Rod Records Xmas Album

ROD WILL BE YOUR SANTA CLAUS: Rod Stewart will make his debut on UMG’s Verve Music Group with Merry Christmas, Baby, his first-ever holiday album, it was announced by UMG’s Lucian Grainge and Verve Music Group’s David Foster, who served as producer and arranger on the release, which arrives in stores Oct. 30 and is available for pre-order on iTunes starting today. "I have always been tempted to do a Christmas album," said Rod. "And now that I once again have young children, the timing couldn't be better.” Stewart is joined by Michael Bublé, who duets with Rod on “Winter Wonderland,” while “We Three Kings” is a duet with Mary J. Blige, and the title tune finds him collaborating with Cee-Lo Green featuring New Orleans favorite, Trombone Shorty. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” features Dave Koz on saxophone and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” includes a “virtual” duet with Ella Fitzgerald featuring Chris Botti. The album’s one original track, “Red-Suited Super Man,” is composed by Rod, David and Amy Foster and also features Trombone Shorty. (9/5p)