Another Festival of Nine Carols and No Lessons

Three years ago I put together A festival of nine carols, and no lessons and here’s another one. This time, rather than presenting songs which have already been posted to the blog, I’ve prepared a Spotify playlist of tracks I’ve been involved with, both as a member of Magpie Lane and as guest vocalist with the Mellstock Band. I’ve actually sung on three Mellstock CDs but only the first, Under The Greenwood Tree, appears to be on Spotify. You can still buy that album at Amazon (so hopefully also via retailers who do pay their taxes). Any of the Magpie Lane CDs featured here are available from the band website.

 

 

Here are brief details of the nine carols, and the instrumental intro and outro.

1. Magpie Lane
   Magpie Lane, from The Oxford Ramble.
   Noted down by John Baptist Malchair in December 1789: ‘I heard a Man whistle this Tune in Magpey Lane Oxon Dbr. 22 1789. came home and noted it down directly’
   More information
2. Arise and Hail the Joyful Day
   The Mellstock Band and Choir, from Under The Greenwood Tree
   
3. Gabriel’s Message
   Magpie Lane, from The 25th.
   Lead vocal: Sophie Thurman
   More information
4. As Shepherds watched their fleecy care
   Magpie Lane, from The 25th.
   Lead vocal: Andy Turner
   More information, plus a live recording
5. Nowell Nowell
   Magpie Lane, from Knock at the Knocker, Ring at the Bell.
   Lead vocal: Ian Giles
   Bagpipes: Giles Lewin
   More information
6. Arise and Hail the Sacred Day
   The Mellstock Band and Choir, from Under The Greenwood Tree
   Vocals: Andy Turner and Keith Dandridge
7. Lo the eastern Sages Rise
   Magpie Lane, from Knock at the Knocker, Ring at the Bell.
   More information, plus a live recording
8. In Winter Time
   Magpie Lane, from The 25th.
   Vocal: Jon Fletcher
   More information
9. The Boar’s Head Carol
   Magpie Lane, from The Oxford Ramble.
   Lead vocal: Tom Bower
   More information, plus a live recording, and all sorts of other stuff
10. Rejoice this Glorious Day is Come
    The Mellstock Band and Choir, from Under The Greenwood Tree
11. Winter / Christmas Day in the Mornin’
    Magpie Lane, from Knock at the Knocker, Ring at the Bell.
    Bagpipes: Giles Lewin
    More information

Tags: Carols, Christmas, Magpie Lane, Mellstock Band