Toronto Raptors legend Jack Armstrong just released my favourite holiday album of 2022, and it’s not even close. Hellooo & Happy Holidays is 41 minutes of Christmas joy. It’s songs and skits and jokes and it makes me smile. AND it’s all for a good cause.

Since 1998, Armstrong has been in the lives of Toronto Raptors fans. His enthusiasm has always been infectious. And his penchant for song has been shared on air more times than I can count. But to have an entire album for Christmas is not something I ever expected. That’s exactly what we’ve got though, via Comedy Records, and in support of the MLSE Foundation and Special Olympics Canada.

Let’s address right now that this isn’t Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole or the crooning legends of holidays past. This is Jack, singing as Jack, backed by the Comedy Records team, spreading holiday cheer – not trying to create the smoothest most perfect Christmas album you’ve ever heard.

And I think that’s part of why I love it. It’s not trying to be what it’s not. It’s 100% what it is. And with money from the album and the upcoming show in Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall on December 6 supporting worthy causes, we should all be giving a round of applause.

Tickets for the show are available HERE – CLICK FOR MORE INFO AND TO BUY YOURS NOW!

There are standout moments for me on Hellooo & Happy Holidays. Three of them stopped me in my tracks the first time I listened to the album and did it again on my second listen. In order, here they are…

Track #2 – Silver Bells

Silver Bells is a top three Christmas song. I love it. It’s special to me. It’s personal to me. And when Jack Armstrong sings it, I feel like I can sing along too, however I want, however my voice is feeling, whoever is around. We’re in this together, singing a wonderful song and I love it.

Track #8 – Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

Jack’s reading of Francis Pharcellus Church’s famous words from 1897 is perfect. It hits me in my heart. It’s not comedy, it’s sincere and lovely and I’m glad it’s on this album.

Track #15 – T’Was The Night Before Christmas

This is just fun. Jack’s basketball version of the classic poem (along with the sounds in the back) is pure fun. It’s a storytelling moment that shows the Jack that we see on TV. Enthusiastic and funny, I can see the smile on his face through my speakers. What more could I ask for?!

An honourable mention goes to Silent Night at track #12. While I’m listening I can feel myself at church on Christmas Eve. And I can hear the congregation singing Silent Night, together, but with some voices standing out at times. Always proud, always with all of their heart, and always without a care in the world other than singing and celebrating. If you’ve ever been to Christmas Eve at a church, you may be able to picture someone you remember singing Silent Night too.

I invite you all to hit play on the album in the Spotify stream below. And if you love it like I do, or you think you know someone who would (or both) you can CLICK HERE to order the vinyl from Comedy Records.

I’m happy to have this album in my life now. I hope you are too.

Happy Holidays, everyone. Happy Holidays, Jack.

Jack Armstrong, Hellooo & Happy Holidays Tracklist

1. Happy Holidays Intro (The Holiday Season)
2. Silver Bells
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
5. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
6. White Christmas
7. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
8. Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus
9. Jingle Bells
10. Holly Jolly Christmas
11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
12. Silent Night
13. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
14. The Christmas Song
15. T’Was The Night Before Christmas
16. Happy Holidays Outro (Reprise)

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Joshua Murray

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