Jeannette Lindholm’s text “Unexpected and Mysterious” (Track 15) speaks not only of the central theme of the Advent/Christmas cycle, but also of the nature of God and the grace that continually wraps us in care. That those who produced this recording chose to connect its title to Lindholm’s text says a lot about the thought that brought this collection of songs together as a gift for this season.
The recording contains one gem after another of new and old, imaginative arrangements, fresh accompaniments using instruments often not heard in church (ever seen an udu?), sweet singing by the girls choir, and the warm sound of Ana Hernández's voice and guitar. “The Little Drummer Boy” will fascinate you, the Pachelbel Canon in “The First Nowell” will surprise you, the dances at the end of “Break Forth, O Beauteous, Heavenly Light will delight you, and you’ll be touched by the beautiful simplicity of “Silent Night”. Don’t miss Shirley Erena Murray’s text “Carol Our Christmas” about how New Zealanders experience the season and the lovely Welsh lullaby “Suo Gan.” You’ll discover more . . .
