The Robert Earl Keen Band used to treat Christmas tunes as a solemn addition to their show.
"Originally, it was a more somber affair," Keen told The Boot. "We'd perform these delicate instrumental Christmas songs, dressed in black suits, as background music to set the mood for the show."
But things quickly changed for the better.
"After a few shows, we decided we needed to step it up and do something more upbeat," he said. "So we let loose a little and dressed up in hillbilly outfits and performed Bob Wills-y type versions of Christmas carols. People dug it. It went so well that after the set, Robert said, 'You guys need to make a record.' So we did!"
Now, the REK Band has an instrumental Christmas album, Santa Is Real, out this winter.
"After all these years, we finally get to show off the instrumental prowess of the band," Keen said. "I think it came out great. A lot of times Christmas records are either too somber or too goofy. This record is kitschy and fun without being too silly. I think it's perfect for a Christmas party."
Check out the tracklist:
1. Sleigh Ride
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Jingle Bells / Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. The Xmas Song
5. Here Comes Santa Claus
6. The Little Drummer Boy / Linus & Lucy
7. Merry Xmas from the Family (Feat. Floyd Domino)
8. Have a Holly Jolly Xmas
9. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
10. Xmas Time is Here
11. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
12. Have Yourself a Merry Little Xmas
And here are the band's scheduled tour dates:
11/13: Alto, NM @ Spencer Theater for PA
11/14: Denver, CO @ Grizzly Rose
11/15: Amarillo, TX @ Globe News Center for the Performing Arts
12/9: San Antonio, TX @ Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
12/11: Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
12/17: Mission, TX @ Las Palmas Race Park
12/18: Corpus Christi, TX @ Brewster Street Ice House
12/19: Austin, TX @ ACL Live at the Moody Theater
12/20: Galveston, TX @ The Grand 1894 Opera House
12/26: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
12/27: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
12/28: Fort Worth, TX @ Bass Performance Hall
Readers: Are you excited about the album? Comment below.
