Here’s a heartfelt toast to the holiday spirit: the video for Kenny Lattimore’s current single, “Real Love This Christmas.” The track is from the singer/songwriter’s first yuletide-themed album, A Kenny Lattimore Christmas. Filmed in Dallas, the video was inspired by the 2007 movie This Christmas.
“The dinner in the video was real. We ate and had a good time,” says Lattimore with a laugh. “Everything for the video — from catering to casting — was done with local Dallas community businesses through Facebook.”
Lattimore has been on the road since Nov. 25, making his debut with Dave Koz’s annual Holiday Run tour. Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, the 24-date tour wrapped Thursday (Dec. 22) in San Jose, Calif. In addition to Lattimore, special guests included Jonathan Butler and Ashford & Simpson’s Valerie Simpson.
“This tour was the catalyst for my album,” says Lattimore, who teamed up with Motown Gospel for its release. Helmed primarily by Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Aaron Lindsey, the 11-track A Kenny Lattimore Christmas takes the singer beyond straight R&B into jazz/smooth jazz, gospel and traditional pop. “I didn’t want it all over the place,” adds Lattimore. “But it’s enough outside of the box that people don’t expect it.”
The album currently holds the No. 5 slot on Top Gospel Albums, while “Real Love This Christmas” stands at No. 23 on Hot Gospel Songs. A rebroadcast of Lattimore’s Up Close & Personal special on Sirius XM’s Heart & Soul channel will air tomorrow (Dec. 24).
Lattimore, who recently signed with new manager David Lombard (Johnny Gill, Rahsaan Patterson), is toying around with the idea of recording an acoustic set in 2017. But first up in the new year for the Grammy-nominated singer is the Capital Jazz Soul Cruise. Sailing from Miami to Cuba from Feb. 19-26 and hosted by singer Eric Roberson, the cruise boasts a talent lineup that includes Lalah Hathaway, Kem, Mint Condition and Avery Sunshine.
