Not only have I just released a new recording (my first in many years), "Never-ending Song," but with the brilliant arranging and producing by J.D. Miller, we have just completed my first Christmas project! I wrote six new songs, and then, of course, included many of the traditional favorites.
In researching and studying the history of Christmas carols, I discovered that they began to be written and sung as a way to accurately tell the Christmas story to the illiterate, and those who did not have Bibles. So, in keeping with tradition, I went right to Scripture and wrote songs that would accurately and inspirationally tell the Christmas story. I only wrote one song that reflects today's culture, "Make Room for Jesus;" The others are all set in the biblical time-frame: "Emmanuel has Come," "For Unto Us," "Come, Baby Jesus, Come," "How Could they Not?" and my total favorite, "The Mary/Joseph Song."
We did a "Joy Medley" that includes "O Come, All ye Faithful," "Joyful, Joyful,We Adore Thee," and yes, a portion of "The Hallelujah Chorus," and of course, "Joy to the World!" In a "Nocturnal Medley, we included "Oh Come, Oh come, Emmanuel," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "The First Noel," and "Silent Night." And we included an arrangment J.D. did of O Holy Night. I recorded it in one take, but wonder if I can ever hit those high notes at the end in concert, so you may just get to listen to it on the recording and be okay that I probably will not perform this version. Listen and you'll hear why!
And on this album, I stayed true to my training and talent and allowed myself at times to sound like the trained soprano I am! Well, there's a bit of theatrical broadway in it as well, and I love a good ballad, so I do hope you will enjoy and be touched by our project. It was such a joy to write for and record!
And in the spirit of Christmas and each day, may the gift of Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace, Our Holy Comforter, and guide be with you!
Julie