Patricia Vonne – My Favorite Holiday (Bandolera Records, 2021)
Brilliant singer-songwriter, actress, filmmaker and entrepreneur Patricia Vonne continues to delight and charm with her new album My Favorite Holiday. Patricia Rodriguez (better known as Patricia Vonne) was born in San Antonio and is a key figure in the arts scene in Austin, Texas. A gifted vocalist, Patricia brings together a wide range of sounds that reflect her Hispanic heritage along with Tex-Mex borderland music, rock, salsa, rockabilly and pop.
As the title of the album indicates, the celebratory songs celebrate Patricia’s favorite holiday, Christmas. She sings in English and Spanish, incorporating holiday traditions from the Anglo and Hispanic cultures.
“As children, we would perform ‘Haul Out the Holly’ and other Christmas favorites with big candy canes and perform for our family and friends,” says Patricia. “Another family favorite is singing ‘Carol of the Bells,’ which I include on this album to invite the world into our family through music.”
‘Carol of the Bells’ is a gorgeous a cappella performance with Patricia’s four sisters, Angela, Lizzie, Becca and Tina. “My sisters recorded from 4 different cities in 3 states! I am thrilled to share their voices and this song with the world.”
Acclaimed Texas multi-instrumentalist and composer Rick Del Castillo (electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, percussion, piano) produced the album. Vonne and Del Castillo brought together an impressive cast of guests including Rubén Blades on vocals; Alex Ruiz on vocals; Rosie Flores on vocals; Stephen Ferrone on drums; Carmine Rojas on bass; David Grissom on electric and acoustic guitars; Michael Ramos on B3 organ, Minimoog bass, Mellotron, synthesizers, samplers and percussion; Scott Plunkett on piano, accordion, harp, bass; Joe Reyes on electric guitar; Johnny Reno on saxophone; David Perales on violin; Jason Murdy on percussion; Rowland Salley on bass; and Thommy Price on drums.
Patricia Vonne released My Favorite Holiday on her independent label Bandolera Records. “What makes this release special is that this album is a Christmas miracle. I thank my musical warriors for their talent and generosity, which is a Christmas gift to the world! I thank them for saying yes!! And to my fearless producer Rick Del Castillo whose herculean efforts and talent truly made this album possible and beyond anything I could have imagined!” She adds, “This is a gift to my family, friends, and loyal fans around the world, who have given me courage, lifted me up, and supported me on my musical journey.”
My Favorite Holiday is a refreshing, fun, cross-cultural and uplifting Christmas album from the talented Patricia Vonne.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.