Our Review
Flutiful, just flutiful. Sandy Duffy Norman and her fabulous fluting caught my attention three years ago when I reviewed RoseWynde's lovely Winter Ayres. This new offering, A Merry Little Christmas, has the same sweet classical combination of flute (Norman), harp (Kathryn Cater), and violin (Ann Beesley), but this time throws in some deep-throated cello (Bruce McIntosh). A Merry Little Christmas seems a bit more freewheeling than Winter Ayres, having a character that is more Celtic than classical. The intrumentals project vibrant color and warmth.
These well-executed pieces would provide an extraordinary backdrop to your fine and/or fun holiday affair. One favorite track is Christ Child Lullaby, which exudes a rustic earthiness with oh-so-cool harmonies over the impressive bedrock of a rich-voiced cello. The longest cut (5 minutes) is another great number; Come Sit in the Kitchen may not technically be a Christmas tune, but it bursts with vibrance, and I really love the Native American-style flute fluorishes that haunt the medley front and back.
What could be more magical than flute and harp for the holiday season, especially when the violin and cello provide moral and musical support from time to time? Here's wishing you and yours A Merry Little Christmas! Enjoy!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)
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From the liner notes:
Kathryn Cater, harp
Sandy Duff Norman, flute
with Ann Beesley, violin, and Bruce McIntosh, cello
Produced and Engineered by James Norman
Arrangements and Orchestration by Cater/Norman/Beesley/McIntosh
Digitally Recorded, Mixed, and Edited at Sunridge Studios, Salem, Oregon, 2007
From the Website:
A Merry Little Christmas was just released in September 2007 and includes traditional carols and modern classics of the Christmas season. The arrangements are straightforward with contemporary touches. This CD offers festive arrangements with typical RoseWynde beauty and lyricism. This is a winning, unique album that is gentle and reflective. A Merry Little Christmas creates a mood and gives the listener a feeling of a winter well wishing. Some tracks include violin and cello in addition to the duo.
RoseWynde
A Merry Little Christmas
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Label: Sunridge Studios
Length: 48 minutes
Genre: Celtic
Release: 2007
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| The First Noel |
| The Holly and the Ivy |
| Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |
| Christ Child Lullaby |
| Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring |
| I Saw Three Ships |
| Silver Bells |
| The Christmas Song |
| Come Sit in the Kitchen |
| Ave Maria |
| O Holy Night |
| Mary Young and Fair |
| Carol of the Bells |
| Silent Night |