Simply Christmas
was delighfully inspired by my traditional choral and classical music training.
There's a side of me that hears "Christmas Carols"
songs a certain way that reminded me of all
my Christmas past when I was a child.
I enjoyed picking out all Christmas sounds from my Kurzweil 2500 keyboard
that I could find to record this CD. Every time I listen to this CD, those sounds fill my heart with Christmas joy!
The sincerity of each song arrangments comes
from my spirit and my heart. From this, came
the title of the CD,
Simply Christmas.
I wish everyone around the world a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Years !
Let's hope for snow ~
Shirley ~:~
It's Christmas time
Simply Christmas
Sings some carols
What people Around the World say about Shirley's music
(5 Reviews of Simply Christmas)
Rank: 5 Rating: 5 stars
1/5Sprit of Christmas by Tom (USA)
I downloaded the free mp3 Carol of the Bells and have to agree with the other reviewers
that it really get you in the spirit for Christmas. I am going to get this as a gift for my mother.
The song selections on this Christmas CD are great too.
2/5Simply beautiful christmas music by Carol (USA)
I am a piano teacher and found Ms. Cason's arrangements of popular holiday music refreshing.
I like how she combined traditional sounds while adding some new twist to keep it interesting.
3/5New age has a new face! by Bear (usa)
I just found Shirley Cason's site and listen to her music there and just fell in love with her Simply Christmas CD! I just wished the CD would never end. It's that good. Even though I never heard her music before, I really think this CD will fit nicely in my Christmas music selections for the holidays.
4/5from Solo Piano Publications by Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States)
"Simply Christmas" lives up to its title - nothing more, nothing less than favorite Christmas songs given a traditional, sometimes nostalgic treatment. Shirley Cason's piano is complemented with synthesized accompaniments which are also simple and straightforward. If you like your carols without a lot of trills and fanfare, this CD will suit you well. All eleven of the featured songs are among the most-popular carols. The only one missing from the list is "Jingle Bells", but it really wasn't needed. One of my favorites is Cason's arrangement of "Carol of the Bells", which is upbeat and joyful. The minor chords in this piece often sound almost tragic, but this version is lively and happy. "Away in a Manger" is a lovely lullaby with synth flute and guitar. "Simply Christmas" would make a great musical backdrop for a Christmas Eve supper or for opening gifts around the tree. By keeping the arrangements simple, Cason has allowed us to fall into our own Christmas memories as well as her own.
5/5Simply Christmas is Simply Great! by R. Miller (Mendham, NJ)
First, let me say that this CD was NOT what I expected from someone so adept at new age;
but that turned out to be a surprisingly wonderful development. In "Simply Christmas"
Shirley hits the mark dead center on December 25th. This is a delightful rendition of
traditional Christmas music; past and present. The best example I can give is to equate
this to a well done interpretation of the Star-Spangled Banner,(ala Whitney Houston) as
opposed to attempts by many who destroy the original's traditional beauty. Shirley has created a
unique balance of keeping alive the love of your favorite Christmas memories while creating
a glimps of future holidays full of hope. It's old. It's new. It's "Simply Christmas"... and
several copies are simply going on my Christmas list! (Only 4 Stars???, Yes Shirley your
5th star is sitting proudly atop my tree!!!)
< /div>
Radio Reviews - Simply Christmas:
Tani Chen: Host of Dream of a New Age - 88.1 FM WMBR-Boston
The songs I hear on this Simply Christmas
page are exciting! I already played, "What Child Is This" on my radio
show and have listed Simply Christmas in my TOP 20 CDs picks for
December!
Richard Mauro: Host of Sca006600 World Music - WLQE/WLVA FM-Virgina,
We are using two tracks from Simply Christmas
on four radio stations, Xmas program. Simply Christmas
is wonderful work!
Eric Cohen: Programming & Music Director - WAER JAZZ 88.3 FM New York
We are playing Cason's record, Simply Christms on our
SUNDAY NEW AGE MORNING program from now until Christmas.
Marty Scarbrough: Program Director - "MUSIC DISCOVERIES" - KASU-FM 91.9 Arkansar
KASU has received Simply Christmas and it will
begin receiving airplay for the christma holidays.
Thanks so much for sending it!
Louise Higman: Host of "New Morning Music" - WUOT-FM Tennessee
I would love a copy of Simply Christmas I am featuring seasonal
muisc exclusively for the month of December. Please get the CD to me ASAP.
I'd be extremely appreciative!
< /div>
Lyrics & Christmas Music from
"Simply Christmas CD"
1. WE THREE KINGS
We three kings of Orient are,
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder Star.
Chorus:
O, star of wonder, star of might,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain;
Gold I bring to crown Him again;
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
(Chorus)
Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God on High.
