The concept for Christmas Around the World has actually been around for quite a while. My wife and I have often talked about a collection of songs that would take listeners on a global journey. But turning that into reality involved a number of steps, beginning with the most important: selecting the songs.
A Global Adventure
The opening and closing songs for Christmas Around the World were actually the easiest to pick. I couldn’t think of a better introduction than Hugh Martin’s It’s Christmas Time All Over the World, which wishes “Merry Christmas” in nine different languages. And for the final track, I knew I wanted Buon Natale. I’ve performed it in concert before, and it’s joyful energy would be the perfect bookend to the album.
But what of in between? Christmas in Killarney quickly came to mind, and an orchestral arrangement with a lively Irish jig seemed a natural fit. And to include some classic carols, the Christmas Carol Suite with its grand symphonic design would take listeners through a collection of traditional tunes.
Unique Arrangements
Things got a little more interesting when I explored some lesser-known options. I considered Mele Kalikimaka but ultimately switched to Christmas Island, first recorded by the Andrew Sisters and Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians. The simple arrangement for this piece features ukulele and pedal guitar, creating a light, tropical feel.
As a counterpoint I added Carol of the Bells, the well-known piece based on a chant for the Eve of the Ukrainian New Year. Its recurring four-note motif goes on “without end”, and I tried to capture that feeling of perpetual motion in this arrangement. It is, I think, the most unique arrangement on the album, with different types of bells playing a prominant role (appropriate, given the title of the piece).
I first performed Riu Riu Chiu in a production of Los Pastores: The Shepherds’ Story, staged in Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery. This tune is undoubtedly old – it was first published in 1556 – but it has an intriguing appeal. It was recorded with four-part vocals and a simple accompaniment of tambourine, drum, and recorders. And anytime you get to record a song covered by The Monkees, something must be right.
That leaves Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, one of my long-time favorite Christmas songs. This also dates from the 15th century, but is much more well-known. Here I went with a straightforward a capella arrangement, first using the standard harmonies written by Michael Praetorious in 1609. The second verse is original, paying tribute to First Call’s version of this song from their album An Evening in December.
Getting Ready
All together, these songs feature ten different languages! To help you follow along, lyrics and translations are included on the album’s web page, which you can find here.
With arrangements in place it was time to start recording – but that’s a story for another day. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to receive updates as Christmas Around the World moves closer to release.
And get ready to Stamp Your Passport November 6th.
