Classic rock, Christmas orchestra? The two terms don’t usually go together. But Northern Light Orchestra is a unique project bringing together some of the biggest rock stars of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s for an incomparable celebration of the Christmas story.
Following the launch of the CD, Northern Light Orchestra kicks off it’s official annual Christmas touring season in October, establishing what many expect to quickly become a new Christmas tradition.
Ken Mary (former drummer House of Lords and Alice Cooper Band) says, “NLO takes Christmas music in a totally new direction. Although some will compare us to Transiberian Orchestra the difference in our styles and message is clear. We are band that play hard rock guitar virtuoso music that has been made famous on the multitudes of Guitar Hero games that have been sold. NLO is made up of true guitar heroes. George Lynch, Bill Levererty, Lanny Cordova Doug Aldridge, Jason Hook. There are true guitar heros that have contributed to NLO.”
Artists featured as part of the project include*:
Phil Bardowell (Beach Boy, Magdalen), Bob Carlisle (”Butterfly Kisses”), Eddie James (Gospel singer), Jon Gibson (Jon Gibson), Robin McAuley (Survivor), Debbie Sledge (Sister Sledge), Rose Stone (Sly and the Family Stone), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Kendall Bechtel (Fifth Angel), Lanny Cordola (House Of Lords), Jason Hook (Alice Cooper, Mandy Moore), Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grandfunk Railroad), Bill Leverty (Firehouse), George Lynch (Dokken, Lynchmob), Elliot Randell (Steeley Dan), David Ellefson (Megadeth, F5), Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot, Vanilla Fudge), Ken Mary (Alice Cooper, House of Lords), Kip Winger (Winger, Alice Cooper), Dizzy Reed (Guns-n-Roses), Brian Stewart (Backstreet Boys, Poe).
With a lineup like that, Northern Light Orchestra, has lived up to it’s claim to provide “majestic, orchestrated rock music featuring soaring vocals, incredible guitar solos worthy of true ‘Guitar Hero’ status, and pounding rhythms sure to impress and invigorate the baby boomer generation that grew up on what is today classic rock.”
Dave Ellefson (former bass player founding member Megedeth) says, “I am grateful to be part of a project that requires skill determination and hard work to pull off. I am proud to be playing songs that have been well crafted with a true message concerning the Spirit of Christmas.”
Phillip Bartowell (former lead singer Beach Boys) says, “Being part of NLO after years of touring with the Beach Boys is truly a privilege. Making music with a true message of worldwide peace and love is something I have always wanted to do. NLO has stretched me like no other band I have been part of. I look forward to many successful years with this band.”