Our Review
What is that soothing sound? It's certainly a keyboard, but it's something more. That ethereal, light-hearted noise--almost like a gentle waterfall on an early summer day--falls so sweetly from Christie Forester's flowing fingers. On Heartsong for Christmas, the artist creates mesmerizing soundscapes, taking well-loved holiday melodies and expanding them into lush, bubbling creations.
This easy-listening album contains 16 tracks and extends well over an hour. The songs are sacred favorites, and the relaxing treatment creates a background environment perfect for any holiday event--or for that quiet evening wrapping gifts on a cold winter's night.
Forester's arrangements are delicate and delightful; the melodies meander down lyrical paths, but the essence of each well-known carol never disappears. Her keyboard seems to be producing the percussive sounds of a vibraphone or similar instrument; the results shimmer with warmth. This release is consistently solid, and my favorite tracks are "Silent Night" and "Silent Night Reprise," which bookend the album and combine for over ten minutes of intensely lovely music.
Heartsong for Christmas is a calming influence for anyone run ragged by holiday stress and life's difficult moments. Let Christie Forester spend a special hour with you, and you will come away refreshed!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)
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From the liner notes:
Original Music and Arrangements by Christie Forester
From the Web site:
Christie Forester was born in Ambon, Indonesia where her parents, RB and Avelone Caveness were missionaries. At twelve, she was her father's church pianist and although classically trained, seized every opportunity to create her own music ... much to her piano teachers' chagrin. After living in Singapore for many years, Christie returned to the United States where she married Walter Forester and completed her Ph.D. in Learning Disabilities.
Christie currently lives in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico where she met her producer, Leslie Sahlen.
Christie Forester
Heartsong for Christmas
Artist link
Label: Gatorlegs
Length: 69 minutes
Genre: New Age
Release: 2005
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Silent Night |
| It Came Upon A Midnight Clear |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem |
| Angels From The Realm Of Glory |
| Hark The Herald Angels Sing |
| The First Nöel |
| While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks |
| We Three Kings |
| What Child Is This |
| Away In The Manger (Canadian) |
| Come Thou Long Expected Jesus |
| Joy To The World |
| Oh Holy Night |
| Away In The Manger (US Version) |
| Let's Worship And Adore Him |
| 16. Silent Night Reprise |