Source From http://www.blackamericaweb.com/
The O’Jays have long been one of soul music’s most enduring groups.
Formed in Canton, Ohio in the late 1950s with original members Eddie Levert and Walter Williams Jr., the group became a part of the Philadelphia sound in the 70’s with hits like “Backstabbers,” “I Love Music” and “Love Train.”
To celebrate their fans’ devotion over the years, they are providing them with the perfect holiday gift – a brand new holiday release. Despite some of the personal tragedies they’ve suffered, the O’Jays are in the Christmas spirit this year with “Christmas With The O’Jays.”
The CD’s 10 tracks include such Christmas standards as “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night” “Joy To The World” and “The First Noel,” as well as two new songs: “I’m What You Want For Christmas” and “Cause It’s Christmas.”
For this effort, the O’Jays collaborated with Time/Life’s Saguaro Road Music, and they say it was truly a satisfying project.
“This CD was created with the best intentions and in good spirit,” says Williams. “Every now and then, an opportunity like this comes along. We, The O’Jays, Bruce Walker and Jacques Richmond were able to capture the holiday love and spirit in these performances for our fans’ enjoyment.”
This is only the second Christmas album the group has ever recorded. The other is 1991’s “Home For Christmas,” so it’s been a while since the group has put its personal spin on holiday-themed music.
“This was one of the fastest records I ever recorded,” says Levert. “It is a great product that I am proud to have been a part of. It was a great experience going into the studio to create what I am sure will be a long-lasting holiday treat.”
For their part, the executives behind this latest O’Jays album seem as though they’re just as excited about it as the group’s fan base.
“‘Christmas with The O’Jays’ pairs one of American music’s greatest groups with a cherished American tradition – the holiday album,” says Mike Jason, Saguaro Road Records’ senior vice president of retail. “Turn the fireplace on, pour yourself eggnog and enjoy The O’Jays this holiday season with a brand new album of classic songs, along with two newly written soon-to-be classics.”
