An American Christmas: Shapenote Carols from New England & Appalachia
"Fascinating, truly unusual music for modern ears...not just for holiday listening." --THE NEWS TRIBUNEThe vigorous beauty of shape-note singing seems apt for Christmas. Most traditional carols come from Germany and Victorian England, but these New England and Appalachian songs were once as familiar to rural Americans as "Silent Night." I love the barrel-chested tunes such as "Emanuel for Christmas" and "Redemption S.M." for their gusto and open harmonies. The unvarnished sound of Seattle's Tudor Choir is thrilling in this palate cleanser. --The Oregonian, David Stabler, November 25, 2010