New Aguinaldo is a joyful reimagining of holiday classics and Christmas music from Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela. Blending the spirit of celebration with timeless tradition, the album channels the warmth, rhythm, and communal magic of a true island Christmas.

Inspired by the folk tradition of parang, brought to Trinidad by Venezuelan cocoa farmers in the 18th century, New Aguinaldo draws from the rich legacy of aguinaldos, or musical “gifts” shared door-to-door during the festive season. With its heart in parranda and its soul in jazz, New Aguinaldo is, in many ways, my own offering: a seasonal gift shaped by heritage, memory, and joy.

The nine-track collection brings together four beloved Christmas standards, three traditional parang songs from Venezuela and Trinidad, and two homegrown Trinidadian holiday tunes.

To bring this vision to life, Ryan turned to a circle of collaborators who feel like family. Trumpeter Andrew McAnsh; vocalists Joanna Majoko, Eliana Cuevas, and my uncle Clifton Ryan II; bassist Rich Brown; cuatro player Luis Guevara; percussionist Derek Thorne; and Maria Jose Castejon on maracas.

Together, they’ve created something festive and familiar yet unmistakably new—a holiday soundtrack that feels like home.

Track List

1. Do you hear what I hear? 

2. Christmas Time is Here

3. O, Come Emmanuel (Prelude)

4. O,, Come Emmanuel 

5. Little Drummer Boy

6. Que Venga

7. Rio Manzanares

8. Alegria, Alegria

9. Madame Jeffrey 

10. Merry Christmas 

Credits
Production Team
Recording and Mix Engineer: David Hermiston,
Master by Jeff “Fedge” Elliot
Vocal and precision overdubs recorded by Jonathan Ryan and Chris Romano
Recorded at RHC Studios and Rolling Pictures, Toronto, ON, Canada

Musicians
Andrew McAnsh - Trumpet
Ewen Farncombe - Piano & Rhodes
Andrew Marzotto - Guitar
Julian Anderson-Bowes - Upright bass
Amhed Mitchel - Drums

Special guests
Joanna Majoko - Vocals
Eliana Cuevas - Vocals
Clifton Ryan II - Vocals
Luis Guevara - Cuatro
Maria Jose Castejon - Maracas
Derek Thorne - Congas, Dub Dub, and other percussion
Rich Brown - Electric bass

Photography & Art Direction: Keith Austin Agency
Videography: Michael Fisher Media
Album Cover Design: Fwé Culture
Artist Support Admin: Mariano Rojas
Session Hospitality: Kristin Ryan (Mélé Cuisine)

released December 13, 2025