writes: Like the little tree on the cover that is similar to, but not exactly like all the other trees, so goes this collection of carols. One might even say that the little tree with the green lights is “In The Spirit Of A Tree”. That is, it has the same essence as a tree, but is different enough to stand apart from the rest of the forest. That thought was the inspiration for this collection.Each carol in this collection, while in the spirit of the tunes on which they are based, often deviate from the original form and go to some very unusual places. From memories of Christmas mornings with my girls (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”), to my own ‘Christmas mornings’ growing up (“The First Noel”), from the view of a snowy mountain scene (“For The Beauty Of The Earth”) to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at their annual Christmas concert (“O Come All Ye Faithful”), all of these arrangements were inspired by scenes from my Christmas seasons past.
And of course, the originals were also inspired by real events in my life and are, somehow, related to Christmas. From the first Christmas after my Mom passed away (“The Remembrance Carol”) to trips home for the Holidays (“A Christmas Homecoming” and “The Long Journey Home”) to the numerous Candlelight services I’ve attended (“A Winter’s Hymn”), each of these songs represent a part of my heritage.
