Rod Stewart's Christmas

It's never too soon to think about December. Here's news on the first Xmas release to come across my in-box - and one of my favorite artists too...

Rod Stewart's first holiday album Merry Christmas, Baby is set to arrive in stores on Oct. 30. It was produced and arranged by David Foster. 

"I have always been tempted to do a Christmas album," said Stewart. "Now that I once again have young children, the timing couldn't be better. Additionally, Merry Christmas, Baby gave me a chance to reunite with David Foster.” Added Foster, “I’m thrilled that this is the first project for both of us on Verve [Records].”

The album of standards and traditional songs finds Stewart joined by Michael Bublé, who duets with Rod on “Winter Wonderland.” “We Three Kings” is a duet with Mary J. Blige; and the title tune is a pairing with Cee-Lo Green featuring Trombone Shorty. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” features Dave Koz on saxophone and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is a ‘virtual’ duet with Ella Fitzgerald featuring Chris Botti.

Other tunes comprise “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “White Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “Silent Night,” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The album’s one original track, “Red-Suited Super Man,” is composed by Rod Stewart, David Foster and Amy Foster and features Trombone Shorty.