun, and Fire to New Single “Got Your Number”

“I didn’t initially think of it as an empowering song, but that’s definitely how I felt performing it,” says Toronto’s own Bella Cole. “I hope anyone listening feels that same confidence and energy.” From the first note of “Got Your Number,” Bella captures that feeling of knowing exactly who you are and refusing to settle for less.

Bella Cole started out on stage, majoring in theatre at a performing arts high school where she fell in love with the power of performance and connection. That love evolved into a deeper curiosity about sound itself, leading her to study Audio Engineering at Trebas Institute in Toronto. Now, she brings both worlds together by blending storytelling and sound in everything she creates.

Emerging from Toronto’s vibrant music scene, Bella fuses classic soul, funk, and pop into a sound that’s both nostalgic and now. Inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse and Billie Eilish, she’s creating her own lane with songs that feel timeless but alive with modern attitude. Whether performing at iconic venues like El Mocambo or writing late into the night, Bella is always chasing the real, moments that connect and resonate.

Her new single “Got Your Number”- over 50,000 YouTube views in just 3 weeks – showcases that spirit with sharp wit and unapologetic swagger. “Every time you wanna come around, there’s one thing on your mind,” she sings, before flipping the script with the infectious hook, “It’s a game, I’ll make the rules, and you should know, that I’ve got your number!”

The song is playful and fearless, layered with smooth retro grooves and bold vocals that burst with confidence. “You hit me up, you’re playing the fool, cast a spell, I’m not going under,” Bella belts, turning a classic story of flirtation into a celebration of self-worth. It’s a track built to soundtrack every late-night dance party and mirror singalong.

“Got Your Number” represents everything Bella stands for, energy, empowerment, and authenticity. Her lyrics, full of charisma and personality, reveal a young artist who knows her voice and isn’t afraid to use it. Each verse feels like a wink and a nod to every listener who’s ever taken back their power.

Bella’s rise has been fueled by both talent and vision. Having studied sound design and engineering, she knows her way around every layer of a track, shaping her music from the ground up. Performances at Toronto landmarks have built her reputation as one of the city’s most engaging new voices.

With every release, Bella continues to connect with fans looking for music that’s as confident as it is fun. Her storytelling, rich with emotion and humor, has already caught the attention of the local scene and beyond.

Looking ahead, Bella is focused on creating songs that bring people together. “This project has been pure joy,” she says. “I’m so excited to finally share it and see people sing and dance along.”

Folk Guitarist John Dawson Brings New Light to a Christmas Classic With “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Eric Alper
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Folk Guitarist John Dawson Brings New Light to a Christmas Classic With “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Every holiday season brings a sense of reflection, and for Canadian guitarist John Dawson, that reflection takes shape in music. “It always amazes me how the veil between past and present seems pulled back during the holidays,” he says. “Traditions meet change, and in that mix, we find meaning.”

Dawson, a longtime figure in Canada’s folk and roots scene, has quietly built a reputation as one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, he is a songwriter, guitarist, and composer who has worked across performance, education, and composition. His resume includes sharing stages with Juno and Grammy-nominated artists and backing Jackie Lomax at a Beatles Festival in 2011.

For his latest project, Dawson strips away everything but the essentials. His new recording, a solo guitar arrangement of the traditional carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” is a quiet meditation amid the noise of the season. There is no singing, no embellishment, only pure, intentional playing. “It’s precisely what I do in the quiet nights by the soft light of a tree,” he says. “It’s what I wanted most to share.”

The piece unfolds with the patience of snowfall, guided by Dawson’s lyrical phrasing and deep harmonic sense. His arrangement draws on his lifelong appreciation for melodic and harmonic beauty, turning a centuries-old hymn into something intimate and timeless.

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” carries a stillness that reflects Dawson’s broader approach to music, where every note has room to breathe. It’s the sound of an artist unhurried by trends, whose focus lies in the quiet truths of tone and feeling.

Though he remains under the radar for many listeners, those who know Dawson’s work recognize a musician of rare sensitivity. His blend of classic craftsmanship and understated expression places him among Canada’s most quietly influential guitar voices.

Dawson’s musical journey began in theatre and evolved through decades of study and performance. A graduate of Humber College and York University, he combines technical command with a storyteller’s ear, often channeling influences from George Harrison to Mark Knopfler.

Listeners of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” can expect the warmth of tradition and the intimacy of a fireside performance. The recording feels handcrafted, capturing the same spirit that has made Dawson a trusted name among those who appreciate honest, unadorned musicianship.

As the season invites moments of pause, Dawson’s latest release offers a soundtrack for reflection. “This little offering is meant to accompany others during the quiet moments of such a busy season,” he says.

Acclaimed Vocalist Jenna Esposito Releases New Album ‘The Sixties Chicks’ Celebrating Pop, Power, and Women’s Voices

Eric Alper
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Acclaimed Vocalist Jenna Esposito Releases New Album ‘The Sixties Chicks’ Celebrating Pop, Power, and Women’s Voices

Acclaimed vocalist Jenna Esposito, hailed as the voice of Little Italy and a powerhouse of American cabaret and pop, announces her new album ‘The Sixties Chicks’, out now on Good Fortune Records. It’s a vibrant salute to pop’s heroines and a celebration of women leading today’s charts.

