Album Notes

The Recording:

This is a charming recording of traditional Christmas music from Ireland, Scotland, France, and England. The arrangements are elegant, featuring Celtic harp, soprano vocals, violin and viola, and Scottish smallpipes, with flourishes of Cape Breton style piano, bells, and Irish whistles. The selections themselves range from the less well-known Celtic carols and reels to universally beloved favorites such as "What Child is This" and "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella." In all, the disc strikes a tone that's bound to appeal as much Celtic music aficionado as to the general listener. A true celebration of the season.


The Players:

The Rose and Thistle Band consists of three of the Pacific Northwest's top Celtic musicians: Elizabeth Nicholson (harp, guitar, vocals), Eddie Parente (violin, viola), and Rob Barrick (Scottish Pipes, bass violin). They have all performed extensively throughout the world, either individually and collectively, and appeared on numerous radio broadcasts, including NPR's the Thistle and Shamrock.