Biography
CONTACT: Paco
fmstewa@comcast.net
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Merry Christmas From Paco Dedication Page
Simply put, Christmas is absolutely one of my very favorite times of the year. From hanging the decorations both inside and outside the house, to the smell of the tree combined with a turkey roasting in the oven, I love it all; and especially while watching the spontaneous joy of kids opening gifts and in experiencing once again the gentle warmth of the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at church. I dedicate this second Paco Christmas Album to all of those Stewarts and Marstons (my extended family) who helped fill me every year with pure and unadulterated “childhood joy” at Christmas time. Those memories will live forever. With Much Respect & Love - Paco
1. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas (3:29)
A great Christmas song by Meredith Willson. I added an intro: "Oh...my very, very favorite time of the year. Kids laughing, family and friends hugging. The smell of the tree and of the Turkey dinner roasting in the oven. Hey...it's Christmas time once again". The song lyrics are slightly revised to bring them current in that most young people know not what a "five and ten" cent store is or was, and to remove references to pistols that shoot and just dolls for girls. We now reflect on the WalMart Store, transformers, gift cards and Ugg boots. I also added some verbal filler in the musical interlude that goes "decorating the house along with your spouse, trying out a new sled with your grandchildren and always, the Christmas Eve candle-light service at church."
2. Santa Baby (3:55)
Since I really do believe in Santa Claus I've always loved this song. Some versions used by different male singers however, tend to ask Santa for enormous, costly gifts that seem just a little "beyond the pale". My revised lyrics do ask for a lot, but they speak to a guy who is just longing for a meaningful relationship and to find a life-long soulmate. He doesn't play male games and treats women well, but just hasn't found the right one as yet...and thus turns to his "Buddy" Santa for help. He obviously also happens to be a Boston Red Sox fan. Bottom line is he truly believes in Santa...just as I do.
3. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (2:07)
Just another great song by Jules Styne and Sammy Cahn that warms one's heart thinking about the thrill of a snowstorm and the thrill of being in love. What a tremendous two-sum.
4. Winter Wonderland (2:33)
Another song that shows the innocent and delicious nature of Christmas Love; building a snowman together out in the meadow, pretending that he is a Preacher (Parson) and playfully joking about him performing the marriage ceremony right then and there. A wonderful sight, we're happy tonight...walking together with that very special person in a purely beautiful and magically wonderful, winter wonderland.
5. Baby It's Cold Outside (2:48)
This is just one of those duets that is an absolute blast to sing. A very cute song with wonderful lyrics, that speak to a woman's guarded modesty and a man's gentle lust while attempting to get closer to her at Christmas...all ending in the delightful agreement to have at least one more drink together, while watching the storm raging outside. I was totally blessed that a vivacious and beautiful young woman half my age agreed to perform this with me in the person of Lauren O'Keefe from Bristol Studios in Boston. Lauren, your incredible voice and acting talents were just perfect for this song!
6. Holly Jolly Christmas (2:02)
Who can forget Burl Ives original version of this great Christmas kids song? I've heard it sung by many different singers but wanted a different approach just for Paco. It occurred to me that probably the most holly jolly individual at Christmas is Santa himself, and why not have "Santa" therefore sing this song, which is exactly what I did. Thanks Santa!
7. All I Want For Christmas Is You (2:55)
The message of this song is once again heavy on Christmas love and hoping that that love will come together and be fulfilled on Christmas Day. It's absolutely all that this person is looking for at Christmas, everything else is simply not that important. An original Mariah Carey smash hit, it works for either gender to sing, as it's message is pure love.
8. When First He Touched This Earth (6:12)
Robert Knapp, a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, has written hundreds of songs, many focusing on faith-based themes. he graciously allowed me to add this Knapp original to my new Christmas Album. It is one of my favorites as it so clearly tells the Christmas story of Jesus birth in the manger. From the haunting sounds of the donkey carrying Mary to the Inn & Stable in Jerusalem, to the sounds of the animals in that humble stable and underscoring the "pain and tears" of childbirth, it brings that story into new perspective. No one person has or ever will impact humankind so significantly as did this one man...Jesus Christ. It also helps us remember why we celebrate Christmas to begin with...the birth of The Savior in the tiny town of Jerusalem.
