Our Review
Shawn Thies' New Beginnings at Christmas is a sweet and embraceable holiday album that will warm the heart of any folk music fan. The acoustic music is well-executed and winning, with an intimate ensemble providing excellent support. Singer/songwriter Thies has an excellent voice, the sort of voice that is emotive and vulnerable, yet rich and smoothly accessible.
The dozen tracks are low-key, contemplative affairs that include three Thies originals. The new numbers showcase the artist's considerable songwriting talents; these pieces fit comfortably side-by-side with the well-known holiday favorites. I particularly enjoyed Thies' One, a haunting and beautifully-constructed song that pleads for peace and unity. The instrumentation (piano, cello, violin, bass, drums/percussion) provides the perfect framework for the number.
As for the holiday favorites, there are at least two standouts. First, Angels We Have Heard on High, a carol that normally does not top my list, is resplendent here. This rendition carries a rhythmic Celtic character and reflects cool percussive touches throughout. My other pick is the sparsely-presented O Holy Night, which features Thies accompanied only by the guitar and bamboo flute. Just lovely!
The final cut (Sleep Little Dove) is a gentle Alsatian carol that covers almost nine minutes; this is because the track incorporates a "hidden" number, Amazing Grace. This precious discovery is a most appropriate way to close the album.
Shawn Thies and her New Beginnings at Christmas have already brightened my holiday season. I could spend many hours basking in the welcoming glow of music like this! Check it out.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Vocals: Shawn Thies
Piano: Ken Stange, Christopher Smith, Brian Mann
Bass: Randy Tico
Guitar: Derol Caraco, Patrick Milliken, Randy Cobb
Violin: Charlie Bisharat
Drums & percussion: Kevin Winard, Craig Thatcher, Lorenzo Martinez
Accordion: Brian Mann
Cello: Cameron Stone
Bamboo Flute: Manose
Shawn Thies
New Beginnings
Artist link
Label: Shawn Thies
Length: 55 minutes
Genre: Folk
Release: 2004
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| The Greatest Gift |
| New Beginnings at Christmas |
| Christmas Time Is Here |
| Angels We Have Heard on High |
| The First Nowell |
| One |
| Oh Holy Night |
| The Little Drummer Boy |
| Away in a Manger |
| The Christ Child Lullaby |
| Silent Night |
| Sleep Little Dove |