(Chorus)
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
(Chorus)
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Peals through the earth and skies
(Chorus)
2. AWAY IN THE MANGER
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky
looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus!
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Your boughs are gray in summer's clime
And through the snows of wintertime.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
What happiness befalls me?
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
What happiness befalls me?
When off at joyous Christmastime
Your form inspires my song and rhyme.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
What happiness befalls me ?
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
Your boughs can teach a lesson.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree,
Your boughs can teach a lesson.
That constant faith and hope sublime
Lend strength and comfort through all time.
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Chirstmas Tree,
Your boughs can teach a lesson
4. GOD REST YOU MERRY GENTLEMEN
God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name. Refrain
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might." Refrain
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
Doth bring 006600eeming grace. Refrain
5. SILENT NIGHT
Silent night, holy night;
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Silent night, holy night;
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from Heaven afar,
Heav'nly hosts sing "Alleluiah";
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.
Silent night, holy night;
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of 006600eeming grace;
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
6. NOEL
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night. Refrain
And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain
Then enter in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
and offe006600 there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense. Refrain
Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought. Refrain
7. OH COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
Oh come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
Oh come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him,
Born the King of angels;
Oh come, let us adore him,
Oh come, let us adore him,
Oh Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo! he abhors not the Virgin's womb:
Very God,
Begotten, not created; Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
In the highest; Refrain
See how the shepherds,
Summoned to his cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;
We too will thither
Bend our joyful footsteps; Refrain
Child, for us sinners
Poor and in the manger,
We would embrace thee, with love and awe;
Who would not live thee,
Loving us so dearly? Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing; Refrain
9. WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
What child is this who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant king to own Him
The King of kings, salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
8. OH HOLY NIGHT
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt His worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
a new and cloudless morn!
Fall on your knees,
Oh hear the angel voices;
Oh night divine,
Oh night when Christ was born,
Oh night divine, Oh night , Oh night divine.
Truly He taught us to love one another.
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break
for the slave is our brother,
And in His name
all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy
in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise
His holy name.
Fall on your knees,
Oh hear the angel voices,
Oh night divine,
Oh night when Christ was born,
Oh night divine, Oh night , Oh night divine.
Led by the light
of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle to stand;
Led by the light
of the star so brightly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land;
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks
a new and cloudless morn!
Fall on your knees,
Oh hear the angel voices,
Oh night divine,
Oh night when Christ was born,
Oh night divine, Oh night , Oh night divine.
10. CAROL OF THE BELLS
10. HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
From now on our troubles will be far away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Album Reviews of Simply Christmas
Sprit of Christmas (5 stars)
I downloaded the free mp3 Carol of the Bells & have to agree with the other reviewers
that it really get you in the spirit for Christmas. I am going to get this as a gift for my mother.
The song selections on this Christmas CD are great too!
Simply beautiful christmas music (5 stars)
I am a piano teacher and found Ms. Cason's arrangements of popular holiday music refreshing. I like how she combined traditional sounds while adding some new twist to keep it interesting.
from Solo Piano Publications (4 stars)
"Simply Christmas" lives up to its title - nothing more, nothing less than favorite Christmas songs given a traditional, sometimes nostalgic treatment. Shirley Cason's piano is complemented with synthesized accompaniments which are also simple and straightforward. If you like your carols without a lot of trills and fanfare, this CD will suit you well. All eleven of the featu006600 songs are among the most-popular carols. The only one missing from the list is "Jingle Bells", but it really wasn't needed. One of my favorites is Cason's arrangement of "Carol of the Bells", which is upbeat and joyful. The minor chords in this piece often sound almost tragic, but this version is lively and happy. "Away in a Manger" is a lovely lullaby with synth flute and guitar. "Simply Christmas" would make a great musical backdrop for a Christmas Eve supper or for opening gifts around the tree. By keeping the arrangements simple, Cason has allowed us to fall into our own Christmas memories as well as her own.
Simply Christmas is Simply Great! (4 stars)
First, let me say that this CD was NOT what I expected from someone so adept at new age; but that turned out to be a surprisingly wonderful development. In "Simply Christmas" Shirley hits the mark dead center on December 25th. This is a delightful rendition of traditional Christmas music; past and present. The best example I can give is to equate this to a well done interpretation of the Star-Spangled Banner,(ala Whitney Houston) as opposed to attempts by many who destroy the original's traditional beauty. Shirley has created a unique balance of keeping alive the love of your favorite Christmas memories while creating a glimps of future holidays full of hope. It's old. It's new. It's "Simply Christmas"... and several copies are simply going on my Christmas list! (Only 4 Stars???, Yes Shirley your 5th star is sitting proudly atop my tree!!!)
Christmas lyrics are further down the page
