Buddies, can you hear the bells ringing?
It’s the sound of Paisley’s very own Christmas album which was released last week.
The 15-song album, Pass The Parcel Paisley, is a unique gift from local musicians to their community and features original music inspired by the festive period – the good and the bad bits.
The album, which is jam-packed full of Christmas inspired tunes, grew out of an idea of open mic musicians collaborating on a collection of original music for a Paisley album.
The songs are available to stream online for free but the album will also be available to purchase via Bandcamp.
And the proceeds from sales of the creation will be going towards the Star Project’s food bank and pantry.
Both amateur and professional musicians offered up songs reflecting a variety of holiday emotions and feelings.
Many of the songs were produced in home studios in the Paisley area, showcasing the unique musical talent located in the town.
“It has been a wonderful journey since April assembling this collection of songs,” said Ric Herrington, one of the organisers of Pass The Parcel Paisley. “A couple of songs feature collaborations from creatives who only know each other online and have never met in person.
“A few submissions came in from musicians I have never met.
“This album is a musical magic trick! We’re still bamboozled by all of the great musical ideas on display.”
Local award-winning musician, jazz vocalist Evelyn Laurie, and guitarist Paul Black may have penned a new work destined to be a classic – ‘Don’t Go Drinking With Santa’ – where too much Christmas cheer can lead to memory loss.
Another inebriated episode takes place in ‘The Work’s Christmas Doo’ when Nick Ahrens plays all instruments in his composition.
‘Bring Her Home’ sees Jodie Campbell melting listeners’ hearts as her endearing voice drifts through a tale of missing someone special.
Another open mic sensation, Jenifer Wilson, belts out her sultry tones on a ‘Heart of Christmas’.
Guitarist and busker, Steve Hat, crafted a piece featuring another popular local busker, Robert Henderson.
‘The Snowman and the Boy (A Little Act of Faith)’ remembers times of loneliness while Fallen Arches sings the rocking ‘Toast the Stars’ which laments the tediousness of the holiday’s traditions.
A poll will be made available on the Pass the Parcel Paisley Facebook page for listeners to choose their favourite tune to put forward as a ‘Paisley Christmas Number One 2022’.
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