We actually started recording the album last holiday season, so I guess you could say we got a jumpstart on the whole thing. It wasn’t hard to play “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” when you’ve just finished setting one up.

2.  What are you hoping is under your tree this year?

Honestly, now that I have kids it’s more fun for me to watch them open their gifts than get anything myself. I think my son is going to get a set of drums this year, which is all he has ever wanted. That, I am sure, will be a great memory-making moment.

3.  What five words would you use to describe this record?

Fun, timely, heartfelt, joyful.

4.  What are your two favorite songs on the record? 

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” It’s not your typical, happy-go-lucky Christmas song, but … the story behind it not only gives great substance to the holiday season, but also points all the attention back where it should be, to our Lord of humble birth.

BRYAN DUNCAN
"NehoSoul Christmas!" (Red Road)

1.  When you recorded the album, how did you capture the Christmas spirit?

I never took my Christmas decorations down from last year!

2.  What are you hoping is under your tree this year?

Actually I’m just hoping for the tree … an aluminum one with a color wheel! And I’d like a few days off to celebrate.

3.  What five words would you use to describe this record?

Best record I ever made.

4.  What are your two favorite songs on the record? 

“What a Wonderful World” moves me the most, and “Christmas Comes But Once a Year” captures the overall feel of what I wanted to do on this project. My favorite 30 seconds on the record is right after the organ solo on “Christmas Time Is Here.” When the horn section comes in and the “angels” are singing with me, it makes the hair on my arms stand up every time.

JEFF JOHNSON
"Stars in the Morning East: A Christmas Meditation" (Ark)

1.  When you recorded the album, how did you capture the Christmas spirit?

I recorded [some of my] musicians at various locations, including my home studio here on Camano Island, Washington. The touch-up tracks were done in Ireland this past February. It’s still pretty bleak and cold in Ireland and the Northwest in February and March, so I didn’t have any troubles getting into the whole “bleak midwinter” vibe!