Former Journey frontman Steve Perry will be offering up a special holiday treat for fans this year. The lauded singer has announced plans to release an expanded version of his 2021 Christmas album, The Season, retitled The Season 3, on November 8.
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The 16-track collection marks Perry’s first release as part of a new deal Dark Horse Records, the label launched by late Beatles guitarist George Harrison in 1974.
When it was originally released, The Season featured Perry’s renditions of eight yuletide tunes. A deluxe digital version of the album was made available in October 2022 with two bonus tracks, one of which was an original titled “Maybe This Year.” The Season 3 boasts six newly added songs, including Perry’s versions of the holiday classics “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Let It Snow,” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”
Also among the new tunes are renditions of the Louis Armstrong hit “What a Wonderful World” and the Frank Sinatra gem “Call Me Irresponsible.” The latter song is a poignant duet between Steve and his late father, Ray Perry, who died in 1998.
“What a Wonderful World” Single and Video
Steve’s version of “What a Wonderful World” has been released as an advance digital single from The Season 3. In addition, an animated companion music video for Perry’s serene rendition of the tune has premiered on his YouTube channel.
The clip features a snowy scene of a rural town, including a church, small houses, and outdoor Christmas trees. As the video nears its end, the camera looks into an ornament hanging on one of the trees to reveal a cozy fireplace with a series of photos on the mantelpiece. We soon get a closer look at the photos, which are of Steve as a child and of his parents.
Perry on His New Label Deal and The Season 3
Perry has issued a statement about his new record deal.
“I am so pleased to announce that I have just signed with George Harrison’s label, Dark Horse Records,” he said. “I’ve so much music in me that has yet to be heard. To be able to work with a team of people who support and respect my creative expressions, is a dream come true.”
The 75-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer also shared some reflections on his updated holiday collection.
“I’ve always loved the magic in holiday songs,” he noted. “When I was a child, I would hear them on the radio in my grandmother’s kitchen while she was cooking. Today when I hear those songs, they take me back to so many wonderful memories.”
Perry continued, “The magic of music is a very emotional gift. The idea of me recording a holiday record started many years ago and now has grown into my latest collection, The Season 3. I have added six new tracks to this latest compilation, which now totals 16. I hope this record brings you precious memories too.”
He concluded, “All the best to you and yours this Holiday Season.”
More About The Season 3
The Season 3 can be pre-ordered now. It will be available on CD, as a two-LP vinyl set, and via digital formats.
The album was co-produced by Perry with engineer Thom Flowers, and was mostly recorded at Steve’s home studio.
The Season recordings feature acclaimed session drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and multi-instrumentalist Dallas Kruse. Kruse also collaborated with Perry on his most recent collection of original solo tunes, Traces, which was released in 2018.
The Season 3 Track List:
- “What a Wonderful World”*
- “The Christmas Song”
- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
- “This Christmas”+
- “Jingle Bell Rock”*
- “Call Me Irresponsible” (featuring Ray Perry)*
- “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”
- “Auld Lang Syne”
- “Silver Bells”
- “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
- “Let It Snow”*
- “Maybe This Year”+
- “Winter Wonderland”
- “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”*
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
- “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”*
+ = added for 2022 deluxe digital version of The Season.
* = newly added.
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