Williamsburg Artists Release Holiday Album Featuring Unique Tracks

A group of five artists from Williamsburg has launched a new holiday album titled “Peace,” featuring a collection of original songs that celebrate the spirit of the season. The album includes tracks that convey messages of unity, hope, and kindness, alongside more playful offerings, such as “Rumba Ruined Christmas,” which humorously depicts a robotic vacuum cleaner chasing Santa Claus after he slides down the chimney.

The song “Rumba Ruined Christmas” was penned by Ken Ashby and his wife, Maris Segal, who described the chaotic scene: “It’s midnight, and nobody ever told the Rumba not to clean the living room. It all just goes crazy, and poor Santa has quite a time.” This lighthearted track is one of ten original songs on the album, which also includes a Hanukkah song titled “My Menorah Said to Me,” and “Peace on Earth,” featuring lyrics in multiple languages.

The album is a collaborative effort involving Ashby, Segal, along with Dick Smith, Cabot Wade, and John Tracy, the latter three being members of the Smith-Wade Band. These musicians have maintained a friendship and creative partnership for decades, and their combined talents have produced a festive compilation that aims to resonate with a diverse audience.

Innovative Collaboration and Charitable Impact

The idea for the holiday album surfaced in February 2023. While the artists are seasoned performers, they embraced generative AI tools to facilitate the creation of a radio-ready product before Christmas. By inputting their original lyrics and music, they tailored each track’s sound, adjusting elements such as voice type, singer gender, and tempo. This innovative approach allowed them to refine their work efficiently.

As Ashby noted, “It was an amazing way to hone and redevelop your work, just like if you were recording in a studio. We didn’t hold ourselves back; we felt free to go from the heartfelt to the absurd.” The resulting tracks span various genres, including folk, pop, and even street rap, with songs like “Bethlehem — Jump Rope Rhyme” adding a unique flavor to the collection.

A portion of the album’s sales will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, supporting programs aimed at helping children and teenagers in the community. Segal, who co-runs Segal Leadership Global LLC, expressed their desire to combine their passion for music and community service. “Music is a great unifier, and Kiwanis is a huge passion for me and Ken,” she said. “So, we thought, let’s combine these two great things — and let’s just do something really joyful with it.”

A Rich Musical Legacy

The group has a deep-rooted history, particularly Ashby and Smith, who met during their high school years in Tennessee and began collaborating on songs as teenagers. All five artists were once involved with Up with People, a global music and service nonprofit that connected young people from various backgrounds.

Ashby and Segal relocated to Williamsburg to plan events for the Jamestown 1607 anniversary celebration and have made the area their permanent home since 2019. A prolific songwriter, Ashby has written over 200 songs and received a prestigious British music award in 1984 for the theme song “That’s Livin’ Alright,” co-written for a television show.

The Smith-Wade Band has been a staple in the Hampton Roads music scene since 1971, known for a diverse repertoire that includes rock, folk, and R&B. Their instruments range from guitar and keyboard to violin and saxophone, showcasing a rich musical tapestry.

Segal emphasized the album’s universal appeal, stating, “We are all connected as humanity first, and every song on this album has heart in a different way.” The album aims to cater to various audiences, including adults and children, and reflects the artists’ shared values.

For those looking to embrace the holiday spirit, “Peace” is available for $9.99 as a digital download at payhip.com/b/r1k9E, with $2 from each purchase going to the Kiwanis Club. The album is also set to premiere in its entirety on WMBG Radio, FM 93.5 The Burg and WMBG AM 740, on December 25, 2023.

By blending music and philanthropy, these Williamsburg artists have created a joyful offering that enriches the holiday season while supporting a worthy cause.