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The sounds of Christmas have invaded every mall, office, store and tree lot by now. This is the only holiday season to which performers in the Western world devote an entire CD.
Most of these Christmas CDs recycle old standards and sprinkle in one or two original tunes that are rarely recorded again. An exceptional find is an album that illuminates hymns such as “Silent Night,” or renders “Blue Christmas” with more sadness than Elvis did.
This season a few artists, including two from Maine, have captured the true meaning of the season in joyous, thoughtful and unique CDs. They are worth adding to that collection of Christmas albums that most of us dust off while we’re recovering from the hordes of holiday shoppers by soaking our feet and nibbling on Thanksgiving leftovers.
The best of the bunch released this year is Harry Connick Jr.’s “Harry for the Holidays.” In addition to singing, he arranged, orchestrated and conducted the music and wrote four original songs for the album dedicated to his mother, Anita.
It’s not just Connick’s velvet voice that gives the vocals a rich sincerity, but the full orchestration adds depth to songs sometimes given short shrift musically by less multitalented artists. He manages to blend an upbeat, jazzy sound that captures the secular significance of the season with a reverential wonder that honors the meaning of the holiday for Christians.
Connick also offers more songs for the consumer’s dollar. “Harry for the Holidays” includes 17 songs, at least five more than the average CD. This album is destined to become a classic and is a welcome addition to every library of Christmas music.
Brownfield-based folk singer Carol Noonan captures the wistful longing for childhood Christmas joy in her album simply titled “Christmas.” Noonan dedicated the CD to the memory of her father. “Thank you for all the colored lights, tacky Santas, hiding elves, and tippy trees – Wish you were here for this one.”
That sweet but sad sentiment is woven through every song from the traditional “Away in a Manger” to her original “Christmas of ’64,” the year she got her first guitar. Noonan’s gift is her ability and willingness to wrap the raw emotions that often bubble to the surface during the season in a stunningly beautiful musical package.
Noonan markets her music directly. “Christmas” can be purchased on her Web site, www.carolnoonanmusic.com or by telephone at 866-CAROLCD.
Jimmy Barnes, the Mariaville singer with a penchant for sea shanties and country music, last year recorded a CD of 12 original Christmas songs, all with a distinct Maine flavor. Titles such as “Lobstah for Santa” and “Downeast Christmas” make this the perfect musical gift for those out-of-state relatives and friends who just don’t understand why you live here year round.
“Brand New Clam Hoe” sums up the simple needs of a coastal dweller. “I want a brand new clam hoe for Christmas,” sings Barnes, “I want a red pickup truck with a wooden body on the back and woman with no kids for one whole year.”
Barnes honestly blends humor with sentimentality in an album that captures the simple joys of the season in “Ribbon Candy” and Grandma’s Woodstove.” His emphasis on sharing the season with family rather than shiny presents is sure to strike a chord with native Mainers and those who have chosen to call this state home, too.
For those who like a little gospel music sprinkled on their Christmas carols, “My Christmas Prayer” by BeBe Winans is a delicious morsel. This CD sounds and feels like a Christmas Eve church service. Winans’ rich baritone beautifully captures the sacred symbolism of the Savior’s birth.
Music is an essential element of the Christmas season and the selection of albums is as varied as each individual’s feelings about the holiday. This year, there are enough good new CDs to choose from that whatever your mood, Connick, Noonan, Barnes or Winans has captured it on one of these albums.
Judy Harrison is a staff writer at the Bangor daily News. She can be reached at jharrison@bangordailynews.net.
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