Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) is a rock song originally sung by Darlene Love and included on the 1963 seasonal compilation album, A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector. The song was written by Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry (Phil Spector is also co-credited) and Love was given a demo of it over phone performed by them. She went on to record the song in studio, which was a big success and became one of her signature tunes. Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" first on its list of The Greatest Rock and Roll Christmas Songs, noting that "nobody can match Darlene Love's emotion and sheer vocal power. The song has been used in several movies – including during the main titles of Gremlins and in a scene in GoodFellas in which some of the characters spend money from their Lufthansa Heist on lavish gifts. There have been numerous cover versions, notably by Mariah Carey in 1994. Cher also recorded it, having been ne of the original background singers at the Phil Spector studio sessions with Darlene Love back in 1963 in a dance version. Other versions include those released by Dion, Michael Bublé, Jon Bon Jovi, Little Mix, Foo Fighters, Leona Lewis, Smash Mouth, and Idina Menzel among many others.

Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an “Honorary Fellowship of the University of Winchester” for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for their Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for “Services to Youth” by Brass Bands England.