Once in a great while, an artist comes along who becomes the voice of his generation. If you hear of one, would you let us know? Meanwhile, here’s the latest from Randy Brooks, inevitably introduced as “the man who wrote ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.’” Recorded during the holidays before a live audience (because the dead ones don’t laugh,) the song list includes “Grandma” and five other holiday tunes, none of which are to be taken seriously. The set is rounded out with four other songs previously available in studio versions, but performed here live with the story behind the creation of each one. From the liner notes: This recording wasn’t made with a CD in mind. But when Randy Tredway of In the Music Room shared it, I was immediately reminded of well-worn live albums of my youth, recorded at legendary venues like the hungry i and the Purple Onion, both of San Francisco. In fact, those who would compare the club scene in Waxahachie today to San Francisco in the 60s have probably been smoking some of the same substance so prevalent in the Bay Area back then. I was already planning to put together a CD of my Christmas songs, since so many of my singer/songwriter appearances are concentrated around the holidays. And because this show took place on December 14, 2013, most of my holiday tunes were on the set list. You’ll hear me reference “Greg and Ken.” I was opening on this evening for Greg Whitfield and Ken Gaines, two gifted songwriters with whom I was privileged to share billing. There are no band or background vocals to add polish here. Nothing but the give-and-take with a gracious audience. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD are being donated to the WNF.* *Wife’s Nordstrom’s Fund This product was not tested on animals.