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#629969 - 12/13/20 02:25 PM
[User Showcase]
NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
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Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 6571
Loc: Davis, CA
Veteran
Registered: 12/21/13
Posts: 6571
Loc: Davis, CA
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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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#630051 - 12/13/20 08:56 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 12/29/12
Posts: 5897
Loc: Originally Missouri ... Now Al...
Veteran
Registered: 12/29/12
Posts: 5897
Loc: Originally Missouri ... Now Al...
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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 2022 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win10*8GB DDR4*I5-6th Gen*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120 Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
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#630081 - 12/14/20 03:02 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 4344
Loc: Ontario, Canada
Veteran
Registered: 11/30/07
Posts: 4344
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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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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#630117 - 12/14/20 07:23 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10208
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 08/10/12
Posts: 10208
Loc: Florida
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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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#630147 - 12/14/20 10:36 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 05/05/18
Posts: 1413
Loc: United Kingdom
Expert
Registered: 05/05/18
Posts: 1413
Loc: United Kingdom
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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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#630162 - 12/14/20 01:01 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 1917
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
Expert
Registered: 05/27/19
Posts: 1917
Loc: Dallas, PA, USA
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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!!
Edited by BabuMusic (12/14/20 01:02 PM)
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#630190 - 12/14/20 03:01 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 05/22/11
Posts: 3495
Loc: Florida
Veteran
Registered: 05/22/11
Posts: 3495
Loc: Florida
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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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#630199 - 12/14/20 03:15 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
Expert
Registered: 02/20/10
Posts: 1707
Loc: Maryland
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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 10, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 6i6, Komplete keyboard, Sony Acid Music Studio 11, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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#630262 - 12/14/20 06:48 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 10/09/16
Posts: 1440
Loc: Central Ohio
Expert
Registered: 10/09/16
Posts: 1440
Loc: Central Ohio
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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.
Edited by edshaw (12/14/20 06:49 PM)
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#630303 - 12/14/20 09:39 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
Expert
Registered: 06/05/12
Posts: 1081
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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.
_________________________
My music can be heard at: The Cracks
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#630308 - 12/14/20 10:19 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 12/06/03
Posts: 4812
Loc: Sydney Australia
Veteran
Registered: 12/06/03
Posts: 4812
Loc: Sydney Australia
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Greg
Superb work - such a smooth endearing sound.
Merry Christmas from Australia.
Peter
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#630336 - 12/15/20 04:12 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1660
Loc: Germany
Expert
Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 1660
Loc: Germany
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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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#630554 - 12/15/20 04:40 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 04/02/19
Posts: 621
Loc: Canberra, Australia
Journeyman
Registered: 04/02/19
Posts: 621
Loc: Canberra, Australia
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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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#630566 - 12/15/20 05:50 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 6315
Loc: North Carolina
Veteran
Registered: 08/29/14
Posts: 6315
Loc: North Carolina
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Beautiful Greg. 
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#630600 - 12/16/20 12:31 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5119
Loc: Sacramento, California
Veteran
Registered: 09/27/10
Posts: 5119
Loc: Sacramento, California
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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! 
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#630607 - 12/16/20 03:22 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 04/15/19
Posts: 668
Loc: SA, Australia
Journeyman
Registered: 04/15/19
Posts: 668
Loc: SA, Australia
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I've saved it to my 'favorites list' in my browser. What more can I say?
Edited by Ghostgum (12/16/20 03:22 AM)
_________________________
My music may not set the world on fire but if it causes a glow in just one person's heart, it has all been worthwhile
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#630629 - 12/16/20 06:48 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 05/30/20
Posts: 1009
Loc: Belgium
Expert
Registered: 05/30/20
Posts: 1009
Loc: Belgium
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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
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#630695 - 12/16/20 11:39 AM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 11785
Loc: GA USA
Veteran
Registered: 12/05/11
Posts: 11785
Loc: GA USA
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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
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#630786 - 12/16/20 06:55 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 6645
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
Veteran
Registered: 12/08/11
Posts: 6645
Loc: Edmonton, Ab, Canada
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Beautiful Christmas song Greg. Super vocal. These songs transcend time. Well done
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#630797 - 12/16/20 08:10 PM
[User Showcase]
Re: NEW SONG POST: Christmas Lights
[Re: Greg Johnson]
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Registered: 11/30/19
Posts: 232
Loc: Sunny Florida :)
Apprentice
Registered: 11/30/19
Posts: 232
Loc: Sunny Florida :)
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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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