Newton, Smith release new Christmas CDs
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

Christmas is just around the corner and there are always new holiday albums released.

Singer-songwriter Juice Newton, who had a big hit with "Angel Of The Morning" in the 1980s, released her first ever Christmas project- "The Gift Of Christmas."

In the liner notes Newton says Christmas is a time of joy and reflection, love and rememberance, tradition and discovery.

"To that Spirit, I offer this gift to all of you."

Song tracks include "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "Jingle Bell Rock," "The First Noel," "Christmas Needs Love To Be Christmas," "Sleigh Ride," "Santa Can Dance," "For Believers," "Mary's Boy Child," "Shining Star," "Better Get Ready," "Christmas Wish" and "Auld Lang Syne."

The "Gift of Christmas" is a present for you to unwrap and enjoy over and over

It can only be purchased over the internet at http://cdbaby. com/cd/juicenewton2

Another CD to check out is by Mindy Smith, who is a fairly new artist. She covered Dolly Parton's "Jolene" a couple of years ago and got rave reviews

"My Holiday" includes 11 songs about the season.

Besides the title cut, Mindy sings "The Christmas Song," "Santa Will Find You," "Follow The Shepherd Home," "What Are You Doing On New Year's Eve," "Away In a Manger," "Silver Bells," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "It Really Is (a wonderful life)" and finally "Come Around."

It can be purchased www. amazon.com.

There are also Christmas CDs recorded by Texas singer songwriters.

Some include Tish Hinojosa - "From Texas On A Christmas Night," Dale Watson - "Christmas Time In Texas," Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis - "Happy Holidays," Asleep At The Wheel - "Merry Texas Chrismas Y'all," Willie Nelson "The Christmas Album," "A Hill Country Christmas" which includes a song written by Mike Blakely.