Frank Wallace
Joy
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Classical
Frank Wallace writes about his holiday album, Joy, "One of my fondest memories of childhood in California is the Christmas Eve service at our stucco church. We arrived at 11:00pm to miraculous blazing sentinels that stood guard all around the top of the flat-topped building and lined the stairs and benches of the patio. Each of these warm luminarias was nothing but a paper lunch bag with sand and a candle. We would sing carols outside carryied more candles as we exited the service at midnight. Those lights had been all but extinguished by time until some mysterious match rekindled their memory in a new form last November. My annual search for better arrangements of carols became a creative marathon. I spent two months exploring many old carols and writing new ones. Each piece came to me practically in the order you hear here and created a progression of keys, moods and textures that speak of the joy and solitude of winter and the hope of re-birth that the season brings to us. I have chosen music from my childhood, my favorite songs sung on those nights of light, as well as medieval songs to Mary, renaissance part songs, French, Sephardic, English and Catalan folk songs. The story unfolded with little effort on my part. Simple joys... and may peace reign at last, at long last." Instrumental Guitar, total running time, 59:03
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In Review
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'Verbum Caro'
Review Featured In TheVeryFew.net
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| Rock/Fingerstyle | |
By: Peter J. Celano
he selections chosen for Verbum Caro span centuries of familiar, timeless Christmas music. While each piece is presented in a unique stylistic manner, Waldon Reed Jr. accomplishes it with tasteful blend of respect, delicacy and power. The production is open, airy and consistent over the acoustic, electric and combined arrangements, maintaining an incredible sense of space and ambiance throughout the entire CD.
The beautiful tone of the instruments and the subtle nuances of the virtuoso performances are captured in a dynamic and passionate manner. Waldon`s refined and highly recognizable electric guitar style playfully weaves in and out of the arrangements, pulling the individual selections together into a consistant and compelling presentation. So throw another log in the fireplace or light a candle, sit back in a comfortable chair and let Waldon and Celeste Reed carry you away on a spiritual journey through time and space.
What Child Is This
Expressive, delicate classical guitar arpeggios back the flute as Celeste performs the tastefully ornamented traditional melody and variations.
The Holly and the Ivy
The electric guitar leads into a distinctly Waldon Reed-style solo which quickly becomes recognizable as the venerable The Holly And The Ivy. Though almost relaxed, there is the sense of a great underlying power in this arrangement and performance.
Away In A Manger
The classical guitar and flute together deliver the traditional melody and variations in this simple, artistic and beautiful performance.
O Come, O Come, Immanuel
Waldon`s distinctive electric guitar is again showcased in this flawlessly executed, mysterious, moving arrangement. The familiar melody, thoughtfully woven through with improvisation, is followed by an expressive, moving guitar solo. Though respectfully reserved, there are tantalizing glimpses of Waldon`s technical prowess shining through.
Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella
Classical guitar and flute join in this balanced, lilting arrangement of the traditional melody and lovely variations.
Coventry Carol
Chorused electric guitar playing the baroque introduction leads the unsuspecting listener into a delightful maze of styles and deliveries. A powerful, driving fusion interlude followes. You then find yourself among three overdriven electric guitars engaged in a playful counterpoint dialogue, slowly building to the final chord.
The First Noel
A unique approach to this familiar tune takes the listener to the mystical Middle-east. Flute and classical guitar share the spotlight, with the electric guitar providing subtle punctuation in this peaceful, shimmering, meditative performance.
O Holy Night
The electric power returns for this tour de force of fusion. The arrangement is wildly dynamic, with Waldon`s guitar work ranging from delicate to screaming. This is the emotional, moving climax of the collection, guaranteed to leave you with the hair on the back of your neck standing at attention.
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The flute does a solo dance in an intriguing, delicate adaptation of this familiar tune. Melody and mysterious arpeggiated harmonies are brilliantly played by Celeste.
Verbum Caro: In Hac Anni Circulo
The Medieval classical introduction launches into a powerful, pulsing, driving fusion romp to the triumphant conclusion. The title piece is a well-fit capstone for the eclectic blend of styles and instrumentation presented on the CD.
Verbum Caro is a delight from start to finish, and even includes a special surprise that I won`t spoil for you. This is the finest quality Waldon Reed Jr. production to date, and includes some of the most intriguing and challanging interpretations of these timeless treaures I have ever experienced. It is a shame to consider that this album is likely to be relegated to seasonal play; it is a masterful showcase of innovative and brilliant arrangement, composition, improvisation and virtuoso musicianship. This CD is anything but your typical Christmas collection!
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