For years, fans have asked guitarist Wayne Wilkinson to record a Christmas album. Now Holly Tunes delivers a joyful new holiday collection. It’s Christmas through the voice of the guitar – lyrical and inviting — supported by bass and drums in the timeless trio format. Piano and organ add sparkle and soul while strings lift carols into moments of beauty and reflection.

Holly Tunes captures the full spirit of the holidays and is a long-awaited gift to listeners: swinging favorites that bring joy, nostalgia, and cheer along with reimagined sacred carols. Listening feels like stepping into a timeless holiday film where the glow of vintage Americana meets sophisticated jazz harmonies.

Inspired by Joe Pass’s iconic Six-String Santa, Holly Tunes is perfect for listeners who want the spirit of Christmas wrapped in warmth, elegance, style, and a touch of swing, whether they’re a lifelong jazz listener or just discovering the beauty of these melodies in a new way.

My association with Purdue Bands over the years has been a privilege, especially the Jazz Department.

I’ve performed with the faculty and many current and former students here and there.  Right now, there is a group of students who are particularly special – they have been the “House Band” for the Tony Zamora Jazz Scholarship that I administrate, they’ve been active on the local scene coming to jam sessions and I’ve even called them for gigs which were great fun.

I’ve been wanting to check out a local studio that opened in town a few years ago and mentioned to my good friend and musical journey advisor, Kate Smith, that I was thinking about recording a tune there with them just to remember it all.  She strongly suggested we do a whole album, which is in the works.

 For now, though, please enjoy what will become a bonus track on “The Boiler Sessions.”

I arranged the traditional Holiday classic “Coventry Carol” with these talented musicians in mind – none of whom are actually majoring in music.  Dan Gui – trumpet, Seth DeWhitt – tenor sax, Austin Choi – piano, Grace O’Neil – bass and Carl Neilson filling in for this session on drums.

The Versatile Jazz Singer Amber Weekes Creates An Inventive, Heartfelt And Surprising Christmas Album. In A Diverse Program Filled with Swingers, Ballads, and Soulful Departures, The Singer Is Joined By Top Los Angeles Musicians Including Paul Jackson Jr, Guitarist, Bassist John B. Williams, Pianist Josh Nelson. Album Produced By Mark Cargill.

“A Jazzy Interlude with Josie Falbo” is an intimate musical set recorded for this special time in our lives. Having grown up on many holiday favorites, Josie wanted to share them with you.  The recording features well known Chicago based musicians:

Scott Mason, Bob Rummage, Carey Deadman, Kirk Garrison, Jim Gailoretto, Steve Eisen, Andy Baker, AlejoPoveda, Jeremy Kahn, Chuck Webb, Carey Deadman, Mark Lekas, Rich Trelease, Chris Sargent and Marshall Vente.