 Sally Meadow’s
latest Christmas CD, RED AND WHITE, presents a nice mix of both the familiar
and the new. Sally’s first original song, Beneath
the Star, drew me in immediately. It
seemed a perfect invitation to sit and reflect. So I did. I found myself
becoming fascinated by the lyrics and filled with expectation. Sally did not
disappoint. To keep me singing along, the lovely medley of familiar hymns [O Come O Come Emmanuel, What Child is This?
Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful and Excelsis Deo,] strategically
placed gave me a perfect focus for her peaceful rendition of Silent Night,
complete with a delightful background acoustic guitar. Her gentle vibrato is
riveting and not overdone. Sally’s next original song, Red and White, stirred emotions yet
strangely encouraged me as I wondered about the title. It soon became obvious
that Sally is not sharing the trivial trappings of worldly Christmas colours in
the beautiful lyrics of this song, but rather, the blood stained Saviour who came
as a tiny Babe, yet gave his life for all. It was like Sally knit all my own doubt, fear,
joy and longing into this haunting and reflective piece.  O
Holy Night, another traditional song of the season, contains some
interesting runs and phrasing in this charming arrangement. I enjoyed the
upbeat tempo and at one point I found myself tapping my foot in delight. The
Boy Who Will Be King, started out as another familiar carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem but within
moments I was transfixed by the new impelling and rousing shift to the complete
Christmas story in song, including the later visit of the Magi. It was lovely
and made me nod. Rarely we hear Christian Songs about
the New Year and there’s something to say about saving the best until the last.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed all the songs on this CD, I am thinking that
Sally’s final song, This New Year,
might be my favourite. It’s time for new
beginnings, it’s time to follow dreams…oh how that challenged me. The
refrain almost made me believe that Sally wrote this song just for me. My heart
danced and I knew that I would be listening to Sally Meadow’s RED AND WHITE CD
over and over this Christmas season (and probably beyond!)  A perfect gift… |
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CategoriesBlog ToursBook Reviews Erin, grieving, life is fleeting Grandma Antics Heroes Hockey wedding, love, marriage, grandchildren Lest We Forget Music Reviews Remembrance Day Words, happiness, definitions World War Vets Writing Joy |
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