Originally issued by North Star Music, this CD is now on Robin’s playMountain Music label. A beautiful CD and a seasonal favorite, this recording features beautiful arrangements of traditional holiday songs and original interludes. Byron Duckwall (cello), Robin Spielberg(piano), & Chris Theriault (guitar)
(video below: Kate MacLeod, Robin Spielberg & Catherine Bent)
The Songs
You can preview ALL of these songs for free on iTunes.
1. Angels We Have Heard On High [2:25]
2. The First Noel [3:56]
3. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear [3:24]
4. Joy To The World [3:24]
5. O Come All Ye Faithful [2:56]
6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing [3:38]
7. Silver Bells [2:35]
8. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen [3:22]
9. Jingle Bells [2:58]
10. We Three Kings Of Orient Are [3:24]
11. Good King Wenceslas [3:35]
12. The Christmas Waltz [3:44]
13. Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming [4:04]
14. I Saw Three Ships [3:31]
15. Silent Night [3:57]
I met Byron Duckwall, a cellist, at an arts & crafts festival in a park. He was selling music that he had produced with his Indie label up in the Boston area. I had a cassette copy of Heal of the Hand with me and gave him one, thinking that if he liked it, he could carry my tapes as well (YES, TAPES!). We chatted about the music business for a while and then I continued through the fair. I remember it being a beautiful day. A few days later, Byron called and told me that he had played cassette after I had left and several people wanted to purchase it. Soon Byron began distributing my recording. He later introduced me to his guitarist friend Chris Theriault. They had recorded a few albums together. I drove up to Chris’ house near Albany, New York one weekend and the three of us worked on some music. Where to start? Well, we all knew holiday music and so we started there. Around this time I was signing on with North Star as a solo artist. I gave the President of North Star Music a demo of our work-in-progress and he loved it. We rehearsed our trio in a wonderful rehearsal studio in a small Massachusetts town. We spent five weeks rehearsing, arranging, composing. We also ate a lot of bad take-out Chinese food. We spent about 7 hours a day in that rehearsal room; it was a wonderful experience for all of us. I’ll always look back on those days as precious and wonderful.
After North Star closed in Spring of 2011 I purchased the master, and it now lives on my playMountain Music label along with my other recordings.
– Robin
Reviews:
With pianist Robin Spielberg part of the LunaMoon group, our interest was immediate for this new 1994 release. Joyful, mysterious and enchanting, these fifteen tracks offer an engaging overview of the feelings, tones and expressions found within these be loved holiday treasures.
– Backroads Music
The combination of instruments and fresh, exciting arrangements makes this album a true celebratory joy. With Robin Spielberg on piano, Byron Duckwall on cello and Chris Theriault on guitar, the three create pure enchantment…the synthesis results in sheer perfection and lots of fun. If you buy one holiday album this year, this should be it.”
– Heartsong Review
The trios arrangements are quite musical, with melodies and counter-melodies bandied from instrument to instrument… the accompaniment is deftly handled… Robin Spielberg plays with a fine and delicate touch, which is exactly what bell-like triplet arpeggios require.
– Keyboard Magazine
Put LunaMoon’s Spirit of the Holidays album on your gift list and in your CD player and conjure the spirit of the Christmas past, present and future with the trio’s beautifully rendered arrangements of traditional favorites of the season played on piano, guitar and cello.
– Guitar Magazine
There’s some real synergy going on here with the elegant piano playing of Robin Spielberg, the understated cello by Byron Duckwall and some solid guitar work by Chris Theriault…their unique arrangements allow for some interesting excursions into new territory as they build on the primary melody and explore new avenues of the Christmas spirit.
–Dirty Linen
One can’t help but feel affected emotionally upon hearing Spirit Of The Holidays–it’s simply a lovely collection… I’m sure it was a pleasure to work with musicians as talented as LunaMoon…Just pick this up and curl up in front of the tree–it’s perfect for that.
–New England Performer
The disc features several traditional tunes played on cello, guitar and piano. Even if you don’t like Christmas music–like myself–you may actually find yourself being drawn into these tunes, if only for the sheer talent of these musicians.
–Baby Sue Music Review
Spielberg’s performance is intriguing, and I’ve also been a sucker for the cello…if your collection needs an unobtrusive boost for the holidays, this is the one.
– The Providence Phoenix
This CD is sure to brighten up your holiday spirit. Just toss it in, light a fire and wrap your presents…wonderful music… a beautiful collection.
-New England Rocks