Morgan Myles Delivers a Holiday Double-Dose: Soulful Blues Meets Country-Jazz Cheer
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Critically acclaimed vocalist and Blue Élan recording artist Morgan Myles is ringing in the holiday season not with one, but with two compelling new singles that perfectly showcase her dynamic range and authentic voice. The release features a poignant original, “Naughty List Blues,” alongside a vibrant, reimagined take on the classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Together, these tracks solidify Myles’s place as a truly dynamic and emotionally genuine artist, offering a holiday soundtrack that is both fresh and timeless.
“Naughty List Blues”: A Soulful Reflection for a Divided Season
The centerpiece of this holiday release is the original track, “Naughty List Blues.” Far from a typical cheerful jingle, the song offers a soulful, bluesy reflection on the current state of the world. Myles uses her powerful voice and playful storytelling to address heavy themes without losing the essence of the season. The song captures a deeper, more complex emotion than usually found in holiday music, pairing a cheeky narrative with compelling bluesy production.
Myles shared the profound inspiration behind the track, revealing a desire to acknowledge the difficulty many face this time of year: “‘Naughty List Blues’ is a reflection of how heavy, divided, and cold the world feels right now,” shares Myles. “It’s painful to see anger and judgment overshadow kindness, leaving even the best intentions feeling like coal instead of joy.”
She cleverly uses the figure of Santa Claus as a symbol of “pure generosity and love,” imagining how he would react to a world that has grown “harder.” This perspective allows the song to be an honest expression of pain and societal weight, while still clinging to the hope that kindness will prevail. The track is a perfect example of Myles’s signature blend of powerhouse vocals and emotional honesty, proving that holiday music can—and should—address complexity while still holding onto warmth.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”: A Country-Jazz Revival
Complementing the contemplative original is Myles’s spirited rendition of the timeless favorite, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This track is a masterclass in honoring the nostalgic charm of a classic while injecting it with a vibrant, modern energy that feels distinctly Morgan Myles.
The vocalist breathed new life into the song by infusing it with a unique country-jazz vibe. “I wanted to honor the timeless joy of Brenda Lee’s original while giving it a fresh twist with a country-jazz vibe that truly feels like me,” says Myles. Her ability to blend genres while maintaining the track’s inherent cheer ensures this version stands out. It’s a song designed to “bring people together and fill the room with cheer,” succeeding immediately with its infectious energy and smooth, soulful delivery.
Artist Profile: Morgan Myles
Morgan Myles has established herself as one of the music industry’s most authentic and compelling voices, known for her ability to seamlessly cross genre lines. As a critically acclaimed recording artist signed to Blue Élan Records, her career is built on a foundation of genuine emotion and powerhouse vocal delivery. Whether she is tackling a deep blues track or a high-energy country tune, her voice remains the commanding instrument that ties her diverse output together.
With this dual release, Morgan Myles has not only delivered two standout holiday tracks but has also solidified her reputation as an artist unafraid to explore both the light and shadow of the season. From the sophisticated sorrow of the “Naughty List Blues” to the cheerful swing of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Myles offers a holiday soundtrack that is as dynamic and soulful as she is.