Songs For A Winter’s Night ~ Encore  by Reid Jamieson
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Still charting 12 years on, Winter 2024 sees this fan favourite getting a remaster, including a remix for a couple of originals, and a Canadian themed update to the lyrics of Band Aid’s classic just in time for the 40th anniversary. While the music industry and the ability to survive as an artist become more challenging than ever, the warm messages we receive at this time of year, from fans all over the world, have a huge impact on our holiday cheer and self esteem as artists – a marvelous gift indeed.

A selection of 12 winter-themed songs chosen to warm your soul when nights grow cold. Canada’s Reid Jamieson takes a holiday from the usual well worn fare with unique interpretations of Bruce Cockburn, Nick Lowe, Willie Nelson, Steve Miller Band, Gordon Lightfoot, Tori Amos (!) and more, plus three festive originals. Reid sings every note, playing all instruments himself, with the exception of a couple of cameos by fellow Vancouverite Steve Dawson on banjo and slide. They say no man is an island, but this particular songbird could pass for an entire choir when the spirit moves him, and the Canadian edit of Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ is a tender and progressive update just in time for the 40th anniversary of this charity single. Recorded at home, produced by Reid’s wife and songwriting partner Carolyn Victoria Mill. Together they have created an easy pleasing gift for those with a passion for pure listening pleasure. Lush vocal harmonies and spirited guitar playing herald what may become your new favourite (non) Christmas collection.

“I don’t know how I missed it, but somewhere between the release of his debut CD and what could be mistaken for a simple holiday album, Reid Jamieson has become the greatest Canadian pop singer ever.” – NoDepression

SONGS FOR A WINTER’S NIGHT ~ Encore! – TRACK LISTING

CREDITS
All vocals & instruments, recorded & mixed by Reid Jamieson, except guitar and banjo on tracks 6 & 8 Steve Dawson.. Produced by CVM Recorded at home in Vancouver BC. Masterd by Michael Holland. Artwork by CVM. With much thanks to Vinyl Cafe for the inspiration, to the fans for returning each year. Dedicated to Brenda Jamieson (aka Mom).

Sentimental Song

SENTIMENTAL SONG
Written by Carolyn Victoria Mill & Reid Jamieson

The magic of holiday music can somehow make even the Scrooge in us want to sing along. Written by Reid and his Mrs., this swinging single sums up what remains a rather complicated time of year for them, and many others. While single-parent poverty left its coal-black mark on CVM’s childhood, Reid’s mother’s death on December 22nd meant that, for one teenage boy, the season would never be quite the same. And yet, each year when lights begin to twinkle, the melodies of Christmas past make their home in our hearts once again.

You know it’s not my time of year
Too many heart aches and far too many tears
Miles apart from the family I hold dear
I find it hard to play along
While I watch the fire glow
Some go hungry, while others play with gold
Away in a manger the night is growing cold
I find it hard to sing along

It’s just this sentimental song
I haven’t heard it in so long
But when they put that record on
I can believe again
In candy canes and mistletoe
White lights and wishes tied up with a bow
Each time they turn that music low
I can believe again

You know it’s just that time of year
Memories play while I try to raise a cheer
They hang on the tree just like silent souvenirs
I find them hard to string along
Sometimes I’d rather be alone
I’ve got my reasons; I just thought
that you should know
The saddest of seasons since we
watched my mother go
I find it hard to sing along

It’s just this sentimental song
I haven’t heard it in so long
But when they put that record on
I can believe again
In angels dancing in the snow
Sleigh bells and reindeer prancing in a row
Each time they turn that music low
I can believe again

It’s just a simple melody
Pulls at my heartstrings,
and sets my spirit free
I remember the words,
how she sang them to me
And so I’ll try to sing along

It’s just this sentimental song
I haven’t heard it in so long
But when they put that record on
I can believe again
In candy canes and mistletoe
White lights and wishes tied up with a bow
Each time they turn that music low
I can believe again

You know it’s not my time of year…

This Could Be The Year

Written by  Carolyn Victoria Mill & Reid Jamieson

What started as a Christmas song ended up doubling as a tongue-in-cheek homage to the Stanley Cup. This twang-filled tune tells the tale of long standing wishes granted, and/or grace in defeat. Featuring the tasty talents of Steve Dawson on Banjo and slide guitar.

