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Now here is an extremely cool holiday album. Kirby Heyborne's Merry White Tree in the Night begins with an outrageously fine album title. The name, as it turns out, comes from artwork by Diane Packer (www.dianepacker.com), and the cover's front and back reflect Packer's excellent artistry. The "Merry White Tree in the Night" print can be purchased on Packer's site.

Once you get past the great graphics, the music is amazing, too. Kirby Heyborne is a singer/songwriter with folk/pop sensibilities. This album is not long (just 33 minutes), but it is packed with creative fluorishes that kept me hanging on every note. The liner notes are a bit obscure, so it's difficult sorting out exactly what's happening from track to track, but it appears that Heyborne is personally responsible for most of the eight tracks here, and he is a big-time creative talent. The opening cut Wassail and Apple Pie is a sensational, heartfelt homage to the artist's mother, who after all "is Christmas." This addictive ditty will have you recalling every happy holiday moment from your childhood, and it sets up grand anticipation for the remaining tracks. It also incorporates Deck the Halls snippets for just the right touch.

Do not purchase this offering in hopes of hearing age-old chestnuts. Nope, this is a contemporary presentation of nontraditional fare, and if you enjoy well-crafted pop vocals (often delivered with whispery urgency) and great guitar riffs, this might be just the change-of-pace that you need. I particular liked Still, Still, Still, which delivers Heyborne's passion for winter nights (he uses wine glasses, an old piano, and a cello to recreate the sounds of a winter forest at night). Heyborne presents the lines as the sweetest lullaby, oh-so-softly delivered.

Ater reviewing scores of relatively routine holiday albums, it's a real pleasure to spin something so totally unique. Thank you, Kirby Heyborne, for a fine holiday album that will cheer those seeking creative folk/pop vocals for the holidays!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Nathan DeVore
Artwork by Diane Packer

Engineered and mixed by Nathan DeVore
Recorded at Iso Studios June through September 2006
Mastered by Mark Evans at Canyon Studios


When Nathan and I talked about a Christmas album, we both agreed that we wanted to create one that was non-traditional. We wanted to focus on the personal and thoughtful aspect of the season. This is what we created.

"Wassail and Apple Pie"
I have fond memories of my mother in the kitchen making incredible dinners and delectable pies. At Christmas, she would make a delicious wassail that everyone savored. My mother is Christmas.

"Ring Out Wild Bells"
Christmas brings the end of a year. We reflect on important moments in the past. We devote ourselves to becoming better in the New Year.

"Angels"
The quiet moments of praise that we keep in our hearts are just as profound and moving as the ones we sing.

"Still, Still, Still"
I love winter at night. Snow brings calm and romance to the frosty months.

"I Heard the Bells"
The lyrics to this song have always moved me. Through hard times and struggles, there will always be the familiar sound of family and friends to comfort us. We are never really too far. This is our peace.

"Snow Falls Down"
It is hard to give when the recipient shows no gratitude. We should always be grateful and communicate our appreciation.

"Alleluia"
There is a quiet reverence shortly after the miracle of a child being born. Only Father, Mother, and Child are witness to it. The first time a family gathers together is sacred and beautiful.

"Merry White Tree in the Night"
When I saw "Merry White Tree in the Night" by Diane Packer, I thought that the piece embodied the simple stillness I wanted people to associate with this album.

May these songs find you and your family joyous during the memorable events of the season.

Kirby Heyborne

Merry White Tree in the Night

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Track List