9. Pie Jesu' (3:12)
A simply beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece. Again, my very real privilege to sing in concert this piece that is so often sung at Candlelight services on Christmas Eve, with my supremely talented soprano partner Lauren O'Keefe. What an absolute rush to sing Pie Jesu as a duet!
10. O Holy Night (3:51)
This Lauren O'Keefe & Paco duet of "O Holy Night" was inspired by a live performance of that wonderful song by John Legend and Jennifer Nettles. It brings a warm and enduring Christmas message of hope, love and peace to comfort all of us from our year-round inevitable life challenges. The background instrumental track was crafted by Chris Billias of Bristol Studios in Boston and we are indebted to him for putting this song right into our proverbial collective wheelhouse. We recorded and performed this song in tandem with Pie Jesu' to provide maximum impact to those two songs combined message. I remain in awe of the vocal talents of my duet partner Lauren O'Keefe. She sings with her heart and it is simply a blessing to perform with her.
11. Christmas (Baby Please come Home) (3:50)
While staying true to this terrific Christmas song and it's enchanting lyrics...we wanted to try and still make it a "Paco Song". We came up with the idea of introducing the song by first hearing a telephone answering machine with it's recorded message (this song) being left in case his girl does in fact try to contact him on Christmas Day...and leaving this heartfelt message for her to "come On Home"!
12. I'll Be Home For Christmas (3:42)
The haunting lyrics of this well-know Christmas song seemed to be the perfect ending for my new Christmas Album. It speaks to the countless number of individuals who cannot make it home in person at Christmas to where their heart lies...but will never-the-less be there in their dreams. It speaks to how love can span the globe and bond us instantly to those we love, not only on Christmas Day, but everyday!
13. Make A Way (4:46)
Some folks will likely shake their heads and wonder why I tagged a "non-Christmas" song onto my Christmas Album as a "bonus song". I can only say that for me, Christmas is many, many things; from family, food, sleigh bells, decorations, presents and warmth to deep un-failing Faith and celebrating Christ's birth...but with the Faith side comes (for me) a recognition that all these blessings have been bestowed upon us by God. Thus, this song "Make A Way" is the bond and the glue that ties the Wonder of Christmas to the Wonder of God.
"Make A Way" is a special song written by Amick Byram, and while you may not instantly recognize his name, you will surely recognize his voice, as he has sung the tenor roles in over 100 films including Aladdin, Prince of Egypt, Shrek, The Lion Kind, Beauty & The Beast, Hercules, Mulan and even The Matrix. He has acted in countless musical stage productions and is also the son of a preacher. His song "Make A Way" is simply one of my very favorite faith-based messages, delivered through the medium of music. Music...another blessing from God!
PACO's - BIO
To suggest that Paco has thus far led an interesting and colorful life is an understatement. After a 37-year Real Estate Career as a CEO,at age 64 he changed direction completely, to pursue a lifelong dream of singing, acting and entertaining. In sharing his dreams with others, his goal is to simply help them find more joy, peace and meaning in their own lives through music and the visual arts.
To date Paco has recorded well over 140 songs and released seven full-length CD’s, including his newest Album "Merry Christmas from Paco" in November 2016. He has now trained and studied professionally to refine his voice, dance, acting and modeling talents and recently enjoyed acting in his first TV and independent film productions, in addition to commercial ads and voice-over stints.
Paco is affiliated with both Bristol Recording Studios & Entertainment in Boston, where he produces his music and with Open Call Modeling & Talent in Boston in pursuing his modeling and acting career. He is also signed with Who Management in Hawaii & LA for TV, Film and Theater.