Marc Martel Talks About Working with Jared James Nichols & His New EP

Marc Martel has teamed up with Sixpence None the Richer's Leigh Nash, Joe Bonamassa, Arnel Pineda and Jared James Nichols for his new Christmas EP, Hark! Besides his stunning duet with Leigh Nash on the Chris Rice's seasonal standard "Welcome to Our World," another highlight is "Zat You, Santa Claus?" (featuring Jared James Nichols).

With regards to "Zat You, Santa Claus?," Martel writes, "This one was brand new to me, although it's an old Louis Armstrong joint. This is the only spooky holiday song besides `The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,' that I'm aware of. Can you think of any other spooky Christmas songs? I guess anything from the movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas" might fit into that category. But, I digress.

The amazing Jared James Nichols joins me on this one. For those of you not in the know, Jared is best known for his high-energy "pick-less" electric guitar playing technique. And this year, he was honored by being named one of only four "global ambassadors" for Gibson Guitars. Jared has toured with countless legendary artists, including Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and ZZ Top.

But above all, he's a fantastic human being who has become a friend of mine over the past year or so. Jared serves up a slice of his very unique rock/blues stylings on this tune, which I might have to say is my favorite track on the album - if you pressed me. And I think you'll agree this is definitely the most straight-up-fun song I've recorded in a while."

Tracklist:

1. Welcome To Our World with Leigh Nash

2. Blue Christmas (feat. Joe Bonamassa)

3. Zat' You Santa Claus? (feat. Jared James Nichols)

4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

5. Last Christmas with Arnel Pineda

6. What Are You Doing New Years Eve?

To Listen: https://slinky.to/Hark 

Recorded and produced by Warren Huart, except "Welcome To Our World" which was recorded and produced by Jordan Wiberg, and "What Are You Doing New Years Eve?" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" which were recorded and produced by Marc Martel

Martel is a Canadian Christian rock musician born in Montreal, Canada. In 1999, he formed the band downhere before going solo in 2013. Aside from his own work, Martel is known for his Queen covers and his vocal likeness to frontman Freddie Mercury. 

Tags : marc martel Marc Martel Hark! leigh nash Zat You Santa Claus? Jared James Nichols Marc Martel new Christmas EP