Multi award winning and internationally acclaimed Irish folk singer Cara Dillon, captures the mystery of Christmas with a collection of songs ancient and modern providing a welcome antidote to 21st century Yuletide excess. Here, the story of Christmas is retold and explored through an array of musical guises brimming with gravitas, reverence, mythology and atmosphere. Along the way the mood shifts from joyous wonder to reflection, faith and celebration.
Traditional favourites "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "O Holy Night" are as stunning as anything in Cara's back catalogue, the latter being an arresting a-cappella version sung with her sister Mary Dillon. Other highlights include the atmospheric "Wexford Carol" with newly added cinematic instrumental sections.
Sitting perfectly alongside these classics are three originals written by Cara and long time musical partner, Sam Lakeman, including the dynamic title track "Upon A Winter's Night". "Standing By My Christmas Tree", a secular reflection touching on the loneliness and nostalgia felt at Christmas. The final original, "Mother Mary", envisages the Virgin Mary soothing her newborn in a delicate and pensive lullaby "Go to sleep my darling child, for at your feet will fall, the hopes and prayers of all...I am your Mother Mary".
There is another side to Christmas...far away from Bing crooning and Noddy screaming…it's a place where the story of Jesus' birth is retold with genuine wonder and celebrated with the dignity, passion and beauty it deserves.
Cara and Sam don't release music very often, but whenever they do it's an occasion to treasure. This is no exception and will undoubtedly become a Christmas classic for many.
December 2016
