ALBUM SUMMARY- Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. For years my family asked me to learn Christmas songs and for whatever reason, I drug my feet. But then I actually needed to learn a few for a performance and I caught the fire. This is a collection that includes two original Christmas songs along with some of my favorite Christmas classics adapted to my style of acoustic guitar playing. They are old classics with a new flair. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed arranging them!
1. LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
Originally written by Katherine Davis, this has long been one of my favorite songs of
the season. I love to imagine the scene this songs sets - the little drummer boy
coming to pay honor to the baby King, bringing Him the best thing he has to give -
his talent. I feel that way often - a child in God's eyes, bringing the best thing I can think of to give. This season, when we are flooded with advertisements telling us
what the best gift is to give, I encourage you to bring the King your best gift - yourself.
Retail Value: $15.00
2. SILENT NIGHT
This was the first of the Christmas songs I learned. It's such an international classic. Rather than focusing on the traditional hymn version, I wanted a
melody and arrangement that conveys the mood and impact of that first
Christmas night.
This Christmas season find some time to sit alone in the quiet to reflect on the significance of that first Silent Night.
3.
SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN
Written by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1954, this continues to be a Christmas classic. As our children were growing up, we tried to blend the fun and magic of Santa Clause with the reality of Christ and His birth at Christmas. After celebrating Jesus' birthday with cake on Christmas Eve, we would leave a piece for Santa to enjoy. We would tuck the girls in with joy and anticipation of what would be waiting for them from Santa the next morning.
4.
THE CHRISTMAS SONG
When you look up the top ten most popular Christmas songs, this one is always #1 or #2 on every list. More commonly knows as "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire", written by Mel Torme and Robert Welsls, it's always been one of my favorites. I listened to a few versions, but none of them felt right. I wanted this song to have the feeling of me being there in your living room by a fireplace or outside in front of a campfire singing to you.
The season between Thanksgiving and New Year is a crazy time. Sometimes we are excited about all of the gatherings and sometimes, when there are unspoken issues, we are a bit nervous, dreading those gatherings. I want to encourage you to make the most out of every moment this season. Look for those small treasured memories you can take with you into the next year.
5. CHRISTMAS TREE SHINE
During the process of searching for Christmas songs to learn and rearrange, I came across "O Christmas Tree". It reminded me of our Christmas trees in years past. I wanted to write a song that captured what the Christmas tree means to me. The decorating of the Christmas tree has always been such an important part of our Christmas celebration. I remember sitting in the dark in front of the lit Christmas tree after everyone had gone to bed, and getting this sense that everything was going to be ok. It was like something spiritual - a peace and reassurance from God that He had me in the palm of His hand. Just like He had a plan for the world on that first Christmas night, I knew for certain He also had a plan for me.
6.GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN
This Old English Christmas carol was written into the Charles Dickens novel "A Christmas Carole". My favorite movie version of the book stars Patrick Stewart. Staying most true to the novel, this movie version also incorporates this carol into one of the scenes. I really had fun giving this old classic a new flair.
Tidings of comfort and joy - that's what we have to share with those around us this season, whether that's by giving a gift, baking a favorite treat, donating to a worthy cause, to a desparate need, or just sharing yourself and your time with those around you.
7.AULD LANG SYNE
This was actually a poem written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in the 1700's. Literally translated into English, the title means 'old long since' or 'long, long ago' - basically 'the good old days'. Guy Lombardo gave it world recognition in the early 1900's by playing it on New Year's Eve with his band. This song makes me stop and reflect on the special people that have crossed my path, making me realize we're not alone in this journey - we're in it together and we all need each other.
8.
CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE
You will recognize this from "A Charlie Brown Christmas". This song was written by Vince Guaraldi. As the story goes, Vince was introduced to Peanuts creator Charles Schulz and asked to score some music for the animated Christmas show. All this almost never even got off the ground. The networks hated it. They thought the subject content and dialogue was too mature for a young audience, and the music wasn't kids's music - it was jazz influenced. In spite of their apprehension, the show aired and became a huge hit. The song has now become a Christmas classic. I think what contributes to its popularity is the fact that it goes against the grain. Most songs with happy lyrics also have a jovial melody. However, this song combines the happy lyrics with a beautiful, almost melancholy melody. The contrast makes it unique and instantly recognizable. You may notice some changes and additions I've made in order to put my stamp on it. I hope they only enjance your enjoyment of this wonderful song.
9. GREENSLEEVES
From the sixteenth century, this was orignally a ballad about a young maiden. The song first know as "Lady of Greensleeves" but now simply as "Greensleeves" is mostly recognized as a beautiful instrumental even though it was written with lyrics and melody. In the 1950's the melody was combined with new lyrics to create the Christmas song "What Child Is This". I thought it would be a fitting way to end the CD - almost as an announcement of the Lord's arrival.
This is my instrumental interpretation. I might encourage you to take a moment out of your busy schedule to put a new lyric/prayer to this tune - something to give back to our Lord as a thank you for His amazing gift of love.
