A Life You Love — Margaux Joy DeNador

Holiday Music Review: The December People – What FUN!!!

When I hear the name Robert Berry, I smile. Why? Because he is a treasured friend, one of the most positive people I know, an awesome musician, singer, songwriter, and music producer… and he loves the holiday season. Robert has created an album of fun new rock interpretations of Christmas music with his band the December People!!! 

OK, I have to admit I love Christmas music — I start to play it right after Thanksgiving every year. If you love Christmas music and want something new and fun to hear, you'll want to check out this new album. 

Who are the December People?

They are a band of talented recording and performing artists with a unique concept — they perform well known Christmas songs with a classic rock style.

The band was created by Robert Berry, who has played with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer as 3, as well as Sammy Hagar, Ambrosia, Greg Kihn — and his bands HUSH, Alliance, and The Robert Berry Band. The other members of December People are Gary Pihl the guitarist with Boston who has also played with Sammy Hagar; David Medd, keyboard player for The Tubes and Quicksilver Messenger Service; Mike Vanderhule, drummer and percussionist, from Y&T; and Jack Foster, a solo artist on Musea Records, on guitar.

 

My husband and I were lucky to be able to see — and hear — the album debut concert, which was held on November 13, 2010 in Monterey, CA, by a live feed on the internet.The photos above, and below, are of the concert. One thing we noticed was that these very talented musicians were having fun playing the holiday songs and it was wonderful to watch them perform. 

 

This morning the December People were on NBC TV for the San Jose Holiday parade. They played a medley of songs from the album. They looked happy, joyful, and sounded fantastic. The float looked great and the energy of the band plus dancing elves and santas added to the magic.

If you would like to see them live, they will be performing Friday, December 10, 2010 at The Avalon in Santa Clara, CA for the KFOX Can Jam. The doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. Admission is a $10 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank (per person) or 10 cans of food. For more information, click here.

Following are links for more information and to purchase the December People's new CD:

December People website - store, music samples, performance dates, information

Amazon - buy the album, hear songs, buy individual songs

 

 

Written by Margaux Joy DeNador – Sunday, December 5, 2010

"Already Here" — Anna Taylor's Debut Album

 

Anna Taylor's recently released debut album "Already Here" was a transatlantic collaboration between the English singer and California music producer Robert Berry.

Following is a brief description, by Anna, telling us how this magical, transatlantic musical adventure began:

 

"At times, I wondered if it would ever happen, but after patiently (or not so patiently!) waiting for someone who could create the music for my lyrics, my prayers were more than answered in March 2008, when at the recommendation of a friend, I sent an e-mail to song-writer and producer Robert Berry in San Jose, California. I knew immediately that he was the perfect person to work with - even though part of me wondered how on earth we would manage with such distance between us. But we did. And I'm very aware of our unique connection that made co-writing this entire album via e-mail not only possible but wonderful!"
 

 

 

Robert Berry and Anna Taylor at Soundtek Studios.

 
 

Here is an amazing fact: 

During the time the songs were being written Robert Berry and Anna Taylor only talked on the phone one time. They had never met in person until Anna was able to come to California to record the vocals for her songs at Robert's recording studio. All of their communication was done by email.

In September 2009 Anna traveled from England to record the songs for her album at Soundtek Studios in San Jose, California. 

 

I met Anna Taylor through my friendship with Robert Berry. In June 2008 I sent Robert an email with my schedule for the "I Can Do It" conference in Las Vegas. I was surprised when he emailed back asking me about Doreen Virtue. He told me about Anna Taylor and said that she had trained with Doreen. He gave me Anna's email address and that was the beginning of my friendship with Anna. During this time I've heard the passion Anna has for the songs on her album. 

During her time in California Anna came to stay with us for a couple of days. What I discovered is that she is passionate, kind, loving, and beautiful inside and out. Having her visit was fun. We would love to have her visit us again next time she is in California!

 

 

 

Anna Taylor during one of the recording sessions.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Anna Taylor knows first hand the incredible healing effect music can have on our mind, body, and spirit. Her music has a calming and healing quality to it. When I first heard the album I liked it. But what I've found is that now, after hearing it over and over again while driving my car, I love it. The songs make me feel good. Anna's voice is both soothing and beautiful to hear. 

 

Robert Berry  playing a track on his "Taylor" guitar. 

The music Robert Berry created to go with Anna's lyrics has a magical sound that makes me want to hear it again and again. 

I've been amazed for years by Robert's musical talents. Watching and listening as he created his magic while recording songs for two albums by my husband and son was a joyful experience.

Robert Berry's own albums are rock 'n roll. But because he is a masterful keyboard player, music composer, and guitarist he is able to shift gears and create music that is perfect for Anna Taylor's musical style. 

 

Anna Taylor recording a vocal track.
 

Anna Taylor's album comes with a beautiful booklet that includes the lyrics to all of the songs. Anna is a communicator who will touch your heart with the words she's written as the lyrics for her songs. 

The lyrics of the songs are a large part of what is so special about them. I highly recommend buying the CD so you will have the booklet with all of the lyrics. Click here to buy the CD from Anna's website.

Choosing my favorite songs was a challenge because to be honest I like them all. A few of the songs that stand out for me are: Already Here, Body, Like Me, and Beautiful. 

You can hear Anna Taylor's songs on iTunes. Just type in either Anna Taylor or Already Here and it will take your to her album page and you can hear part of each song. 

To read Anna Taylor's story on her website: click here.

Already Here was released on Valentine's Day which Anna calls "Love Day."  Her music is all created with love. You will feel her love as you listen to her sing. 

Please take the time to check out Anna Taylor's album. In my opinion, "Already Here" is a joy to hear!