This EP was fun to do from start to finish. I started getting into the holiday spirit last year, and have always felt that Christmas music took me to another place. I wanted to join in on the fun and create some of that same music to hopefully take others to a special, happy place.

I teamed up with a professor from my undergrad at UNCW, Jerald Shynett (Jazz Professor), who arranged each song. We wanted to be original but also add familiarity, so we added two covers of “Christmas Time is Here” and “My Favorite Things”. Waiting for Santa truly shows the collaboration of a meeting of the minds, not only between Jerald and myself, but with plenty of improvisation from all instrumentalists on the record.

The title track, “Waiting for Santa” which is #3 on the record, is our lighter, classical and traditional song of the set. This features a trio comprised of Linda Estep on violin, John Ilingsworth on cello, and Jerald Shynett on the piano. I wrote these lyrics last Christmas, when I remembered and reflected what it felt like as a child on Christmas eve, waiting for Santa to show up — with excited anticipation for the presents the next day….I was thrilled to hear the arrangement Jerald created, as when it all came together, it was truly refreshing and one of my most favorite tracks I have recorded to date!

The remaining tracks feature the reputable Michael DeAngelo on the drumset, Taylor Lee on the bass, and Jerald Shynett on the keys. Each of these players add a sophisticated, fun, yet tender vibe to each song.

The first track, “Christmas With You” features Rich Zimmerman who plays a dreamy sax intro and solo, as well as Cole Mancini on back up vocals. Christmas With You was written with a gospel feel, with the down-to-earth and simple message that we realize as we approach adulthood: Christmas really isn’t about gifts and fancy things, rather it is about being together with the ones you love — to celebrate love.

“Christmas Time Is Here” is our ‘samba’ take on the memorable Charlie Brown tune. “Christmas Time is Here” features an impressive solo by Andy Blair on the electric guitar.

“My Favorite Things” features Rich Zimmerman again on sax, crooning out a rhythmic solo to complement the groovy bassline by Taylor Lee. This is a true progressive take on a familiar holiday tune.

“By My Side” is the pop song of the bunch — featuring a dreamy and surreal synth and vocal intro that dives into a disco-like dance number. We had fun with experimenting with sound effects, and special thanks to Cameron Tinklenberg for his special effect additions to this song. “By My Side” is a visceral tune about not really wanting anything else other than your “special someone” right beside you for your holiday season. This song also features a wailing electric guitar solo again by Andy Blair and back up vocals by Cole Mancini. It ends with an outro that corresponds with the intro which takes you back to the dreamy/synth vibe.

The EP was recorded and mixed by Karen Kane of Karen Kane Music Productions in Wilmington, NC and mastered by Peter Letros of Wreckhouse Mastering in Toronto, Canada.

The album art was done by Elizabeth Anne Ashford Oglesby and back photo taken by Julia Shook (both artists from Wilmington NC).

We hope you enjoy our record and thank you for your support. Add this to your holiday collection this Christmas 2015 and your future holidays to come!

xoxo

Vanessa Lynch

Preview and Purchase: http://www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/vanessalynch3

Vanessa Lynch's Christmas album now available