“This record is my love letter to the women who raised me through their records,” says Esposito. “I wanted every track to feel like a pep talk, a party, and a permission slip to be loud, bold, and fully yourself.”

Built on radiant harmonies, punchy brass, and feel-good grooves, the album blends classic pop sensibilities with a modern sparkle. Esposito upgrades vintage textures with today’s energy—catchy hooks, widescreen arrangements, and a wink of New York sass.

“Far’ L’Amore Con Te” leads the charge with heart-in-throat romance and cinematic sweep as a standalone teaser ahead of the new record. Originally penned by Ernest Rossi as a love song for his wife, the track shines with Jenna’s soaring vocal and a timeless melody that feels both classic and immediate. While not part of the forthcoming album, the song is being boosted as a single to build momentum for the release — and with the original version now just past its 10-year anniversary (first released August 25, 2015), it also carries the weight of a special re-launch moment.

Produced by Jenna Esposito and Fortune Esposito, the album features an all-star ensemble: Fortune Esposito (guitar), David Crone (piano/keyboard), Charles Broelmann (drums/percussion), Frank Petrocelli (tenor sax), Kelly Esposito-Broelmann (backup vocals), Rob Langeder (backup vocals), Pete Spina (tenor sax), Nick Vallerio (tenor sax), Christopher Rinaman (trombone), Bob Gravener (trumpet), and Chip M. Fabrizi (percussion).

As women continue to redefine pop from the ground up, Esposito’s ‘The Sixties Chicks’ adds momentum—amplifying stories of resilience, joy, and sisterhood. The result is a record that nods to the past while pushing the present forward.

“I tracked these songs with the same spirit I take onstage—open-hearted, a little mischievous, and totally in the moment,” Jenna adds. “We chased performances that felt alive, where you can hear the grin, the grit, and the goosebumps.”

Born in Middletown, NY and based in Brooklyn, Esposito made her New York nightclub debut in 2004 and has since headlined storied rooms including Birdland and Feinstein’s/54 Below, shared stages with legends, and earned acclaim for her tributes to Connie Francis, Dean Martin, and The Great Italian-American Songbook.

Her discography spans ’13 Men… and Me!’, ‘To Connie… Love, Jenna’, ‘That’s Amore: Songs from the Great Italian-American Songbook’, and ‘More Amore’. Recent highlights include a world-finalist nod at Sanremo Senior and a tour of Sicily with the City Rhythm Orchestra.

To mark the release of ‘The Sixties Chicks’, Esposito will bring her high-voltage show on the road. Expect powerhouse vocals, sparkling arrangements, and the kind of banter that turns a concert into a celebration.

Montreal’s R&B Sensation Noëlly Lives Up to Her Name by Releasing Her First Christmas Song

Eric Alper
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Montreal’s R&B Sensation Noëlly Lives Up to Her Name by Releasing Her First Christmas Song

Montréal-based Noëlly Nsimba celebrates her birthday early this year with the release of “Christmas Just Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You.” The singer-songwriter and former tennis pro was born on December 26, aka “Boxing Day,” just thirty minutes after midnight, compelling her mom and dad to name her as they did. As a result and because of her abiding faith, Christmas has long held a special place in her heart, so it was quite natural for her to record a song of the season. “Christmas Just Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You” is now available on all streaming services and is offered to radio programmers in North America and beyond for airplay consideration. Produced by Rox Capriotti (Shape of Water, Vivaldi Metal Project, Morpheus Project) in Manchester (UK), the backing track was sent to Noëlly, who recorded her vocal part at her home studio in Montréal.

Noëlly had previously been on the Women’s Pro Tennis Tour, a pursuit that saw her compete in tournaments around the world as well as in her native Canada. The daughter of immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she pursued her tennis career while becoming an accomplished singer and songwriter. While “Christmas Just Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You” was written by Chris Maule, she worked with Capriotti to, as she puts it, “Make it me,” adding, “I love Christmas; it’s my favorite holiday so I’m very happy about this recording.” During the holidays, Montreal is noted for its many Christmas markets, celebrations and snowfall, further inspiring Noëlly. “This is my favorite time of year when we go to church and enjoy exchanging gifts with family and friends, so I had thought about doing a Christmas song and this one is perfect for me. I’m excited to see Christmas through Zyon’s eyes now that he’d old enough to take it all in but even as a tiny infant I could see how delighted he was with his eyes following the lights on the tree. This year is going to be even better now that we have such a great song to play.”

Concurrent with the release of “Christmas Just Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You” comes “True Love,” an original song written by Noëlly to mark a very emotional time in her life. The song was created when André Lukombo, her favorite uncle and her dad’s youngest brother passed away early in life from pancreatic cancer. “I was in England when I wrote it to express what my Aunt Gisele was going through and to give voice to these strong feelings. When she heard it, I could sense the emotion in her voice and realized the song had touched her as my uncle’s passing did me.” “True Love,” as with “Christmas Just Wouldn’t be Christmas Without You” is now available on all streaming platforms.

Last July, Noëlly seamlessly transitioned from her earlier career as a ranked tennis pro to music when she performed “O Canada,” to kick off the 2025 Canadian Women’s Open.  Her version of Canada’s national anthem, as well as a song she wrote about the sport she loves, “4 De Love Tennis,” were released simultaneously, setting the template for this week’s offering of “Christmas Just Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You” and “True Love.”

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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