Our Review
Generally acknowledged to be one of the country's foremost guitarists, Muriel Anderson is the picture of thoughtful contemplation on Harp Guitar Christmas. The instrumental music is played on the harp guitar (both classical and steel string), an interesting twist on boring old guitars. The harp guitar has 20 strings and looks like a guitar, except with an extended second neck that stretches above the main neck. The second neck's seven unfretted bass strings are plucked like a harp--hence, the name!
Regardless of how many necks are on her guitar, Anderson plays each and every one with marvelous professionalism and aplomb. This album is totally tasteful; the song selection covers one dozen low-key and richly-textured ancient hymns, plus one lovely Anderson original. The exquisite presentation will create an impressive ambiance when you're entertaining the boss (or your family and friends!). Everything works here, but my absolute favorite cut is the outstanding Medley: O Come O Come Emmanuel/Pat-A-Pan/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Although the initial droning sound is mournful, the spirit quickly shifts to playful, and the three Christmas tunes meld into the finest holiday parfait! So sweet!
Murial Anderson's Harp Guitar Christmas is a stunner. If you love instrumental guitar music that is classy and slightly reserved for the holidays, this one's for you.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)
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From the liner notes:
Instruments: Classical Harp Guitar built by Mike Doolin; Classical Guitar by Paul McGill; Steel string Harp Guitar by Del Langejans; All strings by GHS.
Produced and engineered by Muriel Anderson and mastered by Venus Mastering, Nashville, TN.
From the Website:
"Harp Guitar Christmas" was a delight to record - to rediscover the wealth of Christmas music and to hear them come to life on my instruments - it put me in the Christmas spirit for many weeks!
HARP GUITAR CHRISTMAS
Includes a Christmas tree ornament tucked in the liner notes of each CD. Favorite Classic Christmas Carols and Hymns, played on Solo Harp Guitar and Classical Guitar.
Muriel Anderson
Harp Guitar Christmas
Artist site
Label: CGD Music
Length: 43 minutes
Genre: New Age
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| El Noi de la Mare (The Son of Mary) |
| I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day |
| Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring |
| What Child Is This (Greensleeves) |
| Angels We Have Heard on High |
| In the Bleak Midwinter |
| Christmas Hymn |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem |
| Medley: O Come O Come Emmanuel/Pat-A-Pan/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| Away in a Manger (medley of 3 versions) |
| Hark the Herald Angels Sing |
| O Holy Night |
| Silent Night |