Celtic Christmas Spirit by Caroline Peyton

23 Jul

Written by Richard Bourcier
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

This recording is a bit of a departure from our normal jazz fare. Although Caroline Peyton has considerable experience as a jazz vocalist, the content of this Christmas CD is a collection of traditional Celtic pieces. If I may quote the late Louis Armstrong, "There's only two ways to sum up music; either it's good or it's bad. If it's good you don't mess with it; you just enjoy it".

The Mississippi born singer has worked many venues from Broadway through Opera, Jazz and Folk. Our readers will possibly recall Caroline's association with Randy Brecker and Peter Erskine.

Celtic Christmas Spirit was a challenge for the vocalist who had to consult a Gaelic tutor prior to the session in spite of her Irish roots. In the Celtic tradition, Caroline is accompanied by acoustic instruments in the most tasteful fashion. She is surrounded by a fine group of musicians bound together with a mutual respect for tradition. The only concession to electronics is the over-dubbing of Caroline's fine voice in harmonization.

Included in the fifty-two minute offering are the haunting Coventry Carol, Once in Royal David's City, I Saw Three Ships and The Christ Child's Lullaby. In total, there are eleven fine tracks including a couple of medley pieces. I truly enjoyed this highly original Christmas collection.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Caroline Peyton
CD Title: Celtic Christmas Spirit
Genre: World Music
Year Released: 1999
Record Label: Green Hill Music
Musicians: Caroline Peyton (vocals), with guitar, mandolin, penny-whistle, piano, bass, accordion, violin and cello accompaniment
Label Website: http://www.greenhillmusic.com
Rating: Five Stars