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This is the one. If you love gentle folk music and especially enjoy original holiday songs, then Cori Connors' Sleepy Little Town is the one album that you absolutely must purchase this holiday season. As I write this review, I can feel tears pressing behind my eyes; this must be the most warmly-crafted and heartfelt Christmas album I have ever had the privilege to review. Connors is a master singer/songwriter, and her superb pieces tell the important stories that frame almost all of our childhood holiday memories. No matter what our personal experiences have been, many pieces of Sleepy Little Town will fit your particular puzzle. It's all here--the elation, the sense of loss, the treasures and pain that memories bring, and the joy surrounding the newborn babe. Connors' astute songwriting strikes at the truth of humanity's most sensitive moments, and her sweet and tender folksinger's voice conveys just the right emotional note (Merlynn Schofield provides marvelous harmony vocals).

Several weeks ago, I had the good fortune to review an excellent instrumental album by El McMeen (The Soul of Christmas Guitar). El mentioned that I should connect with Cori Connors--that, in his opinion, her Sleepy Little Town was the "premier Christmas CD of original music." Naturally, I was intrigued and contacted Connors, who generously sent along her excellent album for review. El was absolutely right. Without his excellent recommendation, I may never have discovered this incredible offering, and now I hope to provide the same assistance to those visiting ChristmasReviews.com (which, after all, is what this site is all about!). Thanks, El!

The lovely liner notes are an impressive package, 16 pages packed with lyrics and nostalgic photos. Many pictures resemble ones from my own family's album--and will likely call to mind yours, too. Because Connors' songs tell significant stories with elegant word choices, it's great tracking each piece, line by line. Except for "O Holy Night," all pieces are Connors' own; six tell intimate tales of the holiday experience from a family member's perspective, and the rest turn on the profound meaning surrounding Christ's birth.

For those of us who have lost a loved one, especially someone who always welcomed the Christmas season with enthusiasm, Connors' "You Would Have Loved This" will put a sizable lump in your throat. "Flexible Flyer" is another sentimental treasure, an endearing tribute to the father who passed from the scene much too soon. Don't imagine, however, that Sleepy Little Town is all doom and gloom. Far from it! This album is a testament to the human spirit and to the glorious holiday memories that mark our lives. Although the music is introspective, the message is one of hope and enduring love.

Cori Connors is an outstanding singer/songwriter who delivers a glorious gift for Christmas; her Sleepy Little Town will awaken memories in you that you thought were long forgotten. Simply wonderful!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

For almost half my adult life I have performed my songs with my dear friend Merlynn Schofield at my side. Her harmonies have woven themselves like velvet ribbons around the melodies I've written. I have said for years that she could make any old song sound wonderful! When she decided it was to focus her energy on some of her other talents and goals, I went through a serious case of withdrawal. While my ears had to adjust to hearing myself alone, the heardest part for me was missing her presence beside me. She has encouraged me to stretch my wings further than I might have. . .

Lead Vocals: Cori Connors
Harmony Vocals: Merlynn Schofield
Duet Vocal: David Connors
Our Heavenly Choir: Deven, Annesha, Jarren, Bittney, Kate, Annie, Shea, Tiffany,Lauren, Anna, Scott, Summer, courtnie, Mandy, Shelley, Monica, Olivia, Madeline, Allison and Megan
Vocal Coaching: Brett Manning and Debbie Watkins
Guitar: Michael Dowdle, Cori Connors
Mandolin and Tin Whistle: Tom Shults
Hammer Dulcimer: Gael Shults
Violin: Theresa Ellis, Jennifer Garrett, Cherie Darrohn
Viola: Jaren Angerbauer
Cello: Audrey Terry, Ellen Bridger, Warren Meuller
Upright bass: Jim Stout
Flute: Kathleen King
Piano and Electric Piano: Mark Stephenson
Percussion: Todd Sorenson

Arrangements:
String Orchestrations: Theresa Ellis
"Little Did I Know" - Michael Dowdle
"Wise Men Seek Him Still" - Michael Dowdle
"You Would Have Loved This" - Mark Stephenson
"Heaven Choirs" - Merlynn Schofield and Mark Stephenson

Not long ago, when my family had gathered at my mom's house, we set up the old brown card table in the middle of the living room. Out from the cupboards and bookcases came boxes and albums full of old family photos. Those photos called up memories for all o fus; some painful, but mostly sweet. They were a tangible representation of all that brought us to where we are today.

Richard Exley said. . . "Experience again the full range of emotion memories invoke. Let them play a nostalgic melody on the strings of your heart. Remember the warmth of a special friendship, the comfort of kindness, the closeness of family. Think about the Christ Child in Bethlehem's manger and the nearness of God.

Blink back the tears, if need be, and swallow past the fist sized lump in your throat, but don't quench the memories. They are a part of your history, part of the web of experience which God has woven into the tapestry of your personhood."

I have counted the years by Christmases, written on a series of envelopes and papers, and set to music in the wee silent hours at home. These songs are the pages of my scrapbook.

Cori Connors

Sleepy Little Town

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Track List