For the 3rd year running, local musicians have come together not just for some good Holiday fun, but also for a charitable cause. The result is 'Kelly's Christmas - The Magic Of Christmas...'

Longtime area drummer, Kelly Yacco gathered 21 of Utica's finest to collaborate on his brainchild, asking them to lend their unique individual flair to a handful of pre-selected Christmas songs. Musicians from bands like 9-Ball, Showtime, Classified, Soul Injection and several other freelancers all recorded a single part for a song or several and while the finished product is decidedly small town, the sound is much bigger. We all recorded at Big Blue North, formerly Castle Recording Studio in the old converted church on Genesee St and below is a peek of what that looked like at least from my eyes as I recorded my parts for 'This Christmas'

 

photo: Keith James / TSM
photo: Keith James / TSM
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There are two originals on the disc and some cover arrangements will sound familiar to you but instead of the original artists, you'll hear somebody who probably lives right down the street from you. The lion's share of production costs were covered by sponsors and the musicians themselves, so most of the proceeds raised from CD sales will go straight towards charity, specifically the music program over at the House of Good Shepherd, helping inspire needy kids through the only language everyone from all walks of life can understand but few can speak: music.

 

photo: Keith James / TSM
photo: Keith James / TSM
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Stop by the station here in Marcy to grab your disc for $10 and stay tuned for an interview with Kelly himself later this week! In the meantime, grab a listen of our version of Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas' below with myself on strings and keys, Joe Rossi of Showtime on drums, Greely Ford from Classified on bass, Justin Smithson of Showtime on guitar and vocals, Devin Garramone and Matt Migliore on horns... Comment/Like/Share if ya dig!

Click To Listen To 'This Christmas'


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