Our Review
Care for a little homespun instrumental goodness for the holidays? Jennifer Griffis and Randy Zombola have the solution; their December Dulcimers album is a highly satisfying hammered dulcimer delight. Don't think for one minute that these dulcimers are chattering just with themselves; they have plenty of company (Frank Barber/guitar & keyboards; Patty Grandel/flute; Diana Zombola/fiddle; and Ian Tescee/maracas) to keep them extra happy. And, just to keep things interesting, the dynamic Griffis/Zombola duo also contribute their talents on the keyboard and recorder, respectively.
There is some so right about a holiday season that bursts with old-fashioned traditions coming alive on old-fashioned instruments. The dulcimers sing in the most charming way, so vital and bright! The 11 tracks provide a wonderful range of religious and secular tunes. Part of what makes December Dulcimers so special are the marvelous medleys; four layered medleys interweave some of the most beautiful Christmas music around. Almost all numbers are well known, and many step forward clothed in variations rarely seen. For example, "Calypso Christmas" springs sprightly from the dulcimers' strings in an unexpected way. Probably my favorite pieces are the haunting "St. Bail's Hymn," which is a delicate and remarkable tapestry here, and the "Coventry Carol/Silent Night/Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" medley, which is exceptionally lovely on every front.
When the December Dulcimers call, and you may well want to respond--especially if you desire the timeless beauty of sweet dulcimer strings making your favorite holiday numbers burst with life. Well done, Jennifer Griffis and Randy Zombola.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)
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From the liner notes:
Musicians:
Jennifer Griffis: hammered dulcimer, keyboards
Randy Zombola: hammered dulcimer, recorder
Frank Barber: guitar, keyboards
Patty Grandel: flute
Diana Zombola: fiddle
Ian Tescee: maracas
Arrangements by Randy Zombola and Jennifer Griffis. Produced by Randy Zombola and Jennifer Griffis.
Jennifer Griffis and Randy Zombola
December Dulcimers
Artist link
Label: Dancing Strings Music
Length: 44 minutes
Genre: Folk
Release: 1988
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| little drummer boy/we 3 kings/the holly and the ivy |
| pastorale |
| calypso christmas |
| st. basil's hymn |
| what child is this/il est ne |
| reindeer rag/rudolph the red-nosed reindeer |
| carolan's draught |
| mistletoe waltz |
| coventry carol/silent night/lo, how a rose e'er blooming |
| ding dong! merrily on high |
| bell table waltz/christmas day in the morning/ i saw 3 ships |