Description
Centerpoint, sub-titled Poetry & Music for Christmas, is an instrumental Christmas album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Jeff Johnson, independently released on his own label Ark Records in 1990, distributed by Sparrow/Star Song Distribution. The album was produced, arranged, recorded, and mixed by Jeff Johnson at his studio The Ark, Camano Island, Washington; between December 1989 and April 1990. Featuring Jeff Johnson on keyboards, Brian Dunning on flute, Rick Crittenden on fretless bass, as well as Roger Hadley on percussion and ambience. The original book of twelve Christmas poems by Keith Patman entitled Centerpoint – read by Dallas McKennon – is published by Still Point Press.
For all of you looking for that special instrumental album – this it it. ‘Centerpoint’ is a unique collection of poetry and music for your quiet time. Jeff Johnson, who has delighted in creating compositions filled with light, depth, and immeasurable soul, turns his talent to Christmas. Mixing the poetry of Keith Patman, drama of Dallas McKennon, and music, Johnson presents his first Christmas project for our spiritual and musical well-being.
This unique project combines spoken word with emotive music and the results are stirring and breathtaking. Original and traditional compositions are mixed for a feeling of timelessness, but it is Patman’s haunting poetry, read by the warm tones of McKennon, that make this more than just ‘another Christmas album.’ “Oh! the million Christmas mornings/ When you’d lie, a babe again/ Beneath a million trees/ And hear the countless tongues chanting your name… / And fires glow and mistletoe is wreathed and strung/ But ah… will they remember crimson/ Dripping from iron nails/ And will they pray, and will they know a whiter white than snow?” [Kathleen A. Ervin, CCM, November 1990]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/centerpoint-poetry-music-for-christmas/79485691)
CD tracklist:
01. O Come, O Come Immanuel – 1:18
02. Another Mystery I Pose – 0:48
03. A Gallery Carol – 3:00
04. The Bondage Of Corruption – 1:40
05. While Shepherds Watched – 5:10
06. Snow – 3:54
07. Lord Of Green And Red – 1:43
08. Judah’s Lion/Carol Of The Bells – 3:43
09. Centerpoint – 2:04
10. Oregon Carol – 2:14
11. Inversion – 2:52
12. The Heavens Declare/Wexford Carol – 3:08
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Ark Records. Available at Bandcamp: https://jeffjohnsonarkmusic.bandcamp.com/album/centerpoint-poetry-music-for-christmas
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