The Back to the Bible Musicians - Carols of Christmas 1

Side One
The Wonder of Christmas (John W. Peterson) - Choir
O Come, O Come, Immanuel (Gregorian, 8th century) - Quartet
What Child (Old English melody) - Choir
Good Christian Men (German Melody) - Ensemble
March of the Three Kings (Provecal, 13th century) - Male Chorus
The Straw Carol (Dick Friesen, Harold W. Eklund) - Choir

Just in time for Christmas, here's side one of an album of Christmas music from the Back to the Bible musicians - the choir, quartet, men's chorus, and ensemble. This is from their 1973 album "Carol's of Christmas." Normally I don't upload more than one song but in this case, I thought it might be more appropriate since we don't typically listen to Christmas music year-round.

The Back to the Bible musicians are top-notch performers. I've said it before but it's their simplicity that makes the music so attractive. The voices are strong and lively and that makes up for the lack of ornamental orchestration that a lot of choirs around this time were starting to include in their music. The accompaniment is as always simple and in it's own quiet way, adds depth and beauty to the message of the song. There's only one song on this track where pianist John Bartsch gets to romp and skip over the keys. Otherwise, nothing fancy. Loretta Voth is the organist. She remains in the background at all times except for a solo here and there. Her husband, Norman Voth, a long-time member of the quartet, is the director for this album.

This music has gone out of print decades ago. I try to find the best copy available and digitize it for my own use. I figure there's lots of people who enjoy this stuff so I post as much as I can onto YT.

Happy listening and remember to keep Christ in Christmas and first place in your heart.