In 2024 This Could Be the Year get’s an uptempo update without losing any of its charm – or Dawson’s fine playing.

This song was used in a recent episode of Hallmark Canada’s series RIDE. This one is kinda unique in that a couple of the actors ( Jake Foy as Tuff, Alexandra Beaton as Janine) pretended to have written it and sang our song themselves! – to our backing track – how cool is that? 

Even more special – the students at the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind and Visually Impaired decided to record a version for their holiday concert. Oh our hearts!

THIS COULD BE THE YEAR

I’ve got a feeling,
this could be the year
I’m gonna get what I wish for
I’ve been good so long
I’ve got a feeling
this could be the year
I’m gonna get what I wish for
I’ve been good so long
and if I’ve got it wrong
there’s always next year
I’ll be strong
till you come home
where you belong
It’s coming nearer
and this could be the year
we all get what we long for
this feeling can’t be wrong
let’s raise a cheer for
making this the year
we all get what we need lord
we’ve been waiting so long
and if we get it wrong
there’s always
next year
we’ll stay strong
till we get home
where we belong
winters come and winters go
high hopes melting
with the snow
I find myself just wishing though
for you and me, you never know
I’ve got a feeling
this could be the year
I’m gonna get what I wish for
I’ve been good so long
let’s raise a cheer for
making this the year
we all get what we need lord
we’ve been waiting so long

Last Day Of The Year

LAST DAY OF THE YEAR (REPRISE)
written by Reid Jamieson

A toast to resolutions and regrets, Reid’s ode to new year’s eve is reprised from ‘The Unavoidable Truth’ as a bit of a midnight tango this time out.

Time often spends itself
with no concern for mental health.
Care how you expend your wealth
the last day of the year.

Longing and looking back,
major change there is no lack,
of sacred blessings, heart attacks,
the last day of the year.

Three cheers it’s coming closer,
The new beginning You’ve been yearning.
Forward, keep falling forward.
The timing’s right, you shouldn’t fight it,
just be delighted.

Leave room for little doubt,
a lesson’s learned, a whisper shouted.
Turn your mistakes inside out
the last day of the year.

Three cheers we made it this far,
it’s all brand new, this point of view.
Heartstrings are played at midnight;
they’re picked apart, in tune or off key.
It’s clear can you see?

Push hard with all your might.
Our resolution starts tonight,
to find out where self-pity hides.
The last day of the year.
The last night of the year.
The last breath of the year.

Do they Know It’s Christmas – CDN Edit

DO THEY KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS?  Canadian Edit
written by Bob geldof / Midge Ure – with edits by CVM

An updated rendition of this geographically challenged charity tune, with an eye to keeping it local. A focus on Canada’s North, where Indigenous folks have been waiting too danged long for their share of the cheer.

It’s Christmastime,
there’s no need to be afraid
At Christmastime,
we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty
we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
at Christmastime

But save your prayers
They wont feed the little ones
At Christmastime, it’s hard,
but when you’re having fun

There’s a world outside your window,
And it’s a world of dread and fear
Where the only clean water flowing,
is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there,
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight, thank God it’s them instead of you

Yeah they’ll do without up north again
This Christmastime
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life
Where darkness only grows
Some girls won’t make it home
Do they know it’s Christmastime at all?

Here’s to you,
Raise a glass for everyone
Here’s to them,
So much work left to be done
Do they know it’s Christmastime at all…

Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmastime again
Feed the world, Let them know it’s Christmastime again…

Looking for some classic HO HO? Check out Reido’s live off the floor collection of Christmas classics LIVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS