"I always believe that the spirit of Christmas should be felt all year around. This year, I want it to be more meaningful mainly because our country needs all the love and unity. For me the best way to sing of happiness is through Christmas carols," the singer said.

Known for his renditions of jazz, pop and R&B songs, the album contains his own version of Christmas carols specially arranged by acclaimed keyboardist-arranger Toti Fuentes. With Mr. Merk in the album are the Fifth Gospel Choir, Reuben Laurente and Ms. Jacqui Magno. Also in the album are John-John Castañeda on guitars, Popoy Valmonte on trumpets and fugel horn and Dingdong Boogie on bongos.

Singer Jacqui Magno also joined Mr. Merk in supervising the vocals of all the tracks in the album. "It’s always a pleasure working with Richard Merk and Toti Fuentes. It is such a breeze because Richard is the easy going type and so we were able to achieve singing and vocal quality required. This project is a venture of discovery and an inspiration to us all. I also salute the Fifth Gospel Choir for facing the challenge head on. The result was a job well done."

The album was extra meaningful for musical arranger Toti Fuentes. "Everything I so now, I treat with the sweet tenderness and care, Every song I play, every note I hit – is my last. Life is short but so special. Doing this Christmas CD project with Richard is a lot of fun. It is always an honor to work with legends like Richard. Through our artistic dreams and experience, we collaborated to bring you this album of a lifetime."

Released under Manna records "Merk Christmas" includes tracks like "Grown Up Christmas List," "Silver Bells," "Christmas Song," "Oh Holy Night," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Oh Holy Night," "Oh Come Oh Ye Faithful," "The First Noel," and many others.

Among the tracks in the album Recording Engineer-Producer Jim Sarthou singles out Richard’s version of "O Holy Night." "I have done numerous Christmas albums in the past, but ‘Merk Christmas’ contains the best selection of traditional Christmas music I’ve cherished since childhood. ‘O Holy Night’ is my favorite of all Christmas songs and Richard’s rendition is simply the best I’ve ever heard. In doing ‘Merk Christmas’ I can truly say I’ve worked with the industry’s finest artists."

Richard Merk guarantees to inspire music lovers to count their blessings with "Merk Christmas." "Life is about surviving. And having survived the year in spite of some difficulties is a good reason to celebrate life and the coming of the Christmas season. Let us all keep in mind, that the best gift we can give anyone this season is the gift of love."

For inquiries on this special Christmas album, please call Merk’s at 757-4720 and 757-4721 or text 0917-8241465