Local musician Chris Hassett has been a fixture on the San Diego scene for more than a quarter of a century. Performing around town in a variety of venues and settings, his time on stage has also included gigs for benefit concerts, such as The Friends and Lovers Concert Series, that has helped raise thousands of dollars for AIDS organizations and other LGBT-based non-profits.
His love of songs precedes his discovery, at the tender age of four, that he had the music in him and knew that it was the path to which he wanted to walk. With a wealth of influences to guide and inform his journey – from Elvis Presley to show tunes and beyond – he continues to travel upon these musical grounds with the emotion inherent in his songs keeping him company.
Hassett’s 2009 CD Bring Love Home, a collection of ten original songs and some standards, illustrates his musical vision of providing topical themes in order to give listeners food for thought. This particular theme is also prevalent in his newest collection of songs for the holidays, December; a mixture of Christmas favorites and the aforementioned innovative efforts alike.
“Little Yellow House,” is a timely country-tinged tale of how the difficult economy affects a family. “Take Time for a New God” chronicles the deep resonance of losing someone close to you and how the aftereffects can illicit a wealth of emotions. The title track, “December,” is an upbeat take on the 12th calendar month of the year.
The rest of December is sprinkled with seasonal favorites such as “What Child Is This?” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
