Fresh folk and acoustic arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, including some lesser-known gems. Fun and diverse. All about King Jesus coming into the world.

15 MP3 Songs in this album (54:57) !
Related styles: Holiday: Folk, Spiritual: Contemporary Christian, Mood: Christmas

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Details:
All songs arranged by Jeff Doles and produced by Greg Doles.

1 He Come from the Glory
Additional lyrics and music by Jeff Doles / Bass - Dave Murphy / Drums - Tom Hurst /Hammond B3 - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Jeff Doles, Greg Doles

This is my arrangement of the traditional West Indies carol, âThe Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy,â with a nice calypso feel (of course), a new musical bridge and additional lyrics. Jesus came down from the glorious kingdom of heaven to establish that kingdom on earth.

2 God Rest You Merry, Gentleman
Fretless bass - Doug Matthews / Drums, Percussion - Tracy Collins / Hammond B3 - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Jeff Doles, Greg Doles

Traditional English carol. We thought it deserved a hearty arrangement.

3 Patapan
Fretless bass - Doug Matthews / Drums - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Clarinet - Tim Schubert / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

A traditional carol of old Burgundy that portrays the simple sounds and joyful festivity of the shepherds bringing good news to the village. The ambience of a folk carnival sets the tone here.

4 The Holly and the Ivy
Bass - Dave Murphy / Drums - Tom Hurst / Piano - Tracy Collins / Accordion - Tracy Collins / Acoustic slide guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Jeff Doles, Heather Doles

This traditional English carol has a bittersweet quality to it, comparing the attributes of the holly tree with the offering of Jesus Christ. In this arrangement, Iâve given it a more reflective treatment.

5 Mary Walks Amid the Thorn
Acoustic guitar and vocal - Jeff Doles

An old German carol that very simply portrays how the Lord Jesus brings new life. Kyrie eleison, the refrain in the middle of each verse, means, âLord, have mercy.â Simple arrangement, just vocal and guitar.

6 The Seven Joys of Mary
Bass - Doug Matthew / Drums - Tracy Collins / Hammond B3 - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

A traditional English carol that depicts the Virgin Mary pondering the works of her son, King Jesus

7 In the Bleak Midwinter
Upright bass - Doug Matthews / Cello - Nellie Eshleman / Classical guitar - Jim Evans

This tender English carol is a poem by Christina Rossetti set to a tune by Gustav Holst. The coming of King Jesus ennobles the world and calls for the greatest gift we can offer.

8 Thereâs a Song in the Air
Upright bass - Doug Matthews / Accordion - Tracy Collins / Acoustic slide guitar - Jim Evans
Mandolin - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

This traditional American carol lends itself well as a gentle country waltz. The third verse changes up into a musical bridge that returns at the end to the traditional refrain. It is the song of angels and the rejoicing of nations.

9 Rise Up Shepherd and Follow
Bass - Doug Matthews / Drums - Tracy Collins / Piano - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

This is an old African-American spiritual with a little Texas swing. It is a call to follow Godâs sign and behold the King.

10 We Three Kings
Fretless bass - Doug Matthews / Drums,Percussion - Tracy Collins / Fender Rhodes - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

In this old American carol by John Henry Hopkins, the gifts of the magi honor the infant King in His divinity and humanity, but also prophesy His cross and resurrection. We explore this mystery with hypnotic guitar, bass and drums

11 Brightest and Best
Music by Jeff Doles / Upright bass - Doug Matthews / Cello - Nellie Eshleman / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

This English carol by Reginald Heber is about the star that guided the wise men to the Redeemer. Though their treasures were very costly, the greater gift we bring is adoration and the prayer of the heart. I did not much care for the traditional tune, so I composed my own.

12 What Child is This?
Upright bass - Doug Matthews / Piano - Tracy Collins

An English carol by William Chatterton Dix set to a traditional English tune, âGreensleeves.â The King of kings has come, bringing salvation. Let loving hearts now enthrone Him.

13 Angels We Have Heard on High
Fretless bass - Doug Matthews / Drums - Tracy Collins / Piano - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

An old robust French carol about the song of the angels, who declared the glory of God and announced the birth of King Jesus.

14 Go Tell It on the Mountain
Bass - Dave Murphy / Drums - Tom Hurst / Piano - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans /
Harmonica - Danny Wuerffel (yes, the football player) / Backing vocals - Jeff Doles, Greg Doles

A well-known African-American spiritual with a countrified treatment. Having received the good news that the Savior of the world has come, what else is there to do but to go and tell it abroad?

15 Joy to the World
Bass - Dave Murphy / Drums - Tom Hurst / Hammond B3 - Tracy Collins / Electric guitar - Jim Evans / Backing vocals - Greg Doles, Heather Doles

This familiar carol was written by Isaac Watts and set to a tune by Lowell Mason. Though it is traditionally used at Christmas, it is appropriate all year round because Jesus the Messiah King has now come to rule and reign forever and that changes everything.