Dan Kennedy is feeling in a festive mood and has in his very distinctive solo piano style created a collection of traditional Christmas and Festive favourite pieces.
Dan felt, after the past years of very different Christmases’ it was very important to create work that was full of life, slightly more up-tempo than the usual style. Along the way, he created two original pieces; one that was sent to him one evening during the recording session for An Enchanted Noel.
Setting the tone is the traditional piece Angels We Have Heard On High which bounces off the keyboard with a good deal of vigour, lending a very modern element to the beloved Carol, which is followed by the well-known In The Bleak of Winter, a very beautiful poem penned originally by Christina Rossetti and later set to music by Gustav Holtz in 1909.
For those Not Here is an original gentle, delicate composition that reaches out to all those who will not be having a traditional Christmas and also as a remembrance for those of our beloved family members and friends no longer with us. Kennedy says the piece was sent to him in a complete format one night and once transferred to the keyboard, captured perfectly, perhaps the spirit of his beloved mother who loved Christmas music or perhaps is a gift from a passing Angel.
The delightful carol beloved by children everywhere, Away in a Manger, has been given the Kennedy treatment by adding a little zest to the melody giving it a fresh lift, which will be enjoyed by singers and listeners alike.
Sussex Carol first created in 1684, has lost none of its charms down the centuries and has been treated to a light, upbeat tempo beat reminiscent of the very old baroque style of music in parts with a modern flair. A catchy piece.
Of Snow and Stars is once again a delicate piece, born of improv captured perfectly on the second take. Snowflakes falling gently to earth, the night skies alive with the brilliance of stars, and the air cold, crisp and full of magic are presented beautifully making this the standout track on the album.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas rounds out a beautiful compilation of music, both ancient and modern that helps bring a little or a lot of festive spirit into the coming month of December.
Dan Kennedy wishes you all An Enchanted Noel through the gift of his beautiful, contemporary and definitely cheerful, Christmas collection. Enjoy!
Website https://www.dankennedy.us/
Distributor Dan Kennedy Music
Released November 2022
Artists Dan Kennedy
Review By Janet Mawdesley
