When the stores start moving Halloween merchandise off the shelves to make room for Christmas, music lovers can look forward to previews of new holiday music from across genres. On November 4, IBMA-award-winning vocalist and fiddler Becky Buller released the first radio single off her upcoming Christmas album The Perfect Gift, due out on December 2.
Buller’s album promises a mix of favorites from secular and Christmas tradition, covers with a twist, and Buller’s originals. The first single “Last Christmas” was originally written and recorded by George Michael of Wham. Discovered by Buller’s daughter Romy last Christmas, the song found its way onto this project. The single has instrumental backing by Barry Bales on bass, Ron Block on banjo, Todd Livingston on resophonic guitar, and producer Stephen Mougin on harmony vocals.They are also joined by bluegrass icons mandolinist Sierra Hull and guitarist Dan Tyminski.
On the full-length album, listeners can also look forward to a variety of special appearances, including the Fairfield Four, who have appeared on other recordings by Buller. They provide their singular acappella sound on “Mary Rocked Her Baby,” which Buller co-wrote with Lisa Aschmann. Also making appearances are Rhonda Vincent, Tim O’Brien, and Vince Gill, and Sharon White on vocals and Ricky Skaggs on mandolin.
The album’s sacred selections range from “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” by Fanny Crosby and the timeless advent hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The story of the prophetess who met the baby Jesus is told in the original track “Anna.”
Buller also includes songs on the lighter side, Buller includes “Merry Macaroni Art” and “Our Gingerbread House,” also co-written with Aschmann.
While The Perfect Gift includes a strong slate of guest stars, the regular members of the Becky Buller Band bring their magic to the project: Ned Luberecki on banjo, Daniel Hardin on bass, Jack Eddy on guitar, and Wes Lee on mandolin.
With the release of “Last Christmas,” Becky Buller demonstrates just why The Perfect Gift may be perfect gift for this Christmas.