Our Review
True to its title, "Peaceful, Easy Christmas" will transport you from your harried holiday schedule into a stress-free and beautiful environment. Ric Flauding is quite the accomplished new age guitarist; his flying fingers paint a serene and intimate environment. This instrumental album largely centers on Flauding playing all sorts of guitars (classical, steel string, acoustic) and some keyboard. He does get a little help from his friends, who occasionally add piano, violin, and a second guitar and keyboard to the mix.
"Peaceful, Easy Christmas" has 13 tracks, including two versions ("new" and "traditional") of one of my favorite seasonal pieces--"Carol of the Bells." Flauding's new interpretation is a delicate work of creative improvisation. All of the numbers were immediately familiar except "Stars Over Zion," an introspective song of moody beauty.
The album truly sets the mood; it creates a watercolor palette of gorgeous pastels, mostly pale blues, washing across the room. The "Ave Maria Medley" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" are particularly captivating.
The CD comes in one of those slim-line Euro cases, so the liner notes are essentially nonexistent (just a list of tracks). Flauding's website, however, is a bit more helpful.
If new age guitar punches your ticket, then plan for a "Peaceful Easy Christmas" with Ric Flauding.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)
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About the album:
Classical, steel string, acoustic guitars and keyboard: Ric Flauding
Classical guitar melody on "Ave Maria Medley": Denise Flauding
Piano: Peggy Duquesnel, Rob Rinderer and Brent Mills
Violin: Eric Brenton
Additional Keyboard: Mark Wanger
From the website:
Composer-Guitarist Ric Flauding's music features classical guitar with various ensembles. Ric Flauding calls his style "acoustic, melodic new age" which colorfully blends influences from many sources. Jazz, Celtic, Latin, Folk, Cinematic Symphonic, Worldbeat and Classical all find their way into his work. Ric Flaudings goal is to paint emotion picture sounding his love for God, people, nature, travel, serenity and simplicity.
Aside from his own releases he has worked on over 200 recordings including the London Symphony Orchestra, Brentwood Records, Integrity Music, Spindletop Records, Invincible Records, Maranatha Music, Dr. John Gray ("Men Are From Mars..."), and has been on CDs with David Benoit, Jim Brickman, Lorie Line, Danny Wright, John Patitucci, Abe Laborial, Alex Acuna, Justo Almario, Brandon Fields, Frank Gambale and many others.
His albums have charted Gavin, R&R, MacJazz, and New Horizons receiving airplay worldwide and earning him several awards from ASCAP, Billboard Magazine, American Song Festival, Ace Award. As a performer Ric has shared the stage with Bob James, Richard Elliot and Rick Braun.
Ric Flauding
Peaceful Easy Christmas
Artist link
Label: Brentwood
Length: 47 minutes
Genre: New Age
Release: 2003
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| O Holy Night |
| O Come All Ye Faithful |
| The First Nöel |
| Away In A Manger |
| Carol Of The Bells (new) |
| Ave Maria Medley |
| Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee |
| Stars Over Zion |
| Silent Night |
| O Come, O Come Emmanuel |
| I Wonder As I Wander |
| What Child Is This |
| Carol Of The Bells (traditional) |