Christmas From the Heart
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley December 14, 2016
Artist – Made in Arizona Composite Artists
Distributor:
Released: September 2016
Running Time: 50.54secs
Website: http:/www.heartdancerecords.com
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Throw away all your preconceived ideas about Christmas music and get set for a very rare and beautiful treat in the compilation CD from Heart Dance Records and the Made In Arizona project.
Opening the list of wonderful pieces is pianist Louis Landon with a delicate, yet robust version of Joy to The World which has immediately put you on notice, as you unconsciously take note of what is next to follow: then you find your toe is tapping and somehow or other you begin to sing the time old words loved by many.
Thano and Lolo blend the beauty of harp and acoustic guitar to create an incredible version of Angels We Have Heard on High: should the angelic ones be listening they would more than approve of this wonderful melding of two incredibly versatile instruments to create such stunningly beautiful melody.
The Gift is introduced by Art Patience playing harmonica. The haunting manner of each note played is reminiscent of a clear and cold night on the open plains surrounded by the beauty of the night as the stars come out to celebrate the wonderful gifts of life and light.
The much love traditional carol Away in the Manger is introduced by Chris Burton Jacome. His simple and yet elegant rendition on Spanish Guitar is absolutely delightful. Light to the World is presented in an upbeat Country style by Amber Norgaard with her beautiful vocals bringing the ancient story of the birth of Christ into the modern arena.
The dulcet tone of the harp played by Jocelyn Obermeyer heralds in the very beautiful First Light followed by the rocking version of Jingle Bells from the award winning trio Sherry Finzer on flute, Darrin Mahoney of guitar and Will Clipman on percussion.
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, a well-loved and often sung Carol dating from 1833, is played with a lovely depth of feeling and a mellow and reflective tone by Greg Starr.
Franz Schubert composed the lyrics of Ave Maria as a devotional piece to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many have covered this incredibly beautiful piece. This version by Tatum Lynn Stolworthy is one that will stack up well amongst the many, as it is sung with a depth of understanding which is rare in one so young.
Greensleeves is a loved and much enjoyed English folk tune which has found itself in the middle of a Christmas Carol’s collection, but why not! John Calvert with his finger-picking guitar brings freshness to this once again, time old traditional piece.
Ambient Instrumental is the blend of choice for the deeply moving Silent Night, a piece which has been presented in a way that is both reflective and meditative, encouraging us to ponder on the tradition that is Christmas and the year yet to unfold.
The haunting, almost melancholic, notes of the Native American Flute played by Nathan Tsosie wrap around The Huron Carol which is absolutely the right instrument for this composition, which has long been considered as the first Canadian Christmas Carol to be written.
O Come O Come Emmanuel is a fitting finale to this wonderful composite collection sung by chanteuse Amy Faithe in a rendition that is as masterful as it is beautiful. The backing is rich, deep, sombre presenting a perfect soundscape for the purity of sound from this talented vocalist.
Christmas is a time for giving and thankfulness therefore it follows that 10% of this album sold will go towards Music as a Therapy, so give yourself a real treat and purchase an album that will delight, enhance and add that something extra special to your Christmas, from the Made In Arizona team of musicians who have recorded this incredibly beautiful album.