Listening to holiday music is a perfect way to reawaken Christmas spirit. Ronald (Ron) Ward, Jr. is helping to accomplish this task through his holiday CD entitled, “This Christmas.” Just before Thanksgiving this year, the full-time musician from Anne Arundel County released his second album in one year. “This Christmas” follows the well-received album, “It’s Just Music.”
Ron Ward
Ward produced, mixed and mastered tracks included in “This Christmas.” Other area singers and musicians contributed to the project, which features 10 timeless holiday songs. Renditions of traditional Christmas songs range from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “This Christmas” to religious carols, such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “O Holy Night,” and “Silent Night.” This project offers original arrangement, jazz sounds, a dash of gospel, quality instrumentation and a little something extra that will leave music lovers remembering the joy of Christmas. Ward puts his own touch on much-loved holiday songs, while highlighting beautiful music that showcases the talents of many.
“I would describe it [“This Christmas”] as Ron Ward, Jr.’s way doing some of the classic Christmas carols,” Ward said.
Ward reflected on his youth, explaining his family’s childhood Christmas tradition of decorating their house, putting up the Christmas tree, drinking egg nog, eating cookies and always listening to Christmas music.
“So I wanted to create this atmosphere every year. This is one of those CDs for people who love Christmas and Christmas music. This would always be in their rotations for years to come,” Ward said.
“This Christmas” offers an escape from the heaviness of the world and unsettling daily news on television. As a music minister at Asbury Town Neck United Methodist Church in Severna Park, Marland, Ward is musically equipped to redirect the attention of listeners to pleasant reflection and positive energy.
“Christmas is the time to rejoice for the birth of Jesus Christ, so I just wanted to do something to uplift [the] spirits for those [who] love Christmas music,” Ward said. “This is just a little bridge before I do, “It’s Just Music (Vol.) 2.””
If enjoy listening to soothing music in the car or are still looking for stocking stuffers, “This Christmas” offers a lovely holiday groove that you should consider adding to your shopping list.
Apple iPhone users can purchase “This Christmas” from iTunes. Android phone owners can locate it in the Google Play Store. Hard copies are available from the online music store, CD Baby.