Joy: An Irish Christmas

Description

Joy: An Irish Christmas is a Christmas album by the British worship duo Keith & Kristyn Getty, independently released on Getty Music in October 2011. (The album was followed by a Christmas live album in 2015.) The album tracks were recorded at Sunset Boulevard Studios in Nashville, Tennessee (with lead vocals and overdubs recorded at Rok Sox Studio). The Irish Film Orchestra was recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland.

Featuring the award-winning Irish Film Orchestra, renowned choral ensemble Anúna, and virtuoso traditional players, this vibrant collection of beloved carols, modern hymns and spirited reels and jigs celebrates the wonder and beauty of Christmas.

Northern Ireland’s primary exponents of hymns, husband and wife team Keith and Kristyn Getty, have long since been known to breathe new life into old songs and this collection of reworked Christmas carols is no exception. From the outset, the Gettys get off to a rip-roaring start with some delightfully Celtic-based versions of «God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen» and «Hark! The Herald Angels Sing» which blow away any pre-festive season cobwebs by successfully marrying these old tunes with some Irish jigs and reels – a technique maintained to great effect throughout the album. Elsewhere, a stunning version of «Magnificat» – co-written by the Gettys with Stuart Townend – and new song «How Suddenly A Baby Cries» see the couple at the top of their creative game. Boasting a range of traditional Irish instruments, several choirs and even the Irish Film Orchestra amongst its contributors, this is an incredibly lush album that lilts, thrills and tugs at the heartstrings from start to finish. Add to the mix a dependable and skilful vocal performance from Kristyn – check out her delivery on the notoriously tricky «Carol Of The Bells» as an example of the lady’s abilities – and you have one of the most enjoyable, uplifting and worthwhile Christmas collections of not only the year but of all time. [Lins Honeyman, Cross Rhythms, January 2012]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/joy-an-irish-christmas/715549566)

CD tracklist:

01. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (with The Star Of Munster)
02. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with Greengrass Reel)
03. What Child Is This?
04. Magnificat
05. How Suddenly A Baby Cries (with Narnian Reel)
06. Joy Has Dawned / Angels We Have Heard On High (Medley)
07. Jesus, Joy Of The Highest Heaven (A Children’s Carol)
08. Carol Of The Bells (with Young Tom Ennis Jig)
09. O Savior Of Our Fallen Race
10. Fullness Of Grace
11. Joy To The World (with Miss Eliza’s Reel)
12. An Irish Christmas Blessing