New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The famed Latin guitarist known as Johannes Linstead has released his latest single, an original seasonal song, titled, "Christmas Is Near!" The Christmas single has been released under Linstead's new musical appellation, Johannes Linstead Classical Works, and is the first of many new titles to be published by the composer under the title. In addition to the uncanny and myriad musical skills of Linstead himself, "Christmas Is Near!" also showcases the talents of Ondyena Oshyn, Krystal Ford, Maleigha Ford, and Ethan Ford. It is a Christmas song written in the classic American tradition, one very close to the Linstead household's heart.
"'Christmas Is Near!' is a song I wrote several years ago to spread Christmas cheer at our large gatherings during the holidays," writes Linstead. "The lyrics are very reminiscent of the old-time Christmas songs we heard growing up."
"Christmas Is Near!" is singularly important for longtime fans of Johannes Linstead, also, as it represents a shift from the Latin and world-music genres for which he has become famous, into that of classical music, the kind of music to which he grew up listening.
"Though I'm known for my releases of world / Latin music, this song is a departure for me as it reveals my more 'classical' side. I've composed several hundreds of classical works which I hope to release over the coming years, which is why I am branding this release under 'Johannes Linstead Classical Works' rather than just 'Johannes Linstead.'"
Linstead's music has placed in Billboard's coveted Top Ten, has earned no fewer than six Best Album awards, and has garnered him the Canadian Smooth-Jazz Awards' Guitarist-of-the-Year title. He is a Yamaha Influential Artist and has endorsed Yamaha of America's classical line of guitars. He is well-known for his spiritual and humanist nature, and infuses his compositions with principles of both.
"I am not particularly fond of the concept of countries, borders and the separation of people," he writes in his official bio. "My music is a way to cross those barriers because of its universality."
"Christmas Is Near!" from Johannes Linstead Classical Works is available online worldwide beginning 29 November 2013.
The single "Christmas Is Near!" is distributed globally by MondoTunes (www.MondoTunes.com) and is available at iTunes or www.top40-charts.com for convenient purchase and download.
