Finally...the long awaited new generation of neo classic Christmas music, composed by Curtis McKonly?and performed by Leslie Uggams and the Curtis McKonly Orchestra. In the words of singer Leslie Uggams, 'the music and lyrics harken back to the big-band days, but there's a contemporary feel to it. Curtis' arrangements are lush and romantic, and they capture the sounds of the season beautifully. The song is both nostalgic and hopeful. I just love it's emotional complexities.' Leslie Uggams has had a long and distinguished career as a stage actress, concert performer and recording artist. Her gifts as an entertainer have brought her from Harlem (Uptown) to Broadway (Downtown), the big screen (Skyjacked) to television (The Leslie Uggams Show). Perhaps best known for her stirring portrayal of Kizzy in the landmark TV mini-series Alex Haley's Roots (Critics Choice Award, Emmy and Golden Globe nominations), Ms. Uggams has performed to critical and popular acclaim ever since her first professional appearances at the age of nine at the famed Apollo Theater. McKonly has proven his versatility as a composer with numerous TV credits including themes for WCBS News, in addition to the long running news exposé theme, Shame on You for WCBS. He has composed underscores for national commercials, TV Shows, theatrical trailers and promotional spots for other networks including NBC, WPIX, WCVB and SHOWTIME. McKonly's arranging credits include a gold CD with Vanessa Williams, orchestrations for Jennifer Hudson for the Boston Pops, July 4, 2012, plus songs for Brian Stokes Mitchell, the Four Tops, the Temptations and James Brown. He has also completed numerous orchestrations for the Chicago Symphony, the Boston Pops, the NSO, and most recently the Dallas Symphony.