A Christmas Project

A Christmas Project is a 5 song EP collection of carefully selected and crafted arrangements of maybe lesser known sacred Christmas melodies featuring vocal artists from New York and Los Angeles.

The opening track features singer / songwriter Miles Smith of Los Angeles on the classic Advent Hymn, O Come O Come Emmanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel). The arrangement channels a modern jazz / Brad Mehldau-esque harmonic and pianistic approachconstantly flirting between the parallel major and minor tonalities. Smith’s vocals cut through the band’s hard playing and floats to an obscene falsetto range in the style of a Justin Timberlake. The track also features a soulful guitar solo by Zach Fenske (Madison Beer). The track ends without resolution symbolically referencing the text.

The second track features Orange County artist Jessie Adams on vocals on What Child Is This. Alex approaches presents this carol in 5/4 time signature with a reharmonization in the neo-soul stylings of Robert Glasper.

Track three has become a popular among fans featuring young, up and coming artist Hannah Anastasi on the sacred German Christmas Carol, Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming. On this track, Alex approaches the arrangement with a very unplugged, coffee shop vibe to match the delicate vocal stylings of Hannah. The bridge escapes to a whirlwind of vocal layers with the help of Phos Studios engineer Aaron Kretzmann.

The Little Drummer Boy features Bon Jovi backing vocalist and percussionist out of New York, Everett Bradley. The track possesses an aggressive and rhythmic force driven by electric guitars and a 4 on the floor rock groove. Everett channels his body percussion and scatting skills from his days touring with Bobby McFerrin.

The First Noel bring all the vocalist together in closing sing-a-long track where Alex subtly plays with the 3/4 meter and taps into some mild Bruce Hornsy-esque piano fills.

May this album bring a smile to you during the Chrismas Season!