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WAR ushers in the holiday season with its first-ever Christmas song, “(Yes It’s) Christmas.” On the track, the revered Southern California ensemble offers an irresistibly funky groove that radiates sunny vibes and the holiday spirit. “(Yes It’s) Christmas” began as an extended jam, which producer Jerry Goldstein sculpted into the final song. Frontman Lonnie Jordan’s lyrics manifest a laid-back, warm-weather Christmas, where kids from all types of neighborhoods dream of Santa dropping off his goodies just for them and the joy of the season.

Originally written in Latin, the hymn had its origins over 1,200 years ago in monastic life in the 8th or 9th century. The words and the music of "O come, O come, Emmanuel" developed separately. The Latin text is first documented in Germany in 1710, whereas the tune most familiar to us has its origins in 15th-century France. Singer songwriter Irene Kelley combines her voice with those of her two daughters, Justyna and Sara Jean, to bring holiday cheer and raise funds for the Healing Gardens project created by Patio Records founder, philanthropist Terry Eagan.

Larry Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela and is a legend of Llanera music. Joe Troop is from North Carolina and is a GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass and old-time musician. This is one of the most popular Latin American Christmas songs. The third verse of the song originally says, "Con mi cuatrico voy cantando, mi burrito va trotando," which means, "With my little cuatro I go singing along as my donkey goes a-trotting." But Larry & Joe’s version changed "cuatrico" to "banjito," little banjo.

This bluegrass-inspired take on "River" began in 2020 with a minute-long acoustic guitar cover of the song posted on Sarona’s Instagram. “That song was my most successful post to date, so I knew I wanted to eventually record a full-length version in the upbeat, acoustic style I used for the Instagram video,” she explained. Working with multi-instrumentalist Tims, the duo arranged, performed, recorded, and produced the track, with Sarona playing guitar and banjo and taking the lead vocals, while Tims adds mandolin, fiddle, lead guitar, bass and vocal harmonies.

Banjo – Doug Dillard; bass – Klaus Voormann; drums – Jim Keltner; guitar – Jesse Ed Davis, Danny Kortchmar, Fred Tackett; keyboards –Leon Russell, Van Dyke Parks, Jane Getz.

Sounds like Shawn had fun singing this!

Accordion – Phil Parlapiano; Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Howie Epstein; Bass – John Ciambotti; Bouzouki, Zither, Acoustic Guitar – David Lindley; Drums, Percussion – Joe Romersa; Keyboards – Benmont Tench; Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – John Prine; Pedal Steel Guitar – Jaydee Manness.

A sacred Christmas carol, probably composed in the 16th century. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete, which is Latin for Rejoice. ‘Below the Salt is the fourth studio album by Steeleye Span and their first after they joined the Chrysalis label. The album takes medieval influence and combines it with the band's British folk-rock style.’

10th Anniversary Edition with bonus tracks. Nick Lowe was approached by his label, Yep Roc Records, to make a Christmas themed album. Lowe's initial reaction was negative, but he later agreed to take on the project. While recording in the studios Lowe said, "We tried to make it a sleigh-bell free atmosphere."

a Christian reinterpretation of Psalm 98.

Makes you think of all the kids who aren't going to have much of a Christmas this year.

Bright Eyes is the trio of Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott. All proceeds from the single will go to benefit Prine’s charity, The Hello In There Foundation. The beneficiaries of 2023’s Hello In There Foundation are Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Porters Call, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and Renewal House. Featured within this rendition is a sample from the song “A John Prine Christmas,” taken from its eponymous ‘A John Prine Christmas’ EP from 1993.

The song, probably from the 17th century, was traditionally known as "As I Sat On a Sunny Bank", and was particularly popular in Cornwall. The ‘ships’ are possibly the camels used by the Magi, as camels are frequently referred to as "ships of the desert".

1965 single release.

Ritchie Blackmore and his wife, Candice Night, along with sundry others, including Anton Fig on drums. New 2017 remastered version of an album originally released in 2006.

Indie band from Providence. Originally performed by Darlene Love.

Nightnoise was formed in the mid-80’s by former Bothy Band members Mícheál Ó Domhnaill and his sister Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, and classically-trained fiddler Billy Oskay.

One music critic said of this album, “Old fans will be glad to see that even cynics can age gracefully." Another, from Rolling Stone mag, said, “the songwriter made it clear you didn't have to grow up… John Prine meant a lot to us. He was the Christmas tree we never wanted to see torn down.”

“Rise Up, Shepherd" was first documented in a short story by Ruth McEnery Stuart in 1891, where she likely transcribed a song overheard from plantation laborers. The song's relationship and probable origin with Civil War–era Black Americans has given the song special meaning in the context of Black history.

Danny Levin on fiddle; Bradley Williams on accordion.

Great band from Philly!

‘Shemekia's singing is sound sliding on velvet.’

One of my favorites from my favorite band.

Recorded At Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Released as single 1972.

1980s bluegrass band from the Washington, D.C. area. Previously unreleased.

New Rhythm And Blues Quartet (originally Quintet). Previously unreleased.

Sounds like Nate is channeling Van Morrison...

‘Between the two Hells of uniformity and division lies a passable path.’ A united Earth. My Christmas wish to you.