Jim Brickman, Lani Misalucha, Bloomfields bring holiday cheer with Christmas albums

Jim brickman’s “The Hymns And Carols Of Christmas”

Platinum-selling pianist-songwriter Jim Brickman releases his latest Christmas CD “The Hymns and Carols of Christmas” under Universal Records. His latest collection of holiday-themed music includes familiar classics like “Carol Of The Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark The Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy To The World,” “ O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Noel,” “Upon A Midnight Clear,” and many more. The 17-track album, with 2 Philippines-only bonus tracks, features the catchy single “Christmas Is” with vocal performance by Canadian superstar Mark Masri. Our very own Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez has her own rendition of the same track included as a bonus track. Another bonus track is Brickman’s popular composition “The Gift,” interpreted by John Trones.

Jim Brickman revolutionized the sound of Adult Contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano and the romantic popular song. His remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three #1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003, SESAC “Songwriter of the Year” award, a Canadian Country Music Award for “Best Vocal/ Instrumental Collaboration,” a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for “The Gift.” Along with his career highlights, Jim’s best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “Destiny,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Your Love,” “By Heart,” “The Love I Found In You,” and “Peace.”

Lani Misalucha’s “The Gift Of Christmas”

Lani Misalucha has been assured of a joyous Holiday season, since she will be sharing again her music with fellow Filipinos through her brand-new “The Gift of Christmas” album, released by Universal Records.          

“This is just the right Christmas present which I have long been dreaming to give all those who have supported my career,” the international song artist said, beaming. “Through this CD, I could be with every Filipino family during the happiest of holidays.”          

Lani’s own renditions of contemporary and traditional Christmas carols will surely brighten up Christmas celebrations. With just the right amount of sparkle and feel, she has transformed all the 12 songs in the CD as all-time Christmas favorites.          

Lani makes definitive versions of “The Christmas Song,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Little Christmas Tree,” “White Christmas,” “Christmas Won’t Be The Same Without You” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” She also re-interprets such Christmas classics as “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Grown Up Christmas List,” “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night” and “When A Child Is Born.”

The Bloomfields’ “Pasko Natin To”

The Bloomfields—the quintet band who gave us revivals of happy music from the past (otherwise known as timeless and fun “daddy music”)—is giving us more reasons to be merry this holiday season. The Bloomfields is releasing its second album under EMI Philippines, the Christmas album, “Pasko Natin ‘To” that features 10 tracks including three of the band’s original compositions. The album is basically a collection of songs which depicts how Pinoys usually celebrate their Christmas holidays. “Pasko Natin To”—as the album title and first single—sounds like traditional carols but with a heavy amount of Bloomfields’ upbeat trademark.

The Bloomfields, which is made up of Jay Jay Lozano on the lead Rickenbacker (the guitar John Lennon used), Louie Poco on the bass Rickenbacker (also a McCartney Favorite), Pepe Lozano on the electric guitar, Lakan Hila on piano/organ/keyboards and Rocky Collado on the drums, recorded the album for almost a month with the help of their co-producer Chito Ilagan of EMI Phils, the band’s manager George Boone and sound engineer Nikki Cunanan.

With the band’s unique blend of old and new, they were able to make the album a lot different from their first album, technically speaking. “I think the first thing we have noticed is that the sound was more mature in this album. This one’s still has the rock ‘n roll touch, but has more elements,” Lakan added.

The band starts and ends the album with an acapella of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” with remakes from The Beach Boys’ “Santa’s Beard”; Motown favorite “Someday At Christmas” originally by Stevie Wonder and Perry Como hit “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas” in between. There also versions of OPM Christmas classics like “Tuloy ng Tuloy ang Pasko” and Apo’s “Himig Pasko.”