quidrock's Full Review: Stars and Promises by Peter Mayer
I was waxing full of praise for Sarah McLachlan's Christmas album when my brother snorted and said I really should listen to a Christmas CD that was unique. And he mailed me one. He' a big fan of Radio Margaritaville and all things Buffet, and had turned me on to a couple of Buffet songwriters-backup musicians named Mac McAnally and Peter Mayer on his last trip here.
"Stars and Promises", Mayer's Christmas CD, is about 6 years old at this point, and for those who have purchased it, it is a breath of fresh air. Mayer follows the formula of blending old carols into new songs. His choice of the old:
1. Christmas Overture - a blend of 4 traditional instrumentals, arranged by Mayer and presented with music only, not words. A fine way to begin the CD.
2. What Child is This - a beautifully acoustic version of the old English melody; again, without words.
3. Hark the Herald Angels Sing - this carol features Mayer's sweet voice expanding on the "Gloria" refrain, and it is lovely.
4. Little Drummer Boy - a contemporary version of the melody, featuring vocals by Mayer and some unique percussion. In this song, Mayer uses the skills of R Scott Bryan, with djembe, congas, shakers, bells, triangle, and something called an udu. I prefer a more traditional version, but Mayer really picks up your spirits with his "island" version.
5. Silent Night A beautifully paced version, played primarily with native american flutes, followed by acoustic guitar. It is perhaps the loveliest version I've heard. Mayer uses a children's chorus on a single verse, but the beauty of the song is in the instrumentals.
The real mother lode in the CD is found in the original music, 7 songs penned or co-written by Mayer. Mayer's folky voice and acoustic guitar skills are secondary only to his songwriting skills. The songs are, to the last, uplifting, lyrically pleasing, and keeping with Christmas tradition while giving the listener something totally new for the holiday. I loved them! Here they are, in order of my preference:
1. Love is Born Anew In this song of belief and renewal, Mayer refers to the birth of Christ minimally, and equates it with the ability of man to renew his spirits each holiday season. The chorus is joyous, and some of the verses are lyrical wonders:
Flow river flow through highlands and drylands
Raise blossoms where nothing could bloom
Come living waters lift up your children
And nothing shall come between us and you
2. This Christmas In this song that he co-wrote with brother Jim and Mac McAnally, Mayer features one of the truly special things about the contemporary Christmas customs -- giving. The song is about making a difference, and giving of yourself to others.
3. Stars and Promises - Mayer pens and plays a samba here, starting with the 8 bars so familiar from the old song "Love Was Meant for Me and You"...the familiarity of the 8 bars intrigues you and the rest of the song draws you in. It's a great departure from traditional Christmas music, and a song that will stay with you.
4. Sing Joy - in the same vein as "Love is Born Anew", this song takes the contemporary feelings of sadness and worry about the season, and lifts them up with visions of the birth of Christ -- and the joy of it, for as the baby was born..."This night the promise is given to you". It's a carefree song, one whose lyrics, when closely scrutinized, take the seasons dark thoughts into the light...
Come gather together you children who wander
Looking for dreams that the whole world has squandered
You've lost them you've sold them for pockets of gold
And you long to come in from the cold...
5. Ring Out the Bells Perhaps the most joyful tune in the collection, Ring Out the Bells is one of those undiscovered songs that everyone would put on their Christmas album if they only discovered it.
6. Wings of Angels In this small (2 stanza) tune, Mayer paints a word poem on what must have happened to the desert on the eve of the Nativity. A lovely little song.
I'm just starting to discover Mayer's music, but am thankful for finding his Christmas CD in time to enjoy it for the holidays. For a truly peaceful, enjoyable experience, in the hands of a skilled songwriter, try "Stars and Promises". Or buy it for next year, and start your holiday season off the right way.
quid
Entered in: carstairs38's Christmas Song write off!
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