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# 2 - Light of the Stable: Initially recorded by Emmylou Harris in the late 70's, then later in the 80's by the Judds and Nana Maskouri. TRIVIA: It was written by a Canadian couple, Steve and Elizabeth Rhymer, and published by this Canadian producer's company. The producer, by the way, was formerly married to Emmylou Harris. Any guesses? E-mail me if you think you know the answer.
#3 - Mary Did You Know: Written in part by virtuoso Nashville harmonica session player Buddy Greene. Made a semi-hit by Michael English in 1991.
#7 - The Angel Gabriel: A Basque Traditional. Only other recording I've heard is by Sting on a 1987 compilation release.
#9 - O Holy Night: Possibly the first unplugged style blues shuffle version. Blame it all on Elvis.
#10 - Quebec Noël: An instrumental original that conjures up memories of maple syrup on snow, skating on the river and sleigh bell rides.
#13 - O Nuit De paix! Sainte Nuit!: A beautiful one verse French version of this timeless classic.
#14 - Dia Do Bheath': An Irish traditional that is possibly one of the funnest songs I've ever recorded. A riot!
The album was recorded on a 16 track using a Vestax digital and Tascam 1/2 inch analog synced together in a home studio. The equipment was in the extended kitchen, the performances done in a bedroom. Natural light and nearby food gave a relaxed atmosphere.
All of the songs started with one or two guitars and/or dulcimer, sometimes with a lead vocal, which laid the foundation beds. No click track was used. We went for feel and live performance. Layering on lots of extra parts myself was new territory, and enjoyable too. Playing together and capturing creative contributions were also highlights. The bass was added at the end of the recording - the opposite of when it's usually done. Regardless of method, it was a lot of fun and the carols spun their magic on us during the early months of this year. It took 135 hours to record over a three-month period. The music was then transferred to a different studio and mixed in three unending days.
Produced by: Michael Hart
Co-produced by: Allen Des Noyers
Recorded by: Allen Des Noyers at Kat Tracks Productions, December 1996 to April 1997.
Mixed by: Andy Bowmer at Hipposonic Studios/Maximum Music
Mastered by: Craig Waddell at Gotham City Mastering
Graphics by: DesignGeist, Vancouver BC
Allen Des Noyers: Open Tuned Guitar, Engineer
Has recorded three CDs of his own. As an engineer, co-producer and songwriter/artist in his own right, he is fast becoming the "Mark Heard of the North". His last album "Sunset Boulevard" received a favorable comment from a Vancouver TV broadcaster: "Canada has some excellent guitarists.... Bruce Cockburn, Don Ross, and now another, Allen Des Noyers."
Jeremy Greenhouse: Violin
Has recorded two independent CDs. He is a leader of the four-piece Greenhouse-Knudson effect, with Jay Knudson - formerly of Spirit Of The West. A virtuoso fiddle player, who showcased his band in the recent "Music West" in Vancouver.
Amy Stephen: Recorder and Pennywhistle
A member of the five piece "Mad Pudding" - Vancouver's premiere celtic band. Recently signed to Iona Records in Scotland, with a summer produced by Bill Vorndike (Alison Kraus) the band is big in England and they soon leave for a six-week European summer tour. A gifted multi-instrumentalist.
Russell Shumsky: Bodhran and Conga
A full time professional musician and drum teacher, known in Vancouver for his wide array of percussion and vibeman abilities. Has been hired by B.C Dance for their live presentations.
Brett Wade: Bass
A session player of 25 years experience, who has played on all four of Michael Hart's albums. Part owner and producer in Creation Studios in Vancouver. The man who played the legendary guitar solo on Valdy's "Play Me A Rock & Roll Song ". Equally at home on electric guitar or bass.
Andy Bowmer: Mix
Andy worked with Carolyn Arends on her latest release "Free". Brown Bannister ended up using some of the pre-production loops and samples that Andy created here in Vancouver. He also had the privilege of working with Bill Vorndike on Mad Pudding's upcoming release.
Craig Waddell: Mastering
Numerous albums, including "Moist" (Platinum sales) and "UHF".
The song samples on this site use
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Copyright © 1997-2000 Michael Hart/Soulkeeper Music
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