It may only be October, but Fantasia has brought the yuletide spirit early this year with the release of her first-ever holiday album, Christmas After Midnight.
Produced by Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole), the 12-track project features unique renditions of Tasia’s favorite holiday classics, including “This Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” a duet with CeeLo Green.
“I’m so excited for my first Christmas album,” says Fantasia. “My grandmother Addie Collins’ birthday was on Christmas Day. I will never forget how she would put up the prettiest Christmas trees and lights. But more importantly, I’ll never forget the impact she had on me and everyone else around her this time of year. She was a loving woman who helped all her grandchildren understand the true meaning of the holiday, its impact on our spirituality and character as well as the importance of recognizing the value of family and significant relationships. This album is dedicated to her. So as she would always say, ‘Keep giving the Gift of Giving!’”
Recorded at Los Angeles’ iconic Capitol Studios and Nashville’s famed Blackbird Studios, Christmas After Midnight is a festive mix of rock, soul, jazz, funk, and blues.
According to Fantasia, the album is an ode to legendary singers who have influenced her work. “This album pays homage to my grandmother and is a gift from me to all of those who remember their grandparents or parents putting up Christmas trees and being a blessing into people’s lives,” she explained. “I’d also like to pay homage to the great singers like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles who stood strong in what they believed in—the music. I hope that it blesses you guys. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
In support of the project, Fantasia is hitting the road on “Christmas After Midnight — A Holiday Concert,” which is scheduled to kick off Nov. 19 in Dallas. More dates are expected to be added soon, but check out the current itinerary below.
Nov. 19 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall
Nov. 24 – Houston, TX – Arena Theatre
Nov. 25 – Nashville, TN – Shermerhorn Symphony
Nov. 26 – Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy
Nov. 28 – Chicago, IL – Symphony Hall
Dec. 01 – St. Louis, MO – Peabody Opera House
Dec. 02 – Detroit, MI – Music Hall
Dec. 06 – Durham, NC – DPAC
Dec. 09 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
Dec. 10 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Theater
Dec. 13 – New York, NY – Apollo Theater
Dec. 14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
Tickets for “Christmas After Midnight – A Holiday Concert” are on sale at www.fantasiaofficial.com.
