NEW YORK, NY. (Arista Records) - The ever-productive and always-surprising career of American popular music icon
Brian Wilson will dazzle old and new fans with his first solo album of Christmas music, "What I Really Want for Christmas," named for its Bernie Taupin-penned title track.
"Christmas has always been a special time for me and my family," said Wilson. "And this year will be even more special because I'll have a new album of holiday songs on Arista Records to celebrate the holiday season. I hope the music means as much to other people as it does to me."
"What I Really Want For Christmas," features lyrics written by Taupin, Elton John's long-time lyricist. Brian's new album will feature one more newly-composed tune, "Christmasey," with lyrics by Jimmy Webb, of "Up, Up and Away" and "By the Time I Get To Phoenix" renown.
Brian will offer new versions of "Little Saint Nick" and "The Man With All the Toys," which were the two opening songs on 1964's essential The Beach Boys' Christmas Album (his last full LP of yuletide songs).
"What I Really Want For Christmas" includes new versions of eight holiday favorites: "Deck The Halls," "The First Noel," "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing," "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "Oh Holy Night," "Auld Lang Syne" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."
Joining Brian for the album sessions is his ten-piece top-notch band: Jeffrey Foskett, vocals, lead guitar; Darian Sahanaja, vocals, vibes, keyboards; Probyn Gregory, vocals, guitar, keyboards, horns; Nick Walusko, vocals, guitar; Nelson Bragg, drums; Jim Hines, drums; Bob Lizik, bass; Paul Mertens, lute, saxophones; Scott Bennett, vocals, keyboards, percussion; and Taylor Mills, vocals. The album was produced and arranged by Brian Wilson.
"What I Really Want For Christmas" and Brian Wilson Presents "Smile," his most recent album (September 2004, Nonesuch), are the latest volumes in a resurgence that began in 1988 with the release of his first official solo album Brian Wilson. Prior to the recording of "Smile," he undertook an extended tour of the U.K., Europe, and eventually the U.S., that first presented the music of his long-awaited and finally completed masterpiece of 1966's most famous unreleased and unfinished album.
