[ album background ]

SONGS OF WONDERMENT AT THE NATIVITY, AND LONGING FOR THE FULFILMENT OF WHAT BEGAN ON THAT HOLY NIGHT.

Every year since I wrote and recorded Rumours of Angels I have looked forward to writing another set of songs for the Christmas season. This year, at last, I have felt the time is right.

I have always found the accounts of the nativity to be woven through not only with mystery and wonder, but with the real struggles of ordinary people - especially in the characters of Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah. In the midst of their dilemmas and disappointments and the drama of what unfolded around them they dreamed of a different world, as so many people do today.

Christmas is a time when for a moment it can be a little easier to imagine a world put right, when hope is rekindled for the peace and goodwill we associate with the best of the Christmas season to become a reality for everyone. I have let my imagination be stirred afresh both from inside the story, empathising with some of the characters, and from outside - looking back in wonder at the incarnation, and forward to the fulfilment of what began on that holy night.

I have loved revisiting my singer songwriter roots, and hope that these 13 new songs will be both an inspiring listening experience, and a source of new music to weave into seasonal concerts and events.

[ reviews ]

It's hard to believe that it's well over a decade since the veteran songwriter last ventured into the world of the Christmas album with 'Rumours Of Angels'. Well, one thing's certain, the wait has been worth it - the songs here are engaging and thought-provoking in equal measure. Thankfully, Kendrick doesn't take a rock-musical approach to this concept album but rather muses on the miracle of the incarnation both from within the Christmas story and without. The title track longs for a miracle which can heal a world filled with pain. "Reckless Love" finds the answer to that prayer in the outrageous act of love when the Almighty One forsakes his place to live among us. On these songs, Kendrick acts as narrator but on "Winter Prayer", "What's To Be Done About Mary" and "Look What the Lord Has Done For Me" the focus changes. Particular praise must go to the featured vocalists, Lizzie Deane, Phillipa Hannah and Daniel Goodman who take the roles of Joseph, Elizabeth and Mary on these songs. 'Dreaming Of A Holy Night' is swathed in sumptuous arrangements with luscious strings provided by the City Of Prague Philharmonic while Dan Wheeler's always tasteful guitar provides a highlight on several tracks. There is even the obligatory children's choir! The album builds to the climax of "Rejoice God Is Now With Us" blending ancient and modern elements in a glorious celebration of praise for Our Lord Immanuel
Cross Rhythms

In the nineties Graham Kendrick revolutionised Christmas worship music with the album Rumours Of Angels and the continued popularity of those seasonal songs inspired Kendrick to return to a Christmas theme. He says, 'This year I felt the time was right but it is quite a challenge for a songwriter because so much has already been done, it's hard to make it original.' But he does!

The new album features a host of new songs packed full of worship, wonder and the message of Christmas and it's an ideal source for new material for soloists and choirs planning carol services.
Wesley Owen

[ tracklist ]

	Night Of Nights	lyric	music
	Dreaming Of A Holy Night	lyric	music
	Reckless Love	lyric	music
	Winter Prayer	lyric	music
	What's To Be Done About Mary?	lyric	music
	Look What The Lord Has Done For Me	lyric	music
	A Prince Is Born	lyric	music
	Suddenly A Light	lyric	music
	The New World Has Come	lyric	music
	Midnight Star	lyric	music
	A World Awakes	lyric	music
	We've Seen A Light	lyric	music
	Rejoice God Is Now With Us	lyric	music

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