Stars In The Morning East - A Christmas Meditation

Jeff Johnson; Brian Dunning (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2005)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ark Records, Inc./ArkMusic
• ASIN: B000BGQROG
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #312,385 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. A Christmas Childhood / Stars In The Morning East

2. Sing, We Now Of Christmas

3. Morning Has Broken

4. In The Bleak Midwinter

5. Flight Into Egypt

6. No Sandman, No Santa

7. Il Est Né, Le Divin Enfant

8. That Very Night In Bethlehem

9. Still, Still, Still

10. Coventry Carol

11. Stars In The Morning East (Instrumental)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning have released numerous CDs (Byzantium-The Book of Kells & St. Aidan’s Journey, The Music of Celtic Legends - The Bard & The Warrior, Patrick, A Quiet Knowing - Canticles For The Heart, Benediction) and have been featured on many best selling contemporary instrumental compilations including those released by Windham Hill (Adagio, Celtic Christmas, Winter Solstice, Carols of Christmas, Prayers) and Hearts of Space (Celtic Twilight). For more information and music samples, please visit: www.arkmusic.com.

Product Description

From Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning, a magical, wonder-filled Christmas production which features musical contributions from John Fitzpatrick (violin), Máire Breatnach (viola & violin) and Jozef Lupták (cello). A reading of Patrick Kavanagh’s A Christmas Childhood by Barry McGovern along with eleven instrumental tracks are included.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It will be hard to find a more beautiful and artistic Christmas recording, October 8, 2005

By 

Michael Dalton (Eureka, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Stars In The Morning East - A Christmas Meditation (Audio CD)

I was glad to discover that Jeff Johnson was releasing another Christmas recording because they are among my favorites of his work. "Stars in the Morning East-A Christmas Meditation" is the latest in a string of exceptional Christmas offerings that he has either produced or recorded.

The list includes: "Centerpoint - Poetry & Music for Christmas" (1990), "The Spirit of the Season" (1994), "One Wintry Night" by Jerry Read Smith & Lisa Maria Smith (1998) and "A Quiet Knowing Christmas" (2001). As good as the past recordings have been, this surpasses the earlier ones and rivals "A Quiet Knowing Christmas."

"Stars in the Morning East" is similar in sound to its predecessor. Violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar, bass and piano combine with more innovative sounds for a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary styles. The spotlight is on the acoustic instruments that at times are allowed to stand alone or with minimal support. As usual with Johnson's recordings, the production is outstanding, providing crystal-clear sound.

Though Johnson's soaring and sweeping keyboards provide background throughout, it's a delight to hear his gentle piano playing. Nowhere is that more in evidence than on the hauntingly beautiful "Coventry Carol," which is framed at beginning and end by mournful cello solos.

The recording opens with Barry McGovern's reading of the poem "A Christmas Childhood," where the recording gets its title. The reading segues into one of two original compositions by Johnson and Dunning. The rest of the tracks consist of a few popular ("Sing We Now Of Christmas," "Morning Has Broken" and "In The Bleak Midwinter") and a number of lesser-known carols.

As in past efforts, the traditional melodies serve as starting points for delightful musical improvisation. Classical-sounding music seamlessly gives way to creative and energetic hybrids of Celtic, folk and alternative sounds.

Jeff Johnson may be at his best when it comes to instrumental Christmas recordings. His ability to produce music that not only inspires but evokes a sense of childlike wonder, awe and mystery has given us a recording that is worthy of the season. Quite simply, it will be hard this year to find a more beautiful and artistic Christmas offering.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What can I say - another Winter/Christmas Cd.. but GOOD!, August 7, 2006

By 

J. Robson "Reflective Artist & Product Designer" (Lodi, NJ) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stars In The Morning East - A Christmas Meditation (Audio CD)

Ok.. it IS another instrumental Christmas album. But it is subtle and a really nice background CD, different songs, different titles, and a really nice calm wonderful winter feel. So when you are sick of "The Chipmunks Christmas" this will be a warm welcome relief!

Jim