Timeless Carols, Recorded in London’s Legendary Studio, Capturing the Spirit of Peace and Goodwill
Recorded in the famous Abbey Road Studios in London—in the same Studio 2 where The Beatles created their legendary hits, this is a special holiday album of piano instrumentals, often with strings and chimes or wee bells. The selection of carols is eclectic, with some contemporary favorites, and often goes back to the original roots of celebrating mindful hope, charity, and redemption. This album succeeds in welcoming a positive feeling that people commonly experience during the holiday season.
All of these selections are steeped in timeless precious traditions, and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the most meaningful ways. With Ed Bazel’s signature sound that incorporates occasional slight pauses and hesitations, Bazel shares a feeling of goodwill, benevolence and a willingness to enjoy ourselves. Opening with “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” (3:22), which was originally written by Edmund Sears in 1849, and has been noted over the years for its focus not on Bethlehem, but on the contemporary issue of war and peace. That most modern classic follows, “Christmas Time is Here” (2:13) which was written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special A Charlie Brown Christmas.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (2:36) is from the Victorian Era, credited to Lewis Redner and Phillips Brooks in 1867. “Silent Night” (3:07) is also from the Victorian Era, in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars Father Joseph Mohr wrote the poem “Stille Nacht” in 1816 at Mariapfarr, in what is now Austria. The melody was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, who was a schoolmaster and organist in the nearby village of Arnsdorf.
“O Come All Ye Faithful” (2:32) is sometimes known as Adeste Fideles; it was published by John Francis Wade in 1751. Jumping into more recent times, “The Christmas Song” (2:20) was written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells in 1944. The Nat King Cole Trio first recorded this song in June 1946, originating our modern smooth jazz traditions evoking roasting chestnuts in an open fire. “What Child Is This” (3:53) was published by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, and “Away In A Manger” (2:45) is from the late 19th century, originally claimed to be the work of German religious reformer Martin Luther. The carol is now thought to be wholly American in origin, the two most common musical settings are by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) and James Ramsey Murray (1887), almost every line in the carol has recorded variants.
To me, the most notable song on this album is “Christmas Time Is Coming” (2:38), which is an original by Bazel, sweet and mildly sad, fitting the winter blues and the joy of the season together into a warm and reassuring melody. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” (2:09) might be the oldest song here, possibly from the 1650s and is based on Luke 2 from the Bible, the song is sometimes also known as Tidings of Comfort and Joy. The closing track is a rendition of “We Three Kings” (4:32) which was originally published by John Henry Hopkins in 1857, who based his interpretation on The Adoration of the Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, written in approximately 1660.
This music is intended to inspire us all to share kindness, offer forgiveness, and to remember to express heavenly gratitude. Christmas is a time for reflection, selflessly giving hope, good cheer, love, understanding, helping out when possible, and expressing goodwill towards all. Be kind to others, all year round!
Tracks
- It Came Upon A Midnight
- Christmas Time is Here
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Silent Night
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- The Christmas Song
- What Child is This
- Away In A Manger
- Christmas Time Is Coming
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- We Three Kings
