New Holiday Classics

By now, the holiday spirit should be kicking in. That’s mainly because local radio stations have been playing your favorite Christmas classics and you can’t get Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” or Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” out of your head. Oh, admit it!

Well, then, here are a few “must adds” to your holiday-inspired music collection that will also make perfect “stocking stuffers” this year.

A Coko Christmas (Light Records) Anyone familiar with former lead singer Cheryl “Coko “ Clemons of defunct R&B Group SWV knows she can sing. Coko’s full gospel solo debut Grateful left fans hungry for more good music. Here’s the dessert that you’ve been waiting for. Coko reminisces on her favorite holiday tracks with guest appearances by American Idol finalist George Huff, her mom Lady Tibba and her son Sir Jalen. Produced by David Caton, A Coko Christmas will inspire you to treasure the tradition of good classic holiday music with a new twist.

It’s Christmas (Light Records) Paul S. Morton (“Let It Rain”) returns with his self-titled Christmas project. Morton makes a joyful noise with Christmas standards such as “Away In A Manger” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” as well as new favorites like the single “Christmas In Vain” and “Give Love On Christmas Day.”

“You can’t take Christ out of Christmas … His name means everything,” Morton tells N’Digo. Expressing that Christmas is more than just receiving gifts and decorating the tree, the bishop explains that we need to spread love and celebrate the life of Jesus. “The highlight of the holidays for me is giving to the less fortunate, spending time with my family and enjoying special time with my grandkids.”

Morton adds, “I want people to prosper and be in good health even as their souls prosper. Without giving to the one who have given to you is a wasted gift.”

It’s Christmas (Verve Records) Neo-Soul “diva in training” Ledisi shines with her first holiday offering. Mix raw undeniable talent with eight classics and four brand new compositions, and you have a feast for the soul and ears. Throw a little jazz, R&B and gospel wafting from her powerful pipes, and you have a classic holiday CD in the making. Producers for this project include George Duke and Richard Smallwood.

“I want to convey a sense of hope during the toughest time of the year,” Ledisi says. “I also want people to see what Christmas was like at my home. Everyone poured their all into this CD, and we did it together. I pray that our world will continue to display more togetherness in the years to come. The election reminded me how connected and disconnected we have become but no matter what, life is still good.”

I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Razor & Tie) Brian McKnight delivers one of the best works of his career on this holiday release. It’s flawless from beginning to end. He sings your favorite Christmas classics and three originals in that smoky R&B lure of his that only he does so well. For your ears, there’s an amazing duet with Vince Gill that’s impressive, and don't sleep on the Boyz II Men remake "Who Woulda Thought.” Dare I say, it’s an instant classic. Josh Groban, Rascal Flatts and Babyface also make guest appearances.

Pick up these albums. You’ll be glad you did.