Tommy Makem's Christmas
1995—Shanachie 52041 CD
Track List:
Singing in the Street
Wishes
Adeste Fideles
Corol of the Birds
My Leg Is Aching Worse
Prickle Holly Bush
Cherry Tree Carol
Children Go Where I Send Thee
Angels We Have Heard on High
Holly Bears a Berry
Scarlet Ribbons
Huron Carol
Gift of the Tree
Sing We the Virgin Mary
Auld Lang Syne
Credits
Tommy Makem: Vocals, 5 String Banjo, Tin Whistles, Bok Whistle, Wooden Whistle, Bodhran, Bagpipes and Percussion
Rory Makem: Guitar, Nylon String Guitar, Bouzouki, 5 String Banjo, Mandolin, Bass and Harmonica
Conor Makem: Concertina and Bass
Shane Makem: 12 String Guitar
Harmony Vocals: Judith Makem, Rory Makem, and Tommy Makem
Chorus: Shane Makem, Conor Makem, Rory Makem, Judith Makem, Kevin O'Shea, Gary Fox, and Katie Makem
Produced by Tommy Makem and Rory Makem
Recorded at Bard Studios, Dover, New Hampshire
Engineer: Rory Makem
Mastered by Jeff Landrock, Landrock Recording Services, Berwick, Maine
Cover Photograph by Ryan Mercer
Photographed at 'The Christmas Dove', Barrington, New Hampshire
Package Design: Joan Pelosi
Sleeve Notes
Singing In The Streets (Leonard Clark, Arr. T. Makem)
When I first read this poem, it struck a chord in me that evoked memories of many Christmases past in my own life.
Wishes (Tommy Makem)
On thinking of how everyone wishes peace, happiness and many other good things to and for their relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances at Christmastime, I also thought I'd add some life-long wishes for my relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances.
Adeste Fideles (Trad. Arr T. Makem) [1]
For me, no Christmas was ever complete without this marvelous carol in Latin, as I had learned it in my youth.
Carol of the Birds (French Trad. Arr & Adapted T. Makem)
All in Christendom, man, beast, bird, and mammal seem to have been affected by the momentous impact of the birth of Christ.
My Leg is Aching Worse (Unknown. Arr. T. Makem)
Certainly a different perspective of the first Christmas - and 'every man' or indeed 'every woman' point of view.
The Prickle Holly Bush (Words; David Hammond, Tune; Trad. Arr. T. Makem)
David Hammond wrote this seemingly simple sounding, yet profound and very dignified folk carol to an old folk melody that he says he learned from me.
The Cherry Tree Carol (Trad. Arr. & Adapted T. Makem)
A beautiful story that is permeated by a symbol of all the mystery that surrounds the birth of Christ.
Children Go Where I Send Thee (Trad. Arr. & Adapted T. Makem)
This old favorite embodies all the jubilation, joy, light and spiritual uplift of this most joyous of seasons.
Angels We Have Heard on High (Trad. Arr. & Adapted T. Makem)
One of the really noble perennial favorites of every Christmas season.
The Holly Bears a Berry (Trad. Arr. & Adapted T. Makem)
A simple telling of the life of Christ from his birth to his resurrection.
Scarlet Ribbons (E. Danzig & J. Segal Mills Music Inc.)
Although not "officially" a Christmas song, I always thought that 'Scarlet Ribbons' had beauty and mystery enough to more than qualify it for a high place in any Christmas repertoire.
The Huron Carol (Trad. Arr. & Adapted T. Makem)
Chronicling cultural changes as a priest endeavors to bring Christianity to the ancient Hurons.
The Gift of the Tree (J.B. Goodenough; Arr. T. Makem)
My friend, the late J.B. Goodenough had a way with words and a surprising was of looking at things that is denied to most of us mere mortals.
Sing We The Virgin Mary (Unknown; Trad. Arr & Adapted T. Makem)
I was completely enamored of the song the first time I heard it. My opinion had not changed since.
Auld Lang Syne (Robert Burns; Arr. T. Makem)
Robert Burns' great song has become the unquestioned musical harbinger of the New Year. Written in his native Scottish dialect, it has defined all modern musical convention to become, questionably the world's second most popular song. I believe 'Happy Birthday' may have pipped it for first.
Notes
1 The notes should credit John F. Wade as the composer. Credits and sleeve notes are courtesy of Sean Cogan.