Celine Dion. Kirk Whalum. Fred Hammond. Take 6. James Fortune. Michael McDonald. Will Downing. Patti Austin. Philadelphia native John Stoddart has either written for, sung with, played for or produced each of these great artists. And they are just a few of the names that pepper John Stoddart's musical resume. But this Christmas, John steps into the forefront once again on his 6th solo disc, "Only On Christmas Day" (Urban Junction East Music). Listeners may naturally gravitate to their old favorites. However, it is on the original songs that John most uniquely expresses the Spiritual and personal importance of Christmas. “Only On Christmas Day” is a soaring Gospel number that features musical soul-mate and Jazz saxman Kirk Whalum. The disc’s title track was co-written by Hallerin Hill (Whitney Houston’s “Who Would Imagine a King”) with fellow soul artist Avery*Sunshine supporting John on backing vocals. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is one of the real highlights of “Only On Christmas Day”. The duet rendition features the iconic vocal stylings of Lalah Hathaway and places a contemporary R&B sheen on this classic tune. The “who’s who” list of participating musicians also includes legendary bassist Nathan East (Toto, Fourplay), percussionist Bashiri Johnson (Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston), guitarist Michael Thompson (Celine Dion, Babyface) and Swiss harmonicist Grégoire Maret (Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock). Covering an almost equal blend of new original compositions and familiar holiday favorites, “Only On Christmas Day” is John's eloquent personal story of the holiday’s transformative power. The album includes interpretations of loved Christmas songs such as “My Favorite Things” served with a satisfying helping of Jazz trumpeter Rick Braun; and “Oh, Come Immanuel” featuring musical soul-mate and Jazz saxman Kirk Whalum. New originals celebrate the gifts of love and family. “You (Noelle’s Song)” and “I Never Knew” are tributes to John’s two daughters, one of whom was born on Christmas eve. And “All I Want” is a groovy, dance-able number written for his wife that celebrates the gift of marriage. John has always used his music to share his faith and the relationship with God that undergirds his life. “Only On Christmas Day” introduces new songs into the Christmas canon. “‘Twas On a Night”, penned by John’s [at the time] 8-year-old daughter, and “Love From a Star” show us his unique perspective on what Christmas truly means. Christmas is ultimately about relationships and on “Only on Christmas Day,” we are challenged to retune. Our relationship with our Creator and with those whom He’s placed in our lives are the most important gifts that we receive each year. Christmas gives us the chance to renew those relationships. And “Only On Christmas Day” shifts the focus from the often alluring commercialism of Christmas back to the holiday’s true essence, reminding us never to take the gifts of God’s love and of family, faith and friends for granted.