Words By: Bethany Hildebrandt

Roots rock veteran Chris Berardo’s new singles include a new twist on “Have Yourself  A Merry Little Christmas,” dropped an original holiday track “This Year” and graced us with a cover of Badfinger’s “Baby Blue.” Originally from Bronxville, NY, Chris has been a showman since the age of 12, influenced by the likes of The Allman Brothers, The Eagles, Neil Young, Marshall Tucker and more. With his Southern Rock charm, Chris pulls you in for a couple of easy-listening Christmas songs as well as a timeless cover.

Coming off of playing his first full-band show since February 2020 at The Cutting Room in October, all of Berardo’s new singles embrace the triumphant sounds of Americana. “Baby Blue” takes you back to the 70’s with the familiarness of repetitive guitar riffs and vocals that draw you into a classic rock rendition. Originally written and released by British power pop rock band Badfinger in 1971, Chris’ new version captures the essence of the 70’s and embraces it in 2021. With melodic harmonies and pop-rock sounds of the past, this track is one you won’t want to skip when it comes on your Spotify. Chris states that he recently reminisced with producer and friend David Abeyta on the time he had the pleasure of opening for Badfinger and what a fun gig it had been. “I’d love to maybe take a stab at ‘Baby Blue’ someday. I think that might be made for us. And David’s response was, ‘Oh hell yeah, we are doing this!’ Chris says.

With his easy-listening rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” Chris states, “I just couldn’t see myself writing about reindeer or candy canes. But I’d always wanted to try my hand at the classic ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.’” His unique cover features all too familiar lyrics with polished guitar riffs and smooth drum beats that are enough to pull you into the Christmas classic.

“This Year” is a song we need now more than ever. With lyrics that communicate the feeling of getting back together and celebrating with families after being separated so long during the pandemic, it’s the perfect track for anyone to hear during this time of year. The track is deeply personal for Chris, but also universally relatable. Berardo originally had plans for “This Year” to be a piano-induced song, but things changed once he shared it with Abeyta, who ended up playing all of the instruments on it. Chris explains about the track, “It’s not ‘Jingle Bells,’ but I hope it just might evoke a few warm memories and remind a listener how lucky we are for the time we have and the love we share in this world.” “This Year” will touch your heart, have you reflecting on the past year and challenge you to embrace the warmth of the holidays.

If you’re a fan of any soft rock from the past, Chris is determined to take you there with his modern-day renditions, full of melodies that aim to have you swaying back and forth with musical moments you will remember forever. Spreading holiday cheer as well as expressing love for a classic rock tune, Chris Berardo is welcoming you with open arms to his new music.

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