Jay-R believes in Christmas and enjoys its cheer and trimmings. At this time of the year, he cannot afford to be a Scrooge or a Grinch.
Jay-R celebrates the joyous season with an album, released by his own label Homeworkz Records, titled Holiday of Love.
“It is fulfilling,” says the R&B singer of the happiness the Christmas album brings him. “I get to do my own music. I have control over everything (from the content to the arrangement). I put my heart into it. It gives me a different high once it is done.”
With Jay-R’s passion for music and anticipation of Christmastime, Holiday of Love describes what Christmas is to the singer-actor. It gives listeners musical feast during get-togethers, exchanging of gifts and noche buena. The repackaged album contains of 14 tunes, devoid of instrumentals. The real deal on Holiday of Love, however, is the repertoire which consists of Jay-R’s “traditional and personal favorites.”
He describes the merry season in O, Holy Night and Do You See What I See? and gives its true meaning in Give Love On Christmas Day. The listener will also be treated to new original songs in Tito Reny which Jay-R wrote himself, and Spread the Love, a collaboration with his sister Jhing. They show his vulnerable side.
Other songs that will put one in a Holiday mood are White Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Intro (O Christmas Tree), Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, This Christmas, Santa Baby and The Little Drummer Boy.
How is Holiday of Love different from his previous album Christmas Away from Home? Jay-R does a cappella in O, Holy Night. Then he provides a jazzy and signature R&B touch in every ditty. Expect interesting sounds to each Christmas carol.
The album has the dominating sounds of guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. Making the album extra special are the vocals of Amber Davis, Kris Lawrence and Jay-R’s sister Jhing.
“I have always liked Christmas the most from all the holidays,” shares Jay-R on the album’s notes. “I remember as a child I always managed to get everyone in my family a gift although I didn’t have much money. It’s amazing what you can do when you are inspired by your loved ones. I remember hearing Christmas songs in the middle of September and already getting that warm and cozy feeling inside. It would give me that holiday spirit and I would like to get excited because I knew Christmas was just around the corner.”
That’s what Jay-R wants to share with everyone come Dec. 25 and in the days leading to it.
To share his blessings, Jay-R will donate a portion from the album’s proceeds to GMA Kapuso Foundation.
If there’s a message Jay-R wishes everyone to ponder upon, it is “to be kind, to give and to love another.” He hopes to accomplish all these through the album.