Home Free. Performing since the early 2000s, this Minneapolis-based a cappella quintet won NBC's The Sing-Off in 2013. In 2014 they released a holiday album, the nostalgic-but-refreshing Full of Cheer.
Home Free |
For more about these guys -- Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Chris Rupp, Tim Foust and Adam Rupp -- check out their website, Facebook page or YouTube channel.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. These funk/soul revivalists have been around since 1996. There have been personnel changes among the Dap-Kings, but Sharon Jones has remained out front fiercely singing an eclectic range of material. Their 2015 holiday release -- It's a Holiday Soul Party -- is not your ordinary Christmas album. Jones and the Dap-Kings just might make you get up and dance.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings |
Tracey Thorn. She's one half of the (currently inactive) '80 duo Everything But the Girl. In 2012 she brought her wistful, subdued style to a holiday album -- Tinsel and Lights -- an emotionally resonant mix of mostly new tunes.
Tracey Thorn (photo: Edward Bishop) |
De Staat (photo: Isabelle Renate la Poutre) |
Well-Strung. They're the talented and sexy string quartet of gay men who've carved out a niche for themselves by mixing pop and classical music.
Left to right: Christopher Marchant (second violin), Edmund Bagnell (first violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) & Trevor Wadleigh (viola) |
"Silent Night." Traditional with a twist.
I liked Tracey Thorn, but my favorite was Well-strung. Thanks for a diverse holiday music round up.
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