In 2015, after much time, thought, energy and love… John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band brought his signature baritone voice to Christmas favorites in both a new and timeless setting with the help of Atlanta Pops Orchestra and some very special guests. In 2016, they added new bonus tracks on a double Vinyl release for the nostalgia lover in all of us.
The Atlanta Pops Orchestra concluded their 70th Anniversary season with the release of this record, the first full length album recorded by the orchestra in over 30 years, and features brand new arrangements by Wes Funderburk of Christmas classics, including “Blue Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch.”
Tap into a beautiful and nostalgic world, complete with soaring arrangements, expansive harmonies, and even humor! Iconic friends Indigo Girls help to light up the classic “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” bluegrass trailblazers Balsam Range bring the Appalachian mountains into view on “What Child Is This?,” and Laura Bell Bundy and JDH take “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” for a new spin.
Track Listing:
- Away In A Manger
- Do You Hear What I Hear? feat. Indigo Girls
- O Holy Night
- What Child Is This? feat. Balsam Range
- Silver Bells
- Blue Christmas
- Baby, It’s Cold Outside feat. Laura Bell Bundy
- The Christmas Song
- You’re A Mean One, Mister Grinch / Welcome Christmas
- Christmas Time Is Here
- Silent Night
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Produced & Engineered By: John Driskell Hopkins
Executive Producers: John Driskell Hopkins & Kevin Leahy
Executive Assistant: Nicole Jurovics
All songs arranged by Wes Funderburk, except “What Child is This?” (arranged by John Driskell Hopkins, Balsam Range and Wes Funderburk)
Atlanta Pops Orchestra recorded at 800 East Studios, Atlanta, GA, August 3 & 4, 2015
Engineered by Martin Kearns, assistant engineer Spencer Willis
Laura Bell Bundy recorded at Outloud Audio, Los Angeles, CA, August 11, 2015
Engineered by Stiv Schneider
Indigo Girls recorded at Silent Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA, August 12, 2015
Engineered by Thom “TK” Kidd, assistant engineer Kory Aaron
Balsam Range recorded at Crossroads Recording Studios, Arden, NC, July 22, 2015
Engineered by Van Atkins, vocals engineered by Buddy Melton
Mixed By: Thom “TK” Kidd at Silent Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA, September 2015,
Assistant engineer Courtney Horton
Mastered By: John Horesco IV at One Up Mastering, Atlanta, GA, October 2015
Indigo Girls appear courtesy of IG Recordings (Distributed by Vanguard Records,
a Division of Concord Music Group)
Balsam Range appears courtesy of Mountain Home Music Company
Album Illustration by Leighanne Schneider
Licensing by Harry Fox & Kobalt Music Group
Liner notes by Dr. Lyn Schenbeck
In The Spirit: A Celebration of the Holidays
Copyright 2015 Brighter Shade, LLC