Light Up The Holidays

 

Rachel’s fifth album is a beautiful and joyous celebration of Winter holidays, combining upbeat pop & jazz-inspired songs.

So why a holiday album? Well, there are 2 reasons.

First, last holiday season I was realizing how much I enjoy listening to certain songs during that time of year and how special they are to my family and to me when we hear them. Holiday music always puts us all in such a happy mood and we have certain traditions throughout December when we put on the holiday playlist and enjoy those distinctive songs that add so much joy to our season of celebrations.

Second, the world, especially our country, is experiencing such a divisive time right now, and I really wanted to find a way to try to bring people together, in spite of what they believe to be their differences.  A beautifully unifying way to do that is through music, especially music that honors several of the holidays observed during the Winter, not just one.  The holiday season is a time of gathering together with family and friends and bringing light into the darkness of December.  It is my hope that this album and its music will be a light to you, the people you love, and to the world around us all.

© 2017 Rachel Cole Music. All songs used by permission.

 

MEET THE ARTISTS

PETER VANTINE
Piano, Keyboard, Strings, Arrangements

www.petervantine.com
www.pandora.com
www.facebook.com/vantinemusic
twitter.com/vantinemusic

Massachusetts native Peter Vantine has been composing, arranging and producing music professionally for nearly 30 years. His music has been featured in concert as well as various media outlets, including The Biography Channel, The Discovery Channel, MTV, PBS, Warner Brothers Online, Salem Wax Museum, and The Learning Company. He was the grand prize recipient of the 2001 Turner Classic Movies Young Composer’s Competition and has produced over 30 music CDs(many of which include his own music) while arranging or performing on many others. As soon as he played the first notes of “King of the Road” at age seven, Peter knew he would continually be put on the spot to play piano for friends and family members wherever he went. Thankfully, this did not deter him from a career in music. Born in Massachusetts to photographer Richard Vantine and visual artist Ruth Vantine, and growing up in a very musical and artistic family, it was inevitable that something would eventually rub off. His first concert experience at age eight was the beginning of a life-long journey of musical exploration, honing his craft as pianist and organist. He studied with many piano and composition teachers, each one providing something unique to his musical education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film Scoring and Music Production & Engineering from Berklee College of Music, a Master’s in Music Education from Boston University, and held the position of Pastor of Music (where he led worship and directed music groups) at Middleton Congregational Church for 28 years. In 2014, Peter’s solo piano album Prayerful Improvisations was nominated for Album of the Year by Whisperings Solo Piano Radio, and Christian Album of the Year by SoloPiano.com. Since then he has recorded two additional albums in the Prayerful Improvisations series. In 2016, he began working with Mark Gordon Fee and First Loved Ministries, producing music/media and directing the day-to-day operations of the organization. Along with being blessed by his wife and two children, building and nurturing relationships (with Christ and one another) through the gift of music is a vital aspect of Peter’s life. In all that he pursues, especially in music, he strives to touch the heart through faith, hope and love.

 

PETER TENTINDO
Guitar, Vocals, Arrangements

www.petertentindo.com
www.venusmarsproject.com

Peter Tentindo is a professional guitarist, vocalist, keyboardist, and recording artist from the Boston area. As a full-time musician, his talents run the gamut from performing and writing to producing and teaching music. He describes his brand of rock as “eclectic, melding together a wide array of styles and drawing inspiration from The Beatles, KISS, 80s Rock, and modern electronic pop.” He’s also an extremely respected studio musician, doing session work for a variety of national and local artists. His most current musical venture is called Venus Mars Project, a pop/rock band he formed with singer/songwriter, Jacyn Tremblay. Since they began collaborating, the duo has released four singles (“#LaLaLaLove,” “Not Gonna Stop Me Now,” “Jump In,” and “Hands of Time”) and two videos, and recently had the honor of opening for the legendary Jacksons on their 50th Anniversary Tour. Peter is also the guitarist and vocalist for America’s Truly Authentic Bon Jovi Tribute Band Wanted DOA. This amazing band performs live shows around the country to sold out crowds of screaming fans and have a very dedicated fan base themselves. An established session guitarist, vocalist, and arranger, Peter’s versatility has afforded him work alongside a broad spectrum of artists both on stage and in the studio throughout his career. He served as backing band leader for Jimi Jamison, former lead singer of the band Survivor on multiple occasions. Other performance credits include opening for national acts including Alice Cooper, Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath), and Queensryche. In the studio he’s worked with many well known artists including legendary heavy metal vocalist Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), pop singer/actress Juliette Goglia, hard rock vocalist Veronica Freeman (Benedictum) and the soulful Erika Van Pelt (of American Idol fame). Music isn’t where Peter’s passion ends, though. He volunteers his talents to humanitarian and health causes. He’s involved with Voices of Hope Boston, a volunteer non-profit organization raising funds for Massachuetts General Hospital’s Termeer Center in the fight against cancer.

