Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0601143112324 Label: Zoe Records Manufacturer: Zoe Records Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Zoe Records Release Date: September 30, 2008 Sales Rank: 80 Studio: Zoe Records
Album DescriptionFinally, a Christmas album worth listening to all year long. When Mary Chapin Carpenter set out to create Come Darkness, Come Light, she took a far different approach to recording a holiday album than most artists do. Rather than simply lending her voice to time-worn Christmas standards, Mary Chapin wrote her own set of heartfelt songs which explore the many meanings and emotions that Christmas evokes in each of us. These songs, mixed with a few hand-picked gems from other writers and rarely heard traditional tunes, will speak directly to the hearts of all Mary Chapin Carpenter fans. These are not merely holiday songs, they are simply great Mary Chapin Carpenter songs, both warm and intimate. And while they artfully capture the spirit of the season, this is a rare Christmas album that doesn't feel like it needs to be kept on the shelf between New Year's and Thanksgiving. With stellar support from longtime musical partners Jon Carroll (piano) and co-producer John Jennings (guitars), Mary Chapin's voice goes down as warmly as hot cider on a cold winter's night.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Apparently I'm not a fan.
I bought this CD elsewhere without listening to samples on Amazon. While I have enjoyed some of Mary's work, this is NOT one of them. I found the overall tone depressing and her rendition of Still, Still, Still absolutely awful. My taste in Christmas music is varied and covers everything from 14th century music to Bing Crosby, but she didn't fit in anywhere. Oh, well, next time I'll listen to Amazon samples and save myself some money.
Rating: - A Depth of Reverence, Integrity, and Silence
A beautiful set of tunes. A wonderful journey; emotionally rich and musically refreshing, this is definitely "Twelve Songs of Christmas," not "The Twelve Songs of Christmas;" as in 'another rehash of the same old over-done songs that show up on so many Holiday albums.' Carpenter wrote or co-wrote 6 of the 12 songs on the collection, and the others are either obscure traditional tunes or more contemporary compositions (i.e., one is a carol by John Rutter!). Taken together, they create a quiet sense ... Read More
Rating: - MCC at her best
So many vocalists tend to fulfill their recording contract obligations with bland or over the top holiday albums that end up in the recycling bin, but this cd is truly a gift of love from Mary Chapin Carpenter. You will find no rehashed versions of "Joy to the World", or "Little Drummer Boy", or no political bended songs which might be expected in a Chapin cd. What MCC delivers are wonderful interpretations of lesser known traditional songs and solid vocalizations of her own songs and contemporaries. ... Read More
Rating: - Truly wonderful!!!
This is a truly wonderful, enchanting record. The music is following the style MCC set before on the albums "Between Here and There" and "The Calling". Her voice is just perfect for these songs. The lyrics of Mary's own songs are very personal and sometimes with slight critical reminders what christmas is really about, apart from all the commercial trash. I just love it!!!
Rating: - A Different Christmas Album
Apart from the very familiar opening Christmas carol, the songs are all brand new. Although bordering a little too much on the religious theme the overall album is one to put on with the lights down low and reflect. Mary's voice is like a dream potion that tends to hypnotise you, with dusky sultry tones to almost the entire album. All in all an excellent reflective seasonal album instead of the usual 'must have fun at Christmas' albums.
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- Apparently I'm not a fan.
- A Depth of Reverence, Integrity, and Silence
- A Different Christmas Album