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Hello and Happy Holidays Forum friends!! I have always loved Christmas songs and the season in general. To me, the beginning of school in the Fall (for those of that age) and Christmas season are the 2 times of the year that really connect a person to the past. I have so many memories of Christmases with family and friends, and hearing the songs (particularly Nat King Cole, Sinatra, and Happy Christmas by John Lennon) bring back those wonderful and care free days. Although I love the religious songs (Silent night, etc.), I tend to lean toward the standards of the 50's era. This is one of those songs. Hope you like it! I treasure your feedback. Take care, and Merry Christmas all! Greg https://soundcloud.com/gjohnson-2/xmas-lightsChristmas Lights Christmas lights, on those stormy nights Help to keep my spirit bright And I like to call, when snow starts to fall Just to make sure you’re alright And I count the days, in my weary haze Until we meet again But the Christmas lights keep me goin’ Until then Christmas time always has a shine Brings a warmth into my heart And, the great surprise, in the children’s eyes Guess that’s still my favorite part And it’s understood, peace and brotherhood Are the joys the season brings With each jingling bell An angel gets their wings Ebenezer gets to save his soul George Bailey’s friends come through And I can’t wait to share it all with you The fire is burning low, so to bed I’ll go I know I’ve got to get some rest So I’ll blow a kiss, to you, the one I miss And pray the angels keep you blessed And I’ll hold you tight, through the stormy night That sweet dream will pull me through And someday soon, I’ll watch those Christmas lights With you The players: Bass. 2311 Piano. 487 Drums. Jazz swing brushes snare Trombone 492 Strings 2952 Piano and strings were saved MIDI and played through Kontakt plugins
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Hi Greg ...
I fully agree with your love of the pop Christmas songs of the 50s. I grew in that era and have such wonderful memories of the time ... the innocence and carefree comfort of that lifestyle. You certainly brought it back into the spotlight with this fabulous song. It's a wonderful song ... reminds me of Nat King Cole more than anyone.
So few people have such a fabulous gift as your voice. Thank you for sharing it with us fortunate listeners. There is so much "wow factor" in everything you do. Listening to your music is a precious treasure for Diana and me.
wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a very prosperous New Year in 2021. Take care, my friend.
Alan & Di
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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I love songs from that era too, and this stands up with any of them.
Instant classic!
Best to you and yours for Christmas, Greg.
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Greg Johnson. A great jazz group. A new Christmas song. That velvety voice.
Can't think of a better combination. A Christmas present for us all.
It is NOT easy to come up with a Christmas song that sounds NEW and OLD at the same time. The hits the mark. So well-written (lyric AND melody).
Gorgeous.
This should become a standard.
fj
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Ah, my favourite crooner of the BIAB/PG Music Showcase forum ... you NEVER disappoint. You take me to an era I never knew in person (I'm an eighties child) ... and yet it's like I'm there. Thank you.
In this song, at least, you remind me a little of Bing Crosby. Bravo.
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Right? Man, I can hear any of the crooners from that era cutting this as the first track for Side A of their Christmas classics album, but I much prefer hearing you do it, Greg. Quite a range in there. I can hear you tucking in your chin for some of those "Someday soon..."s. Great choice for the trombone solo. Outstanding write capturing the sound of the times, and a magical presentation. Happy Christmas, Greg!!
Last edited by BabuMusic; 12/14/20 10:02 AM.
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Definitely a modern classic! Beautifully sung and produced. Simply a great write and the mix is outstanding. This is superlative in every way. Happy Holidays to you and yours,Tom
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Great song, great singing and I love the references to some great Christmas movies as well. Whatever else happens, I always watch It's A Wonderful Life each December. Happy Holidays to all!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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It has come out of that genre, Greg, but is a fresh new take on the standards. No wonder they have been listened to and loved for so long by so many. More like this, please.
Last edited by edshaw; 12/14/20 03:49 PM.
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Very smooth sound. It hits the mark of that classic Christmas song style (Cole, et. al.). The band has the spirit too. Nice work.
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Greg
Superb work - such a smooth endearing sound.
Merry Christmas from Australia.
Peter
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Hello Greg,
what a beautiful tune that is! Love the band and the arrangement, the trombone solo is just awesome. And your vocal is just devine.
Very, very nice !,
Take care,
Stefan
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Hi Greg
The fifties is also my favourite decade for Christmas songs and this one certainly captures that feel. Great vocal performance as always. Merry Christmas and stay safe.
Regards,
Leon
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Beautiful Greg. 
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As others have said, a modern classic. Velvet smooth, and the underappreciated trombone gets a chance to solo. Lyrically, hits all the right buttons, from Christmas films to feeling lonesome holiday blues. Lovely melody, and a great arrangement, especially the understated strings. Your vocals are gorgeous as always. Thanks for the early Christmas present! 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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I've saved it to my 'favorites list' in my browser. What more can I say?
Last edited by Ghostgum; 12/16/20 12:22 AM.
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Hello Greg,
Superb atmosphere and very soft voice. You manage to make us experience this magical Christmas atmosphere. The solo trumpet very pleasant and the whole leaves us a sweet impression. Well done.
Good new year
Derochette
alais JaniJackFlash
Kindly regards
Derochette
alias JaniJackFlash
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Nat all the way. Velvet smooth indeed.
We enjoyed the Bailey reference!
We loved floyd's "old and new at the same time."
We have both listened to the classic crooners over the
years and have a genuine appreciation for what
you accomplished with this production.
Well done.
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
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Beautiful Christmas song Greg. Super vocal. These songs transcend time. Well done
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I LOVE crooner songs! Loved the melody, the vocals and the sweet vibe in that special time of the year. Thank you!
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We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
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