As the holidays approach a new recording of Bermudian artists has been released.

"A Bermudaful Christmas" features Sia Spence, Sheila Smith, Clive Francis, Rochelle le Comp, John Duncan, the Vernon Temple Praise Singers and Darryl and Jacqualine Simons.

The producer is Kelvin Broughton, a world-renowned musical and music director from Atlanta. Mr. Broughton is also the director of the Atlanta Super Choir.

The CD is filled with beautiful Christmas music, which was created by Darryl Simons, who is the owner of recording studio Bermuda Bass Hits.

Mr. Simons also acts as the minister of music at Vernon Temple AME Church. Besides his talents as a gifted musician and vocalist, he has directed several outstanding choirs and singing groups on the Island.

The idea for the Christmas CD was conceived in 2003, but he and Derek Simmons did not begin the real work on it until last year. Mr. Simons said it was always his aim to produce a Christmas album.

"My first instrument was given to me at Christmas when I was about five years old," Mr. Simons said.

"It was the wish of my late great-grandmother that an instrument be purchased for me because I exhibited potential in the area of music. So, Christmas is a special time of year for me, and I believe Christmas albums are timeless if produced well."

Mr. Simons has gathered some of Bermuda's best singers for this project.

"The songs they sing reflect their abilities. Each person brings a following of their own and I have worked with most of them over the past two decades."

The songs are not necessarily Bermuda-specific, he said. "They speak to anyone who experiences life's struggles on a daily basis and especially at Christmas."

Mr. Broughton and Mr. Simons have been friends since 1981.

"The basic tracks and instrumentation was done between Bermuda and Atlanta," said Mr. Simons.

"But all the vocals and final mixing of the tracks were done in Bermuda before mastering. I met Kelvin at the National Black Gospel College Choir Workshops which are held every Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta.

"Since 1985 we have maintained a close relationship, strengthened by our desire to write and produce good music."

Bermuda Bass Hits is his personal recording studio and Mr. Simons said he has a vision for the musical future of the Island.

"My aim is to form a record label that will encourage people to audition via an audition process," he said, "And the best of those will be selected for commercial projects.

"This will also assist local performers who desire to leave project in the hands of locals and visitors alike."

The CD costs $25 and is available at all major outlets and from people who have worked on the project. After costs a donation will be made to the Vernon Temple AME Church.