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Our Review

Marie Barlow Martin and devoted husband Gordy Martin combine on Years: Memories of Christmas, a lovely jazz offering. For me, the album is all about "the voice"; Marie Barlow Martin has an exceptional vocal instrument that is effortlessly clear and warmly nuanced. Just beautiful.

This album largely reflects the more contemplative and spiritual side of jazz, and the eclectic song selection is a pleasure. Although the album's tone is relatively subdued overall, the ambiance is intensely joyful. My favorite moments include Marie's a cappella segments on I Wonder as I Wander and Veni, Veni Emmanuel, and the couple's charming duet on Coventry Carol. The one instrumental, Winter Wonderland, is a refreshing burst of jazzy enthusiasm. The surprising O Holy Night closes the album with an operatic fluorish.

"The voice" is a delight. My thanks to the Martins for a memorable holiday release!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Producer: Gordy Martin
Co-Producer/Engineer: Matt Goss
The Musicians:
Tony DeAngeles
Matt Goss
Jill Marchione
Gordy Martin
Marie Barlow Martin
Tom Pontz
Ryan Shenk
Rob Swanson

Concept & Design: Marie Barlow Martin
Track Arrangement & Programming: Gordy Martin

The songs on this album are for us a reminder of the music we loved at Christmas, family & friends, sleds & snowmen, the wistful roads of our pasts. Some of these remembrances are joyful; others make us thankful for the new memories we are now forging together. Our hope is that as you reminisce with these songs and your own memories, you reflect on that miraculous, defining moment of all time when God's own son left His home to inhabit and forever change ours. May these songs remind us of that night long ago in Bethlehem, and give us a longing for that day when we will join Him in that place He is preparing for us. --Marie and Gordy

Marie Barlow Martin, with Gordy Martin

Years: Memories of Christmas

Artist link

Track List