Entrenched in the Nashville country and singer-songwriter scene for years, matriarch Irene Kelley and her two daughters, Justyna and Sara Jean, continue to keep their family tradition of music-making alive and well.
And what better time for tradition than Christmas time.
On November 25th, the three Kelley women released their cozy three-song holiday EP, Kelley Family Christmas.
Kicking things off with a great uptempo shuffle, the Kelley’s deliver a blissful version of “Angels We Have Heard On High.” The harmonies between the mother and two daughters are precisely that- angelic and beautiful. The top notch country instrumentation and precise production values lift this classic faith-oriented holiday song to new heights.
The sophomore track is a jazzy and breezy rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” It’s velvety and soulful, and the vocals can melt the thickest of snowbanks. (not that there are many if any in Nashville) The harmonica that seamlessly rolls in after the airy chorus adds a most welcome flair to the classic track. It’s one to let roll along with the glowing fireplace screensaver on the TV.
The final of the three is the ender of all enders in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The piano-led song is everything you want a classic holiday song to be: comforting, nostalgic, sentimental, and warm. It’s easy to envision the average American family enjoying a bounty of food, drink, and merriment while listening.
Irene Kelley is a seasoned Nashville songwriter who’s written songs for artists like Loretta Lynn, Alan Jackson, and Ricky Skaggs among others, and has put out her own music for decades. Justyna and Sara Jean both followed in their mother’s footsteps, as they are both singers, songwriters, and performers. Justyna also operates Sneaky Animals Music along with Eddie Gore and the legendary Steve Cropper.
The tinsel-wrapped feeling The Kelley Family extends on this selection of iconic holidays songs is one of welcomed familiarity, and offers a wonderful change-of-pace option for your seasonal good tidings playlists.
 recently released their holiday EP, 'Kelley Family Christmas.' Read more & listen here.){kind=link}