The holidays are here, and we are loving these takes on seasonal classics by Asian American musicians, singers and songwriters:
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Us The Duo
The popular folk pop duo and real-life couple Carissa Alvarado and Michael Alvarado have released their new Christmas album “Our Favorite Time Of The Year.” Their single “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is sweet and warm, and the pair’s harmonizing vocals remind us of everything we love about this season.
“Santa Baby” – Jessica Sanchez
Jessica Sanchez, the Filipino American R&B pop and soul singer and “American Idol” veteran, delivers a solid take on the Christmas classic “Santa Baby” with her sultry vocals.
“It Just Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas” – Jeremy Passion
When it comes to creating Christmas originals, it can be hard to live up to the classics, but R&B singer Jeremy Passion’s “It Just Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas” fits right in. With silky vocals, warm piano keys and light drum cymbals, it’s easy to fall in love with his Christmas original.
“Wonderful Christmastime” – POP ETC
As part of indie pop band POP ETC’s vow to release new music once a month, the trio’s Christmas EP “A POP ETC Christmas” showcases the band’s original takes on familiar Christmas tunes. With acoustics and plenty of sing-along moments, this EP fits right in with the season.
“The Nice List” – Dia Frampton
Korean American singer-songwriter and “The Voice” alum Dia Frampton lent her sweet and raspy vocals to holiday classics like “The Nice List” on her new Christmas EP “Yule Tunes.” With clear-cut vocals, a catchy rhythm section and twinkly bells and whistles, Frampton makes these Christmas classics her own.
“Jingle Bells” – Tina Guo
Seasoned Chinese American cellist Tina Guo puts her musical virtuosity into Christmas classics in her “A Cello Christmas” album. With a diverse background in recording and composing for the film scores in “Sherlock Holmes,” “Pirates Of The Caribbean 2” and most notably the “Wonder Woman” theme with Hans Zimmer, Guo’s cello compositions for the holidays are mesmerizing.
What are your favorite holiday tunes, and did we miss any?
