‘Christmas Time Is Here’ by AM

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q179uAUuCHU[/youtube]

What’s there not to love about Christmas? Apart from the lovely carols, eggnog, Santa-rinas and mistletoe, it’s the only time of year when a jolly fat man dressed in red can sneak into your home without getting shot or severely bludgeoned by a hockey stick. And so, with that spirit in mind we hope that you enjoy this video by LA-based singer-songwriter AM. AM is spreading some yuletide joy with Holiday Happiness and Cheer (Fitler US Recordings), a 3-song digital EP, that includes a beautifully haunting rendition of Vince Guaraldi’s ‘Christmas Time Is Here’ (from the classic animated television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas). The festive favorite had a bit of a makeover, injected now with bossa nova-influenced guitar, icy synths and a bouncy bass line.

The multi-instrumentalist will also be releasing his latest LP Future Sons & Daughters in February next year. Finding inspiration by mining the crates of his extensive 1960s record collection, ranging from obscure Brazilian music to Italian soundtracks, AM and producer Charles Newman (Magnetic Fields), recruited a host of talented players to add sonic layers to the songs.  Together, they set off to create a record that pays homage to the Tulsa-born, New Orleans-raised musician’s diverse influences such as Jorge Ben, Brian Wilson, Sergio Mendes and Curtis Mayfield, while showcasing his own songwriting chops, intelligent lyrics and psychedelic grooves.

Listen to the rest of Holiday Happiness and Cheer here.