John Garvey’s debut album features a selection of carols from the 11th century through the 19th century, plus two which are his own compositions. While beginning and ending with contemporary arrangements, the album mainly takes a playful approach to historical instruments and music. Some of the tracks even feature ambient sounds which sharpen and add color to the images of storied ages past already conjured in the mind’s eye by the music. Track notes: Silent Night, L.A. Night Music: Franz Gruber, 1818 Please turn off your cell phone as you approach the manger. Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star Music: French, 18th century An arrangement for celesta, pipe organ and deep-space probe. A Little Child There Is Ybore Music: Old German melody A lullaby arranged for infant, guitar, flute and angels. Yeoman’s Carol Music: English, 18th century Here be a galloping horse, a blizzard and hearty laughter by a blazing hearth. Green Grow’th the Holly Music: Attributed to King Henry VIII A quiet melody for guitar, rain, recorders, crackling fire, harpsichord and church bell. Deck the Halls Music: Old Welsh air Monks in an old stone chapel bring out some instruments and loosen up a bit. Get Ivy and Holly, Woman Music: English, 16th century A recorder and a guitar entertain at a merry feast. Resonet In Laudibus Music: German, 14th century Performed as a folk dance with piccolo, violin, hand drum and tamborine. Wexford Carol Music: Irish, 12th century The melody travels from Ireland to ancient Israel and Persia and back again. Divinum Mysterium Music: 12th century A capella voices, a vaulted nave, and sunlight through stained glass. Childing of a Maiden Bright Music: 11th or 12th century An anthem arranged for synth choir and light rays. Tinsel Nights Music: John Garvey, 2006 A lullaby for bowed glass, glockenspiel, English horn and flute. The Holly and the Ivy Music: Old French carol Arranged for flute, strings, trumpet, timpani, drums, merry organ and synth choir. Et In Terra Pax Music: John Garvey, 2006 Si vis pacem para bellum. –Vegetius ("If you want peace, prepare for war.")