Our Review
Charlie Marks likes a challenge. Having served his church for 30 years as worship leader, choral director, songwriter, guitarist, voice/guitar/music theory teacher, and keyboardist, he decided to create an album of synthesized holiday instrumentals, with each artificial "instrument" matching its true "voice" as realistically as possible. This labor of love became Classic Christmas, an excellent instrumental album that is jubilant, generous (almost a full hour of music!), and genuinely delightful. The 18 tracks lean exclusively towards the sacred, embracing an air of joy and excitement.
This album would provide a beautiful backdrop for any seasonal event. The music is well-crafted. The arrangements are creative, but remain true to the heart and soul of these familiar holiday favorites. Favorite moments include the precious bell choir on "O Little Town of Bethlehem," the exotic flutes on "We Three Kings of Orient Are," the alien intro on "While Shepherds Watched their Flocks," the sweetly simple "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child" (the same tune as "Good King Wenceslas"), and the glorious trumpet fanfare on "Joy To The World."
Classic Christmas is exactly that--holiday music that is absolutely classic for the season. Charlie Marks likes a challenge, and this fine album is the winning result. Congratulations, Charlie!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)
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From the liner notes:
Arranged, orchestrated, and produced by Charlie Marks
Twelve years ago, I began what I thought was a simple project to help a tiny congregation with hymn arrangements that exceeded what could be played on an old worn out Spinet. Brushing off the cobwebs of my own degree in music, I decided that the subject matter deserved a presentation that could stand alone, whether or not anyone was singing along. To this end, it was my self-imposed challenge to present each instrument as realistically as possible, meaning that the notes sounded are within the ranges that are typically played. From the soaring French horns to simple classical guitar arpeggios, the goal was to capture the familiar tunes and the timeless message of each hymn. Due to the encouragement of dear friends, I have recorded and produced this CD with the hopes that the music will refresh you, the arrangements will renew your love for songs that have been sadly discarded, and that a forgotten portion of the history of the Christian faith will be remembered. May the subject of these hymns, our blessed Savior, Jesus, be glorified and exalted.
Currently a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, Charlie has served the Church for 30 years in her various expressions as worship leader, choral director, songwriter, guitarist, voice/guitar/music theory teacher, and keyboardist.
Charlie Marks
Classic Christmas
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Label: Here On Earth Music Productions
Length: 58 minutes
Genre: Classical
Release: 2005
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| O Come, O Come, Emmanuel |
| Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem |
| Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence |
| The First Nöel, the Angel Did Say |
| God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen |
| Away in a Manger |
| We Three Kings of Orient Are |
| O Come, All Ye Faithful |
| Joy to the World |
| It Came Upon the Midnight Clear |
| What Child is This |
| While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks |
| Gentle Mary Laid Her Child |
| Hark! The Herald Angels Sing |
| Angels from the Realms of Glory |
| Angels We Have Heard on High |
| Silent Night, Holy Night |