 

LOU SPAGNOLA
Bass

www.facebook.com/lou.spagnola.9

Lou Spagnola is the hardest working, most sought after bass player in the Boston area.  His playing can be heard in the song “LA Woman” in the film This Thing of Ours, “Nothing Stays the Same” in the film “Serial Intentions” and in the song “All Because of You,” by Chris Emerson, which hit #21 on the Billboard A/C charts and was featured in an episode of “Dawson’s Creek.”  Lou is featured on the Stryper album “Reborn,” and his bass and vocals have been heard thousands of times at Fenway Park and on Boston radio stations in Mike Verge’s much loved “Let’s Go Red Sox” tribute song. He was also the bass player for series of commercials for Bermuda Tourism, one of which was shown during the Super Bowl.

 

 

 

TOM MAJOR
Drums and Percussion
www.entrain.com

Tom Major, drummer/producer, has been passionate about playing drums his entire life. After studying at the Berklee College of Music he moved back to his native New York City and had a successful career touring, TV appearances, and recording with many artists including South Side Johnny and the Jukes, Blood Sweat and Tears, Carly Simon and Chuck Berry. Tom was Bo Diddley’s drummer for 6 years and recorded his “40th Year in the business” start studded album “A Man Amongst Men”. Tom founded the group”Entrain” on Martha’s Vineyard in the summer of 1993 while still working with Bo Diddley. Mixing world influenced rhythm’s, pop song writing, and a positive upbeat vibe, Entrain was an instant hit and has been thrilling critics and fans of all ages. They won a “Boston Music Award” for Best Live Act, and Tom was nominated for Best Drummer that same year. Tom is passionate about bringing Entrain’s positive message of Peace, Love, Unity and a Greener World to its all age fan base, while having fun doing it.

 

PETER LEVESQUE
Saxophone
www.peterlevesque.com

Pete Levesque has been active in the New England music scene for over two decades. He has performed with 10,000 Maniacs, Esperanza Spalding, The Temptations, Frankie Vallie, The Four Tops, George Garzone, Eric Bloom (Lettuce), Jerry Bergonzi, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Bob Gullotti, Eddie Mecca and Ellis Hall. Toured and recorded extensively with the Gonzalez Family, a gospel group on Upper Room records. Shared the stage with Aretha Franklin and B.B King. Pete has performed at many large venues including Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Providence Civic Center, Sandler Center in Virginia, Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury Massachusetts and countless smaller venues in the New England area.

 

 

 

 

JACYN TREMBLAY
Backing Vocals
www.jacyntremblay.com
www.venusmarsproject.com

Jacyn Tremblay is a Universal Motown Records recording artist who has performed more than 300 concerts and shows around the country including Madison Square Garden, TD Garden, Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, and the Grammy Awards.  She has sung and collaborated with many well known artists including Hall & Oates, The Jacksons, Starship, The Black Eyed Peas, Flo Rida, Boyz II Men, and the Gin Blossoms.  She has written more than 50 original songs and has recorded multiple international hit radio singles.  Jacyn is currently touring with Venus MarsProject, and is the female lead singer of the preeminent Boston wedding and events band Beantown.

 

 

 

 

 

LILY HORST
Backing Vocals

Lily Horst is an avid singer and performer and is thrilled to be making her studio recording debut with Rachel. Lily performs frequently with her high school’s choirs and theatre troupe, as well as in local theatre productions. She is also president of her school’s choir department, and is a member of Colorado’s All-State Choir. Lily has been playing piano for nine years and guitar for four, and has a deep passion for creating and performing music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KENNY LEWIS
Producer, Sound Engineer, Mixing Engineer, Mastering
www.mixedemotionsmusic.com

When it comes to recording and mixing music tracks, there is no one better. A recording genius, with tremendous scope and vision, Kenny’s several hundred independent albums and film and television recordings show his versatility, musicianship, and overall excellence in this extremely competitive field. To put it simply, you will not find a more talented, hardworking, inspired, and ethical head of studio anywhere.