Combine the most beloved, classic songs of the holiday season with the warm baritone of one of the most recognized voices in popular music, and this Fall will give fans reason to celebrate with "James Taylor At Christmas." The 12-song collection of traditional and contemporary seasonal songs is set for release on Tuesday, October 10th, on Columbia Records.
"James Taylor At Christmas," includes Taylor's heart-warming version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," from the 1944 film "Meet Me In St. Louis," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," as well as the premiere of a new recording of Joni Mitchell's composition, "River." Special guest performances on the CD feature jazz trumpeter Chris Botti on "Winter Wonderland," legendary harmonica player Toots Thielemans on "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" and with Natalie Cole on "Baby It's Cold Outside."
Ten of the album's 12 tracks are produced by the legendary jazz pianist/composer/arranger Dave Grusin. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," was produced by Russ Titelman, who first worked with Taylor on his classic 1975 release, "Gorilla."
Taylor, who will hit the road this Fall for his critically hailed "One Man Band" Tour, has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and 5 Grammy Awards for a catalog running from 1970's "Sweet Baby James" to his Grammy Award-winning effort "October Road" (2002). He has won the RIAA's Diamond Award and is a Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer, a member of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame and in 1998 was honored with Billboard's Century Award. Just this past February, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences selected James its MUSICARES Person of the Year.
