Both Jeff Stewart and Kyle White appeared individually on last year’s “Holiday Wishes” compilation CD benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year they joined forces to create a bigger production.
“This was really fun, doing a full band production song together after we did the acoustic, solo tracks last year,” White said.
While looking for duets, Stewart chose “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” the 1971 John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band tune performed with the Harlem Community Choir. It was released during the Vietnam War.
“I love that song,” White said. “I love John Lennon and I think it’s appropriate to the times right now.”
White said the song wasn’t too hard to make her own. She sings Ono’s parts.
“I’m not quite as weird as she is,” White said. “I think I sang it a little clearer. Yoko is kind of strange.”
White is happy with the end result.
“It turned out awesome,” she said. “I’m so happy with it.”
Stewart and White have been friends for 10 years, and occasionally play together.
“The music community in Toledo, we’re all friends and supportive of each other,” White said.
White has a number of upcoming shows in December, which are listed on her website, www.kylewhitemusic.com. She is also recording her third album.
White said she was happy to be involved with the project again this year.
“It’s such a good cause and such a wonderful charity,” White said. “I love helping kids.”
Even though White doesn’t personally know any children involved with Make-A-Wish, she said it is still rewarding to be a part of the compilation.
“A lot of the time they’re going through difficult treatments,” White said. “To be able to give them some joy is very important.”
