Prairie Angels

This Christmas CD was recorded in December 2008.

1. Et Barn er Født (A Child is Born) This traditional song is a tribute to our Danish Heritage. Crystal and Amanda–vocals, Brittany–guitar, Judy–cello, Crystal–viola, Ed–bass.
2. Betelehemu When Christianity (and its music) arrived in Africa, Africans added their native rhythms and harmonies, enriching us in our turn. This Nigerian Christmas carol is a great example. Judy–drums, Ed–tambourine and Brittany, Amanda and Crystal–vocals.
3. Winter Wonderland This carol evokes all the feelings and images of a snowy day spent in he cozy company of the one you love. Brittany, Amanda and Crystal–vocals, Judy–piano.
4. March of the Wooden Soldiers This fun instrumental comes from Babes in Toyland. Judy–banjo, Brittany– bodhran, Amanda–pennywhistle, Crystal–mandolin, Ed–bass.
5. I Wonder as I Wander This song, inspired by strains of an Appalachian Folk Song, was written in 1933. Amanda–harp, Judy–cello, Brittany and Crystal–vocals, Ed–bass.
6. Jingle Joplin and Joy to Handel Just for fun we’ve adapted a piano arrangement of these two songs for string trio. Brittany–cello, Amanda–violin, Crystal–viola
7. We Three Kings We got our inspiration for this arrangement from The Nitty Gritty Dirt band. Judy–banjo, Amanda–violin, Crystal–guitar, Brittany–accordion and mandolin, Ed–bass
8. Away in a Manger Ed and I get to relax and enjoy while Amanda and Crystal play violin and viola, accompanied by Brittany on the piano.
9. O Holy Night The girls sing three part harmony on this song, while Judy and Ed accompany on guitar and bass.
10. Snoopy Versus the Red Baron We couldn’t resist this tribute to Snoopy, whose image Ed used when he wrote Judy cute love notes during their courtship. We all take turns singing. Amanda–bells, Judy–banjo, Crystal–drum, Brittany–mandolin, Ed–bass.
11. The Wexford Carol This traditional Irish carol originated in county Wexford, Ireland, in the 12th century. Amanda sings the haunting vocals, Judy–guitar, Crystal–viola, Brittany–cello, Ed–bass (his first time using a bow!).
12. A Tiny Little Baby This Gospel-style carol by Jay Althouse is sung a cappella by Brittany, Amanda and Crystal.
13. Pine Cones and Holly Berries This is combined with “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” also by Meredith Wilson. After a vocal solo by Amanda, the whole family sings along. Amanda–violin, Judy–banjo, Crystal–guitar, Brittany–mandolin, Ed–bass.
Recorded and mixed by Ed Bush, graphics by Judy Bush