NYC’s Lizzie Thomas Brings This Christmas To SA
Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Lizzie Thomas is bringing festive cheer to South Africa with This Christmas, a warm, soulful reinterpretation of holiday classics that blends jazz, Neo-soul, and R&B. Building on the momentum of her recent single Magnificent off the album Awakening, Thomas continues expanding her footprint in the South African jazz landscape.
Now, with the release of This Christmas, South African listeners are invited into a festive body of work created with top-tier New York jazz musicians, including John Di Martino (piano), Wayne Escoffery (saxophone), Dezron Douglas and Noriko Ueda (bass), Kevin Sibley (B3 Hammond), Leandro Pellegrino (acoustic guitar), and Neal Smith (drums). Their performances bring sophistication, groove, and seasonal warmth to a collection perfectly suited to South Africa’s vibrant December holiday spirit.
The lead single, a sultry version of Donny Hathaway’s iconic This Christmas, showcases Lizzie’s deep, soulful vocal palette – smooth, modern, and alive with rhythm.
“This Christmas is one of the best holiday songs ever written,” says Lizzie. “It’s hip, it’s present, and it’s soulful. It represents Black American Music at its finest, and recording my version felt like a celebration. Thank you, Donny Hathaway!”
Alongside Hathaway’s classic, the album features a bossa nova-inspired Christmas Time Is Here, the lush romance of It’s Magic, a vibrant big-band take on Paul McCartney’s Wonderful Christmastime, and the hauntingly intimate Star of Wonder.
Lizzie, who has been steadily building her presence in the local jazz market, sees this release as another opportunity to connect with South African audiences who deeply appreciate vocal storytelling and musicianship.
“South Africa has one of the richest musical cultures in the world. To share holiday music with listeners who cherish jazz so deeply feels incredibly special.”
This Christmas is available on all streaming platforms here, as well as a limited-edition 10-inch green sparkle vinyl.
For more information visit the website.
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