Ohio City Singers–White Cleveland Christmas (12.03.08)

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From the earnestness of Little Drummer Boy to the hookiness of Feliz Navidad, we all hear the same holiday tunes covered year after year, be it by overly-produced American Idol contestants, pop stars or even The Muppets. By and large the seasonal standards remain popular and very few of the new songs stay in the annual rotation. But here’s something I truly believe is accessible and enjoyable for even the most jaded holiday music listeners this season . . . an upbeat, catchy original album of festive tunes by a multigenerational “supergroup” of Cleveland Plus musicians.

Chris Allen leads the troops on The Ohio City Singers‘ new CD “Love and Hope.” Although a young guy, Allen has been kicking around the music scene for quite some time. He was recently named Best Male Cleveland Songwriter by Cleveland Scene Magazine. He fronted the acclaimed group Rosavelt and has performed with the likes of other rock stars spawned from Northeast Ohio like The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde, DEVO and The Black Keys. For “Love and Hope,” Allen teamed up with famed songwriter/musician/producer Don Dixon (who lives in these parts) and an array of musicians from area including Doug McKean, Walkin’ Cane, Kelly Wright, Tom Prebish, Chris Hanna, Brent Kirby, Marti Jones, Mark Stepro and Bobby Latina. The project was sponsored with help from Cleveland-based Medical Mutual of Ohio.

If you like the samples the Ohio City Singers have generously let us post here, support Cleveland music and pick up your own copy by ordering it here, attending the House of Blues CD release show on Sunday December 7th (in conjunction with WKYC Channel 3 and Coats for Kids) or by visiting Cleveland area haunts like Borders Books and Music, The Harp, The Banyan Tree, Visible Voice Books, The Southside, The Happy Dog or Stone Mad. –AK