Jazz singer Brad McNett credits Christmas — his favorite holiday — as the reason he fell in love with music.
“When I was a kid, my mom had a Christmas compilation with Harry Connick Jr. singing, ‘It Must’ve Been Ol’ Santa Claus.’ I played that over and over when I was a kid. When I got older, I said to my mom, ‘What was that song?’ … That’s how I got into … music and jazz.”
The 24-year old from Ypsilanti sings jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook, a canon of the most important and influential American popular songs of the 20th century.
He volunteered his time and talent to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, crooning “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” for the benefit CD “Holiday Wishes 3: If You Believe.”
McNett has been singing for as long as he can remember and has sung professionally since graduating from Milan High School in 2007. He performs regularly in Detroit.
He was turned on to the benefit CD project through Kay Elliott, executive director of the Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Society, who put him in touch with the CD’s producer Michael S. Miller, editor in chief of Toledo Free Press.
“I just like to give back and help organizations who deserve it, especially Make-A-Wish,” McNett said. “It’s nice to be able to give back to something like that and do my small part.”
McNett called the recording process “great.” He recorded the song twice, keeping the second as the final cut.
“It was nice. We’re happy with the recording,” McNett said. “The band was happy to do it. I love Christmas music, so especially for me I was happy to be a part of it.”
McNett said he hopes listeners are inspired by the CD.
“I hope [listeners] get into the giving spirit and Christmas spirit and [the CD] makes them want to support Make-A-Wish Foundation further than just buying the CD,” he said.
McNett will be in Toledo on Dec. 18 for Jazz on the Maumee at the Aqua Lounge. He has a six-song album, “Please Come Home for Christmas,” available for free online.
