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 my first original Christmas song 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. SILENT NIGHT
This was the first of the Christmas songs I learned. It's such an international classic. Rather than focsing on the traditional hymn version, I wanted a
melody and arrangement that conveys the mood and impact of that first
Christmas night.
This has always been one of my favorites. When I sing this song, I like to imagine that I'm the little boy bringing my best gift to Christ the King.
3.
SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN
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. 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.
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, 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.
7.OLD 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.
Break The Chain
Slow Down 
Amazing Grace 
