Art & Music | WEHM'S New Release Tuesdays

December picks for 92.9 & 96.9 WEHM New Release Tuesdays with Harry Wareing (airing every Tuesday night from 9-10pm) are veteran artists who are branching out into holiday-themed music.

Highly original singer/songwriter Tori Amos has released Midwinter Graces and the track “Pink and Glitter.” The great thing about this jazzy horn-laced tune is that it isn’t an obvious “Jingle Bells” knockoff, but it’s a slightly abstract take on the spirit and experience of the holidays.

Bob Dylan, a legend who needs no introduction, has come out with Christmas in the Heart and among the versions of holiday classics is the track “O’ Little Town Of Bethlehem.” It’s a spare yet original rendition with mostly piano and chorus and a hearty sprinkling of Dylan’s weathered rasp.

Sting, a dilettante of many musical styles, has released If On A Winter’s Night, which contains the track “Soul Cake.” Sting applies a distinct Irish folk sound and instrumentation for the song, but it also has a modern sheen.