10. WE THREE KINGS
I had a lot of fun working on this melody. For parts of the song, I envisioned the three kings traveling - it's almost a traveling melody of sorts. Such a long journey they had following a star to a place where they would find a King. What faith they had - moving forward, day by day to the unknown based on a promise foretold. Much like our life today - moving forward through the ups and downs of our life to a promise told of everlasting life with our King.
11. WHEN GOD BECAME WHO I AM
This is my second original Christmas song. I actually wrote it in January well after the season was over. I just wasn't ready for it all to be over and was still inspiried by what this season means to me. This wasn't just some birth that happened so very long ago that we still like to remember once a year. This isn't just about fun things like Santa and Reindeer. It's about a master plan, put into action by the God of the Universe. It was a perfect plan and a complete gift of grace for man kind.
12. AWAY IN MANGER
This is the most peaceful lullaby ever penned. It's fitting that it was written about the Prince of Peace. At Christmas, I used to sing it to the girls when they were little. I loved watching them drift off to dream land and lay there in slumber. I would shoot a prayer to God, thanking Him for the wonder He had given me in them. I read a pastor's interpretation of this song recently and he likened it to a calm in a storm - much like the Savior's birth was a calm in the storm of humanty. Simple, yet powerful.
"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay...." I feel that cry in my heart a lot lately. And He promises to be near us always. You know, I think if we took the time to get really quiet, we'd even hear Him saying "I am here." I often think of shooting a prayer "up" to God, but in reality, He's right by my side - inside me, more accurately. "Close by me, forever, and love me, I pray..." He does love us - forever - undoubtedly, unshakable, eternally!
13. HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
I really tend to think of this song as a song of preparation for the Holy Season. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" was written in 1739 by Charles Wesley and is still considered an essential hymn to sing during this advent season.
"Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King..." It almost makes you want to shout it out loud - the announcement of the coming King, the One to bring us peace and mercy. I can almost see the scene - angels descending from heaven, singing the great tidings of the new born baby King, the joy of glory filling that little town of Bethlehem. I wonder if the people of Bethlehem could almost feel a change in the air.
Can you feel the excitement? Share the tidings of the Christmas Season!
When you sign up to receive my e-newsletter,
I will send you a MP3 download for FREE!
"A wonderful Christmas collection. We feel that John Tracy identified the nature of each song in a way that each was played as originally composed. Beautiful. We kept playing it well into the new year." Pete and Steph B
"Christmas Tree Shine is the music we listen to when decorating the house for Christmas! It reminds us of our family, God and Christmas - what the season is all about! We are big fans of John Tracy's music and love so many of his songs. If we had to pick a favorite from the Christmas album, it would have to be Greensleeves or Little Drummer Boy. Merry Christmas and thanks for helping to create traditions and memories in our house!"Anthony & Melinda R
"My favorite song from Christmas Tree Shine is Greensleeves. It immediately slows my mind down and puts me in a worshipful spirit. John Tracy's mastery of guitar is incredible - you can truly sense the Holy Spirit through his playing. My Christmas wish is an instrumental album!" Janice M.
"John Tracy's Christmas Tree Shine offers a tiny touch of soft jazz, a bit of trumpet and a hint of the familiar in a variety of ways. I just finished listening to this CD and have ordered several for stocking stuffers. I love the overall softness of the CD. It is unique from start to finish. The richness of the acoustic guitar just made it for me! I also found myself thinking about hot chocolate, wrapping Christmas gifts, baking cookies or planning the Christmas Eve festivities - all the heart and homey things. And, how glad I am that the true meaning of Christmas is made so tenderly clear in When God Became Who I Am. For me, this is the heart and soul of the season - period. Christmas Tree Shine is a keeper; a great addition to my Christmas collection." Tina I.
"Christmas Tree Shine is a myriad of my favorite holiday songs with a new twist for me that doesn't feel so "new." John Tracy managed to freshen up tunes that didn't need to be freshened up, but I'm so glad he did! Move over Johnny Mathis and Bing Crosby! John's version of Christmas Time Is Here makes the hairs on my arms raise and gives me the desire to grab a mug of hot cider and get comfy by the tree with that special lady. John Tracy's voice is the perfect compliment to opening gifts with my family. This Christmas will be the second of hopefully many more with Christmas Tree Shine playing all season long!" Tah Phrum Da Bush
"This is one of my favorite Christmas albums! John Tracy's voice is soulful and the music is inspiring and sweetly simple. I love the simplicity of the acoustic guitar and I am truly touched by the tenderness and emotion that is brought to each song he sings. From the cheery "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" to the stirring sounds of "Silent Night," "Greensleeves," and "Christmas Tree Shine," this music will make you feel peace and joy for the upcoming holiday season. It may also inspire you to focus on the real reason for the season - the blessing and birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This truly is a classic Christmas album that I will enjoy for years to come!" Robin Y.
