Description
The Ancient Music Of Christmas - Ethan James / Hannibal Records Audio CD 1996 / HNCD 1398
UPC 031257139823
The hurdy-gurdy isn't the first--or even third or fourth--instrument you think of when someone says "Christmas music," but Ethan James is determined to change all that with an exotic and hypnotic collection of mostly medieval songs played on what could well be the intermarriage of the bagpipe and pump organ. Add dulcimer, saz, and some ethnic percussive instruments, and the result is a mesmerizing mixture of seasonal music capable of altering your conscious state any time of the year. James selects many songs that are traditionally sung and transposes them to the hurdy-gurdy, a daunting feat for any instrumentalist. Still, this wonderful album belongs in the home of anyone who savors the radiant brilliance of a lost time and the foreign though somehow familiar nuances of this timeless musical apparatus. A must-have. --Martin Keller
Tracklist:
| 1 | Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella | 3:40 |
| 2 | From Church To Church / A Virgin Most Pure / When Christ Was Born Of Mary | 5:29 |
| 3 | This Is The Truth Sent From Above / What Lovely Infant Can This Be? / The Christmas Child |
2:54 |
| 4 | Alleluya Christo Iubilemus Alleluya | 5:01 |
| 5 | Baloo Lammy / Three King's Songs | 3:09 |
| 6 | Quem Pastores Lauduere / On Christmas Night | 2:38 |
| 7 | Now To Conclude Our Christmas Mirth | 2:18 |
| 8 | Seven Joys Of Mary | 3:36 |
| 9 | Lullay Lullay: Als I Lay On Yoolis Night | 3:50 |
| 10 | Jerusalem Gaude / Jesu Redemptor Omnium / O Come O Come Emmanuel | 4:39 |
| 11 | Sing We Noel / Goodnight / Christmas Bells | 3:15 |
| 12 |
Now We Make Joy | 2:35 |
| 13 | Lulajze Jezunis / Come Shepherds Arise | 4:12 |
| 14 | Blessed Be That Maid Marie / The Fleecy Care | 3:06 |
| 15 | Canzone D'i Zampoignari | 1:32 |
- Edited By [Digital Editing] – Rich Rodriguez
- Executive Producer – Lisa Mitchell
- Hurdy Gurdy [Hurdy-gurdys], Percussion, Harmonium, Dulcimer, Baglama [Saz], Organ [Portative], Guitar [6 String], Twelve-String Guitar, Baglama – Ethan James
- Percussion – Catherine Edward Alexander
- Producer, Recorded By, Arranged By – Ethan James
