Authentic Unlimited, 2024 GRAMMY nominee and award-winning Gospel and bluegrass group, rings in the Christmas season with the release of their highly-anticipated debut Christmas album, Christmas Time is Here.
The group’s rendition of classic holiday favorites brings a fresh bluegrass twist to beloved songs, delivering a heartwarming soundtrack for the most wonderful time of the year.
The 10-track album, Christmas Time is Here, features a blend of timeless carols alongside fresh upbeat Christmas songs, all infused with the signature bluegrass harmonies and impressive musicianship for which Authentic Unlimited is widely recognized.
Christmas Time is Here is available on all major digital platforms and streaming services showcasing tracks such as “Christmas Time Is Here,” “White Christmas,” “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” and many more! This collection of songs is sure to become a new seasonal favorite.
“A Christmas song is like wrapping up a warm memory, ready to be shared with the world. In true Authentic Unlimited fashion, we unwrap our musical gift to listeners, hoping it brings joy and a touch of holiday spirit to every heart,” states group member, Jerry Cole.
Jerry Salley, A&R creative director of Billy Blue Records, celebrates the release by stating, “to those who may have wondered just how incredibly talented Authentic Unlimited is, Christmas Time Is Here answers all speculation! Combining complex vocal arrangements and exquisite musicianship on multiple tracks, the gracefulness of each intimate arrangement displays mastery at every level. This recording will not only appeal to their fan base, but will no doubt attract new fans to their musical versatility. It is sure to become a holiday favorite.”
Track Listing:
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
- It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
- Christmas Time Is Here
- Sleigh Ride
- There’s A New Kid In Town
- Christmas Comes But Once a Year
- White Christmas
- I’ll Be Home For Christmas
- A Holly Jolly Christmas
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Authentic Unlimited, 2024 Grammy nominee and 2-time reigning IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, is comprised of five exceptionally talented individual musicians and singers who collectively have set a new standard for bluegrass music and Gospel music in a very short period of time.
Stephen Burwell is the son of Edwin and Cheryl Burwell of Lake Jackson, Texas. At age 4, the family moved to Washington. He learned to play fiddle when he was 8. In 2014, he moved to North Carolina, where he auditioned for Doyle Lawson only a few days after the move.
He was made part of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on October 1, 2014. He describes Lawson as “the best boss ever” and contributes much of his dedication to the craft to the years spent in Quicksilver. Stephen is also a recording engineer and has a studio located at his home. Stephen and his wife, Haley, welcomed their daughter, Lydia, into the world this winter.
Jerry Cole was born in 1974, and raised in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee. He has been around music his entire life. He is the son of Jerry Lee and Nancy Cole. He has two older and two younger sibling.
At the age of 6, Jerry’s father, Jerry Lee, taught Jerry to play guitar. Jerry Lee sang with The Betterway Quartet for nearly 30 years. During Jerry Lee’s practice sessions at home, young Jerry also learned to sing lead and harmony vocals.
Jerry first toured with Cody Shuler and Pine Mountain Railroad, recording two albums with the band. He later joined Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out where he stayed for 3 years. In December 2018, Jerry joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver where he stayed until Lawson’s retirement in December, 2021.
Eli Johnston was born near Branson, Missouri, to parents David and Alycia Johnston. He was raised in southeastern Kansas after his father had taken a job at the hospital there as a surgical nurse.
He has two younger brothers, one a musician and the other a police officer. Eli’s grandfather, Joe Riker, bought Eli his first guitar when he was 11. Seeing that his son had a love of music, David would drive Eli all over the country to attend festivals. Eli joined his first band, Nothin’ Fancy, while he was in high school.
Later, he became a member of Pine Mountain Railroad. In 2013, Eli joined Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. During his time there, two of Eli’s songs were recorded by the band. Eli is married to wife Keasley, and they have two children, Huxley and Boone.
Jesse Brock is the son of C.W. and Starre Brock who hails from Kentucky. He grew up in a musically inclined family and began singing at the age of 7. At 8, he learned to play the fiddle but soon decided that he was better suited for the mandolin.
His first experience as a band member was with his family. Since then, he has performed with some of the top acts in the industry. His efforts were recognized in 2009, and again in 2015, as he was awarded IBMA Mandolin Player of The Year. Jesse is married to Kristine.
Meet John Meador who is from East Tennessee. John is the son of Marty Meador and Jenice Harper. He plays guitar and is one of the lead and harmony vocalists. John says he began singing before he was walking. His father began teaching him to play the guitar when he was 12 years old.
John joined his first band (Kentucky Just Us) at the age of 14, along with his younger brother. When he was 16, he was offered a scholarship in music that he completed while he was still in high school. John is married to Grace, and they have a daughter, Bethany, and a son, Andy.
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label and home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Bob Minner, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox & Grasstime, Marty Raybon & Full Circle, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, and critically-acclaimed concept recordings like the Grammy®-nominated “Gonna Sing Gonna Shout” and 2021’s star-studded “Country Faith Bluegrass.” Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution
