This holiday season has been a quiet one. Not much happening on the music front. Just a handful of singles from some of my newest divas. The only long-standing diva I can count on almost every December is Ingrid Michaelson with her newest release, “Song For A Winter’s Night.” A cozy instant classic with Ingrid’s signature low-key vibe.
Sydney Quiseng isn’t new to me, being the lead singer of Echosmith, but “Christmas With You” is her first solo Christmas single. It has a sweet romantic groove with a festive feel about what’s important this time of year.
Kate Hudson isn’t new on my radar for acting, but last year she shined brightly on her album Glorious. “Christmas Must Be Tonight” is her year-end gift to us all. The lyrics have a traditional religious feel but Kate’s sound rocks.
Tears & Gearz are a new duo but they took a Wham classic and made it their own with “Last Xmas.” It’s fitting after paying homage to George Michael on their Father Figure Fantasy EP. “Last Christmas” is one of my all-time favorite holiday songs and T & G’s appreciation of the original shows and their dueting is the perfect package.
New-to-me diva, Gina Zo, put a little something extra in her sack this year with a tasty twosome. “Sleigh Ride” is old-school but Gina gave it a punk twist and the “Santa Do You Know” lyrics have Gina’s tongue firmly planted in cheek.
Not having much to listen to, I had time to binge the newest cheesy holiday movies on Hallmark and Lifetime thanks to the FrndlyTV streaming service that’s annually my holiday gift to myself. In my gay opinion, Hallmark was a let down this year. The casts were as white as the undriven snow and as straight as Santa’s chimney. I turned to Lifetime for a little more diversity to make my holidays more Mary and gay.
“Deck The Hallways” was a must watch because of Loretta Devine. Not only does she star but also sings. My wish on Santa’s lap (I hope he’s happy to see me) is for Loretta to get a one-woman cabaret show. Loretta became a fav diva of mine co-starring with Jennifer Love Hewitt in the classic Lifetime series, The Client List, where Loretta owned a massage parlor that offers happy endings. Sure, Loretta might play a grandmother in “Deck The Hallways” but she’s one Nana who’s still just as naughty.
However, you celebrate this year or don’t, if you want to spend quality time with the greatest divas of all time…or at least the greats in my music library…here’s my gift to you: Dave’s Diva Holiday Ho-Down Playlist. Over three-hours of my favorite divas spreading their musical glitter to make your holiday shiny and bright.
