Mary-Chapin Carpenter - Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas

Finally, a Christmas album worth listening to all year long. When Mary Chapin Carpenter set out to create Come Darkness, Come Light, she took a far different approach to recording a holiday album than most artists do. Rather than simply lending her voice to time-worn Christmas standards, Mary Chapin wrote her own set of heartfelt songs which explore the many meanings and emotions that Christmas evokes in each of us. These songs, mixed with a few hand-picked gems from other writers and rarely heard traditional tunes, will speak directly to the hearts of all Mary Chapin Carpenter fans. These are not merely holiday songs, they are simply great Mary Chapin Carpenter songs, both warm and intimate. And while they artfully capture the spirit of the season, this is a rare Christmas album that doesn't feel like it needs to be kept on the shelf between New Year's and Thanksgiving. With stellar support from longtime musical partners Jon Carroll (piano) and co-producer John Jennings (guitars), Mary Chapin's voice goes down as warmly as hot cider on a cold winter's night. Album Description

A Depth of Reverence, Integrity, and Silence

A beautiful set of tunes. A wonderful journey; emotionally rich and musically refreshing, this is definitely "Twelve Songs of Christmas," not "The Twelve Songs of Christmas;" as in 'another rehash of the same old over-done songs that show up on so many Holiday albums.' Carpenter wrote or co-wrote 6 of the 12 songs on the collection, and the others are either obscure traditional tunes or more contemporary compositions (i.e., one is a carol by John Rutter!). Taken together, they create a quiet sense of the solitude indicative of this the wonderful season, full of references to sacred themes and secular motifs, woven together in a way that speaks to the beauty of the season of the long nights. [She actually has a song on the CD acknowledging "The Longest Night of the Year."] Buy this one on CD, too, not as a download, as the booklet contains photography that complements the music; dark, quiet and snowy landscapes. Reading the lyrics as I listen to the set is amplified by the images against which the printed words are set. This CD is going to be with me for a long time. I recommend it highly. November 24, 2008

MCC at her best

So many vocalists tend to fulfill their recording contract obligations with bland or over the top holiday albums that end up in the recycling bin, but this cd is truly a gift of love from Mary Chapin Carpenter. You will find no rehashed versions of "Joy to the World", or "Little Drummer Boy", or no political bended songs which might be expected in a Chapin cd. What MCC delivers are wonderful interpretations of lesser known traditional songs and solid vocalizations of her own songs and contemporaries. The arrangements are light and Chapin"s vocals examine her rich alto. Jon Carrol's magnificent piano, John Jennings talented guitar stylings and other instruments, coupled with the Chapin vocals make this so much more than a Christmas album. This one has lifted my spirits during some bleak weeks, and I am grateful for that.
Highlights are the traditional' "Still, Still, Still," the contemplative "Thanksgiving Song" and MCC original "Christmas Carol" The title track" "Come Darkness, Come Light" and the Robin and Linda Williams song, "On A Quiet Christmas Morn". are my absolute favorites. There is something about this cd that reminds me of the soothing simplicity of Chapin's first cd ,Hometown Girl that is strangely familiar and comforting. I love this album. Give this one as a Thanksgiving gift. Your friends will appreciate the kind gesture.
November 7, 2008

Truly wonderful!!!

This is a truly wonderful, enchanting record. The music is following the style MCC set before on the albums "Between Here and There" and "The Calling". Her voice is just perfect for these songs. The lyrics of Mary's own songs are very personal and sometimes with slight critical reminders what christmas is really about, apart from all the commercial trash. I just love it!!! November 4, 2008

A Different Christmas Album

Apart from the very familiar opening Christmas carol, the songs are all brand new. Although bordering a little too much on the religious theme the overall album is one to put on with the lights down low and reflect. Mary's voice is like a dream potion that tends to hypnotise you, with dusky sultry tones to almost the entire album. All in all an excellent reflective seasonal album instead of the usual 'must have fun at Christmas' albums. October 29, 2008

Simply Elegant!

This is the best music I have heard from Mary Chapin Carpenter in a long time. She renders each song with heartfelt simplicity. I find this CD to be truly elegant. October 29, 2008

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