Liona Boyd and Maria Aragon to Sing Live at CBC SOUNDS OF THE SEASON, 12/7

After six years out of the limelight, 20 years away from Canada, and reinventing herself as a singer/songwriter, "The First Lady of Guitar," Canada's own Liona Boyd, is poised to mark a major milestone in her career with the 2013 release of a new CD, "The Return . . . To Canada with Love."

But first, a new and very different musical offering from Liona, "My Special Christmas Present is You," a duet with 12 year-old YouTube superstar, Maria Aragon from Winnipeg. "My Special Christmas Present is You" is written by Liona, and sung by Liona and Maria, and features intricate guitar work from Liona, combined with an infectious melody, dance rhythms and Enya-like background vocals. An alternate version of the song also features the smooth, melodic baritone of hip/hop artist, Fin-S.

For "My Special Christmas Present is You" Liona has brought together three musicians of different backgrounds, musical styles and generations, and who all are very proud to be Canadian!

"Lady Gaga was right, Maria is an absolute delight! She is such a beautiful and bright young girl with an amazing musical talent," enthused Liona Boyd. "I believe Maria is destined to become an international star and I was thrilled that she was able to come to Toronto to record my Christmas song, and then fly back again, last weekend, so we could film the music video together."

"My Special Christmas Present is You" will be available for download on iTunes beginning December 11, 2012. Liona and Maria will sing the song live, for the first time, as part of the CBC's "Sounds of the Season" fundraiser, Friday, December 7 between 5-6PM.

Maria Aragon became an overnight YouTube sensation when only one day after posting a video of herself singing Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," Maria caught the eye of Lady Gaga herself. In March 2011 Maria and Lady Gaga performed a duet of the popular hit for a sold out concert of over 20,000 screaming fans. Maria's cover of "Born This Way" went viral and had over a hundred million views, becoming one of the most viewed on the internet.

Five-time Juno award-winner Liona Boyd is known around the world as a platinum selling classical guitar virtuoso, composer, and now, singer/songwriter. Liona has five honorary degrees and the Order of Canada, is the five-time winner of Guitar Player Magazine's Best Classical Guitarist poll, has performed for international world leaders including the British Royal Family and the US President, has penned a best-selling autobiography, and has recorded with Yo-Yo Ma, Eric Clapton, Roger Whittaker and Olivia Newton-John, among others.

My Special Christmas Present is You
Liona Boyd: Vocals, Background Vocals, Guitars; Maria Aragon: Vocals; Fin-S: Rap Vocals
Music and lyrics: Liona Boyd; Rap lyrics: Liona Boyd
© 2012 Mid-Continental Music (SOCAN)
Produced and arranged by Peter Bond for Moston Productions Inc.; Engineered and mixed by Peter Bond
Recorded at Zolis Audio Productions; Mastered by Andy Krehm