Emmy-winning music director and multi-instrumentalist Adam Blackstone has announced that he will release a new album just in time for the holiday season.
A Legacy Christmas, Blackstone’s first holiday and second studio album, will be released Nov. 24.
The album will include guest appearances from Boyz II Men, Andra Day, BJ The Chicago Kid, Keke Palmer, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more.
Palmer appears on “Christmas Kisses,” the official lead single from A Legacy Christmas. The lively tune has Palmer flirting with Santa, who thinks he’s just delivering gifts. Palmer, however, has other plans – to plant a kiss on him.
Palmer is persuaded by Blackstone to pursue someone similar to him instead of a geriatric with a white beard.
“What you mean girl, I’m the real man in ya life / You waiting for a dude to slide through the chimney at night / What you need the tree is right here / Tall, dark, and handsome, facial hair,” Blackstone flexes.
A Legacy Christmas will arrive on the heels of Blackstone receiving two 2024 Grammy nominations, including Best Jazz Performance for “Vulnerable (Live)” and Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn. These two nods bring his career total to four.
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Blackstone, who will provide musical supervision for dates on Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen musical, earned his second Grammy nomination at the 65th Grammy Awards earlier this year for the Jazmine Sullivan-fronted “‘Round Midnight.”
Blackstone and Sullivan’s version of jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk’s classic jazz tune earned a Best Traditional R&B Performance nomination.
Blackstone expressed his personal joy and pride in receiving this recognition to Rated R&B in the winter of 2023. He felt it was a significant achievement beyond his other accomplishments.
“This Grammy nomination feels so personal and like a bigger accomplishment,” Blackstone shared. “I’ve been dreaming about that trophy since I was seven years old. I’ve been part of many Grammy Award-winning albums and songs, but never as myself as the artist. And it just hits different man. I’m so thankful.”
“‘Round Midnight” is lifted from Blackstone’s debut album, Legacy, released last September. The 14-track album includes cameos from Jill Scott, Queen Latifah, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mary Mary, Cory Henry and more.
Blackstone is ending the year strong with concert dates dedicated to A Legacy Christmas. Most of his shows will be held at Blue Note Jazz Club in New York. For more information, visit bluenotejazz.com or ticketmaster.com.
In recent news, Palmer has been announced as host and a performer for the 2023 Soul Train Awards.
Listen to Adam Blackstone and Keke Palmer’s new song “Christmas Kisses” below.
Adam Blackstone A Legacy Christmas Tracklist
1. Send Me Your Love
2. Brother J (Holiday) feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Kaidi Tatham
3. Lil Drummer Boy feat. BJ The Chicago Kid
4. Someday At Christmas feat. Justin-Lee Schultz & Terry Bogart
5. Oh Come Let Us Adore Him feat. Melvin Crispell III & The Origin Band
6. Christmas Kisses feat. Keke Palmer
7. Away In A Manger feat. Justin C. Gilbert
8. Greatest Gift feat. Boyz II Men
9. Legacy Christmas Time feat. Andra Day
10. Joy To The World feat. Lena Byrd Miles
A Legacy Christmas is available for pre-order/pre-add here.
