Musician and Sparta native to perform locally over holidays

By Laurie Gordon
SUSSEX COUNTY — Catch Sparta native Brady Rymer locally this holiday season starting with his appearance at The German Christmas Market Show on the Lake Mohwak Boardwalk on Friday, December 1 at 7 pm, at The Newton Theatre on December 15 and 16 and at The Growing Stage Children's Theatre Show, in Netcong, on Saturday, December 23.
Just in time for the holidays, three-time Grammy nominated and nationally touring Brady Rymer and “The Little Band That Could” has released a fresh album of 13 cheery, all-original holiday songs, Revvin' Up the Reindeer. Rymer, who grew up in Sparta, said this music echoes holiday classics with exuberant instrumentation and arrangements.
The album is, in the band's words, “A sleigh-ful of all-original songs to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah... and that cute lil' Baby New Year.”
In their ninth album for families, Brady and his band reflect the festive jumble of the season, with caroling harmonies, brass and bells. Every track is inflected with he band's rootsy, feel-good sound, recalling beloved seasonal standards yet with Brady's distinctively fresh and engaging style.
The title track is a 50’s rock ‘n’ roll romp, imagining Santa with a souped-up sleigh; the ska-beat “Holiday Jam” is a humorous take on the many ways we cope during the busiest time of the year; lyrical accordion embellishes the Klezmer-inspired "Rainbow Candles;" the hopeful sing-a-long “Christmas Wishes” radiates with a lush, Motown treatment, and the band rings out the old and swings in the new in raucous, Dixieland jazz fashion with "Baby New Year." Indeed, whispers of holiday standards weave cleverly throughout, conjuring up the magic of the holiday season.
“The holiday season is my favorite time of year. It’s like the whole world is singin’, shinin’ and sayin’ hi!” Rymer said. “After miles of twinkly lights untangled, menorahs lit with love and more than a few eggnogs poured, we couldn‘t be more excited to share these songs. I hope they’ll find a place on your family’s holiday play list for years to come.”'
Rymer grew up in Sparta and is a member of “From Good Homes,” the popular “Hick-Pop” band. From Good Homes will be performing at The Newton Theatre on December 15 and 16.
"For information about the Growing Stage performance, please visit www.growingstage.com/concert-series or call (973) 347-4946." For further information about Brady Rymer, visit: bradyrymer.com.