Our Review
Christmas Presence is a double-entendre from Jean Watson, a devout Christian who wants listeners to feel God's presence while enjoying the earthly pleasures of holiday gifts. In fact, this inspiring album operates as its own Christmas present to charitable causes; the artist tells me that the bulk of the proceeds will go to those in need, including an agency that works to feed and shelter homeless children in Nairobi. Isn't that what this season is truly about?
Jean Watson is somewhat reminiscent of Judy Collins, except that Watson's voice is more fragile; her delicate timbre lifts like a small wren bursting from the brush on a cold winter morning. Watson even resembles Collins a bit, with long dark hair, an honest, open face, and friendly eyes that appear to look right through you. She moves with easy grace through each number.
The album is a mix of the familiar and the unknown, the popular and the classical. The tone is contemplative, sweet and spare. The accompaniment is lovely, but relatively minimal, and this approach effectively showcases Watson's sweet and wistful tones. Her standout tracks include the opening "Of the Father's Love Begotten," a hauntingly beautiful 13th-century plainsong, and the gorgeous "Breath of Heaven," happily the longest cut on the disc; one would guess that Watson was born to sing ethereal tunes like these.
The liner notes helpfully provide all the lyrics, although the teensy-weensy font size severely challenges my aging eyes. In addition, at under 34 minutes, the album comes to a close way too soon.
The dulcet tones of Christmas Presence provide a soothing embrace during the harried holidays. Relax and enjoy!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)
More
From the liner notes:
"Christmas Presence" is a collection of traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas songs which are set in a style that incorporates my love of both classical and popular music. It is my prayer that every person who listens to these songs about Jesus' birth will be drawn into His PRESENCE.
--Jean Watson, August 2004
vocals, keyboard, violin: Jean Watson
producer: Jean Watson
co-producer: Kevin Brown
recording engineer: Kevin Brown
recorded, mixed and mastered at Brown & Brown Recording Studios, Kalamazoo, MI
Tracks 1, 2, 3 (with Matt Watson), 4, 7, 9, 10 (with Dan Duncan) arranged by Jean Watson
Proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CHARITIES
From the Web site:
Jean Watson was born into a musical family and was conservatory-trained as a classical violinist. She began her musical career playing in symphony orchestras, freelancing, and teaching. She was also active as a church worship leader which is where someone first suggested that she pursue vocal training as well. She studied classical vocal technique on and off for years and enjoyed singing both classical and contemporary music.
In the fall of 2002, she recorded her first CD using her skills as singer, violinist, keyboardist, and arranger. She gave the CD's away as Christmas gifts, and the response to the recording was so unanimously positive that people actually donated money to see Jean continue to record.
The door was opened for her to begin work on [a more personal] project in the summer of 2004. Less than 24 hours after praying for God to make a way for her to go back into the studio, friends appeared on her doorstep with the seed money to record a new CD! Jean had a Christmas project in mind&a CD which would draw on the ancient carols of the church and present them in a contemporary style. Soon after the recording was begun, Jean decided that she wanted to use her gifts and talents to further the Kingdom of God in the greatest way possible. She committed to donating at least 50% of any proceeds she received to ministries that were doing the work of Christ.
Jean concertizes as a singer and a violinist throughout southwest Michigan. She especially enjoys singing and ministering to women's groups where she shares her testimony through her words and her music. Her plans for the future include more concertizing and the recording of yet another CD, this time featuring songs that Jean has written herself.
Jean resides in Kalamazoo, MI, and is a single mother of four children. She is passionate in her desire to train her children to follow Jesus and to
Jean Watson
Christmas Presence
Artist link
Label: Truthfulmusic Productions
Length: 34 minutes
Genre: Christian
Release: 2004
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Of the Father's Love Begotten (Guitar by Kevin Brown) |
| Le Sommeil de L'Enfant |
| Some Children See Him |
| I Wonder as I Wander |
| Mary Did You Know |
| Angels Did Sing (Keyboard by Linda Havens) |
| Day of Joy |
| Breath of Heaven |
| Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head |
| Silent Night |