You know that old saw, "Those who can't, teach... and those who can't teach, teach gym?" I've often said that "those who needn't make music, make records... and those who needn't make records, make Christmas records." Now, I don't honestly know whether former Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht can carry a tune in a bucket, let alone meet my tough criteria for holiday cheer (although the snippet I just heard while linking to his website was okay in a choirboy-all-grown-up kinda way), but I'm mildly intrigued by the prospect of his forthcoming Christmas album, Christmas Hope, if only because I'm always looking for an excuse to pretend I know something, anything about sports. Also, he has a nice chin.
Details on Ben's Christmas record below:
SUPERBOWL XLI CHAMPION BENJAMIN UTECHT
RELEASES CHRISTMAS HOPE ALBUM ON OCTOBER 11TH
New York, NY – (September 8, 2011) – Most people are fortunate to have just one remarkable talent, but Benjamin Utecht is not like most people. One of the proudest moments of Utecht’s life came when the clock ran out at that fateful Super Bowl Championship game where he and his teammates in the Indianapolis Colts claimed a hard-fought victory over the Chicago Bears. His injuries (including a career-ending concussion) have since forced him into retirement from football, but his love of music and impressive vocal ability has helped to launch his childhood dream of a successful singing career.
While it has traditionally been difficult for athletes to crossover into the music world, the truth is that Utecht has been preparing for this transition for the past twenty years. Thus far, the passionate superstar’s astonishing voice has been featured alongside legendary pops maestro Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and gospel music legends Bill Gaither and Sandi Patty. Benjamin’s classical crossover style strikes a resemblance to Josh Groban and Michael Buble, but with the pop/rock appeal of U2 and the epic nature of cinematic scores. Utecht’s latest accomplishment was being named Jim Brickman's lead male vocalist on the multi-platinum artists’ upcoming Holiday Tour "A Christmas Celebration" kicking off on November 26th.
As a man who is embodies hope, it seems only right that Utecht’s first release is a record celebrates the holiday season titled Christmas Hope. Featuring classic holiday songs and hymns as well as an original track called “Hope,” Christmas Hope is the perfect way to celebrate the season with loved ones. Available everywhere October 11th, Utecht is sure to prove his place in the industry and introduce a new side of himself to fans across the nation.
TRACK LISTING:
The First Noel
O Come, O Come Emanuel
White Christmas
In My Dreaming
Christmas Eve
Christmas Time Is Here/O Tannenbaum
I Pray
Let It Snow (feat. Jaimee Paul)
The Coventry Carol
Hope
O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel)
Ave Maria
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
The album can be preordered here: http://tinyurl.com/
benutechtpreorder
