Christmas music has always been, for me, the most definitive element of the season.   I've looked forward to recording a collection like this for many years, and with the expert help of Michael Kingsley, with whom I share production and arranging credits, I believe we've succeeded in creating something that you'll enjoy for years to come, whatever your age or taste in music.  I've included fresh new arrangements of several traditional favorites, as well as a few of my own songs.  I'm also very proud to feature the Children's Choirs of St. Michael Church on some selections.  Taking them into the studio to sing Christmas songs in the middle of July was a real treat for us all, and their voices add a special sweetness to the mix.  Here's a brief description of the contents.

1. Rudolph Meets Frosty: A Medley - A unique combination of two classics, this rollicking medley, of course, features the children.
2. It's Christmastime - One of my own, this song describes the heart ache of missing a particular someone at Christmas.
3. O Come, O Come Emmanuel - A stirring Celtic rendition of one of my favorite classic Advent carols.   
4. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming / Away In A Manger - Think of the Nativity set in rural Appalachia, and add the children.
5. The Gentlemen's Suite -  This a cappella tapestry features layered vocals weaving my own original chant with "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Masters In This Hall".    
6. Now Is Born The Divine Christ Child - The children join me again, as do the bagpipe and oboe spoken of in the lyric.
7. His Gift - Haunting and soulful, this original ballad of the Nativity features ethno-ambient instrumentation.
8. Carol Of The Bells - I love church bells and I've always loved this carol - especially when I get to sing all the vocals.
9. I Heard The Bells - A reflective adaptation combining both popular settings of Henry W. Longfellow's beautiful poem.
10. The Snow Lay On The Ground - The children join me in telling the Christmas story, backed by a lilting chamber ensemble.
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful - Another original chant in Gregorian style gives way to a herald trumpet announcing a thoughtful and reverent summons to adore Him.
12. These Make The Season - My own ballad of cherished Christmas memories and traditions, and the joy of sharing them with someone special.
13. Ave Maria - The traditional plainsong as introduction to the beautiful Caccini classic popularized by Andrea Bocelli.
14. O Holy Night - This is my favorite carol of all time, accompanied here by acoustic guitar, pizzicato celli and gentle conga drums.
15. The Christmas Song - A mellow, intimate finale, simply voice and acoustic jazz guitar.