Christmas CD Details

Creating an album for Christmas is a challenge. Wanting to include enough familiar and popular carols and songs but not wanting it to sound too schmaltzy or kitsch. Also not wanting to over repeat the songs which have been on loop in the shops since September! My songs choices have therefore been slightly more eclectic and personal, and I hope that some of the ways the songs are delivered is a little different. It has also been great to sing along with my friends from Peak Voices.

Why ‘Peace and Joy?’ Christmas should be time of genuine and simple joy, pleasure in the company of friends and family, excitement and anticipation of the fun and feasting to come, and in the cherished memories of the festive times of old. For those of faith it is a special time for celebration. I think it should also be a time of quiet – difficult within the hype of a commercialised Christmas. To find a time to step back and just be. To also find a time to hope – that in troubled times some sense of peace will eventually prevail. The 19th century poet, Clarence Urmy, wrote:-

  Not what we have, but what we use;
Not what we see, but what we choose -
These are the things that mar or bless
The sum of human happiness. 

The things near by, not things afar;
Not what we seem, but what we are -
These are things that make or break.
That give the heart its joy or ache.

Not what seems fair, but what is true;
Not what we dream, but good we do -
These are the things that shine like gems,
Like stars, in Fortune's diadems. 

Not as we take, but as we give;
Not as we pray, but as we live -
These are the things that make for peace,
Both now and after time shall cease.

  1. I wish it could be Christmas everyday – Roy Wood featuring Peak Voices
2. Walking in the Air – Howard Blake
3. Evening Prayer - Engelbert Humperdinck
4. Once upon a December – Ahrens/Flaherty
5. Silent Night – Franz Gruber
6. It’s the Most Wonderful Time – Pola/Wyle
7. Bethlehem Morning – Morris Chapman
8. Hark The Herald – Wesley/Mendelssohn featuring Peak Voices
9. I wish you Christmas – John Rutter
10. O Holy Night – Cantique de Noel – Cappeau/Adams
11. Gesu Bambino – Pietro Yon
12. Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen
13. Laudate Dominum– Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
14. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson featuring Peak Voices
15. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire) – Torme/Wells