from CHRISTMAS SONGS
Written by Joseph Beal & James Boothe
David Foster wears the undisputed “King of Christmas Music” crown. In the new millennium, Foster was the producer on successful seasonal albums for the likes of Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Sir Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Mary J. Blige and many more.
Back in 1993, Foster released his own critically-acclaimed Christmas album, aptly titled The Christmas Album. That record featured guests that included Celiné Dion, Natalie Cole (1950-2015), Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones, Vanessa Williams, Wynonna and more. The Hitman was responsible for co-writing “Grown-up Christmas List,” sung by the unforgettable Natalie Cole and included on The Christmas Album. “Grown-up Christmas List” is among the most beloved and covered modern yuletide classics.
For the 2022 Christmas season, Foster, along with his talented singer/actress wife, Katharine McPhee, recorded a handful of holiday evergreens and released them on a cd titled Christmas Songs. On Christmas Songs, Foster and McPhee fans and seasonal music lovers enjoy beautiful renditions of classics which included “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” ”Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and a gorgeous reworking of “Grown-up Christmas List.” McPhee shined throughout the record. She delivered one killer performance after another. Her crystal-clear voice was at home with this kind of material. Foster’s arrangements built the perfect music scenario for McPhee’s terrific vocals. The production by Foster and his partner, Jochem van der Saag, was top-notch. Award-winning arranger, Chris Walden, crafted the lush orchestrations.
“Jingle Bell Rock” is the pick for Song of the Week from Christmas Songs. This song sports a fantastic, big-band arrangement and a feel-good, joyous vibe that’s total ear-candy.
The Canadian super-producer kindly sent a note about this special project:
“’Jingle Bell Rock’ is probably my favorite
song on this record ‘cause I love the big-
band approach. Chris Walden did the horn
arrangement and I think he did an
incredible job. Second favorite is ‘I’ll Be
Home For Christmas’ loosely borrowed
from my 1993 version with Peabo Bryson
and Roberta Flack. If I have to choose, I
think Kath’s best vocal on the cd is
‘Grown-up Christmas List.’”
On a final note, a merry and bright Christmas wish to the Foster/McPhee family and all readers of fozfan.com.
- Lead & Backing Vocals: Katharine McPhee
- Programming & Synths: David Foster & Chris Walden
- Sound Design: Jochem van der Saag
- Arranged by David Foster & Chris Walden
- Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin’ and blowin’ up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air
What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet
That’s the jingle bell rock
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air
What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet
That’s the jingle bell
That’s the jingle bell
That’s the jingle bell rock