My holiday CD celebrates the spirit of Christmas, the beauty of our region and our “California sound” of jangly, chiming 12 string Rickenbacker guitars reminiscent of late 60’s legendary band, The Byrds. We added a sort of “Cali Roots Rock” feel with pedal steel guitar ace, Greg Leisz on this one – an instrument that was huge out here in L.A. during the Western Swing era of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s before Elvis and Rock ‘n Roll took center stage. I think you’ll enjoy these arrangements on some of the great holiday
classics, a few covers and several originals.
Marie Lundin was a long-time California native; college educated and worked in office administration for many years. She had a great sense of humor, loved to travel and was kind to everyone she met. When she came into some money shortly after retirement, she continued to live in her mobile home community in a working class neighborhood in Lawndale, CA because that’s where all her wonderful friends were – her “family” since she had no kids of her own. Shortly after her loving father died in his
late 80’s, Marie succumbed to cancer. She was in her early 60’s. She set up charitable trust to fund cancer research in 2004. The Marie Lundin Memorial Cancer Trust is a 501(c)(3) Private Foundation, Tax I.D. #55-614617 and has since gifted over $100,000 to The City of Hope, The American Cancer Society and UCI’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. 100% of all profits from downloaded sales from this CD will go to the trust which will then be used to fund the annual gift to worthy cancer research entities such as the one ‘s just listed.
Marie taught me that it’s not just about your surroundings or material possessions – it’s about your heart that counts and that a sense of community can exist anywhere – even in a mobile home park in Lawndale, CA. For all those fortunate to have known Marie, we are truly grateful for that valuable lesson and to cancer survivors everywhere – keep fighting; your courage inspires us all.
(Our bonus track is dedicated to my mother, Marilu, who battles another ailment that dramatically alters the quality of life – Parkinson’s. To support her and the many others afflicted with this disease, go to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research).
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Nice Vintage Twist on Christmas Classics| Posted November 02, 2011
First off, I think its is pretty cool that all profits from downloads on this album go to cancer research!!! Coast Highway Christmas provides a fresh classic/vintage sound to many of our favorite classic Christmas songs. You definately feel the 12 string guitar influence as well as a little "California" sound (pedal steel guitar).
"Oh Holy Night" is one of my favorites on the album, showing off the pedal steel guitar, and rich guitar solos. "Little Drummer Boy," "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," and "The First Noel" are also among my favorite classics. Jim included a few "California themed" originals on this album as well, and the more I listen to them, the more I see them as songs that will be in my Christmas playlist from now on. My two favorite originals are "A Coast Highway Christmas," and "Santa's Catching a wave" (a cute little song).
I would reccomend anyone who might be looking for something a little different to listen to this Christmas Season to download this album. At the very least, you will be helping fight cancer!
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