Two Thousand Years of Christmas
Trilogy
Cathy Miller, Eileen McGann and David K.
"Two Thousand Years of Christmas" is a musical celebration of the history and spirit of Christmas, featuring the voices of three of Canada 's best singer/songwriters: Eileen McGann, David K., and Cathy Miller. They are known collectively as "Trilogy" . Rare and wonderful music from the last 20 centuries of Yuletide celebrations are featured in this recording. Trilogy is known for spine-tingling harmonies, multi -instrumentals, and an engaging presentation style.
Between1994 and 2001, Trilogy toured the show "Two Thousand Years of Christmas" each November and December to an ever-increasing audience. The three performers in the show, who each have separate music careers in non-Yuletide seasons, have been amazed and delighted at how this show touches audiences and enables them to enjoy their own Christmas celebrations even more - from bah-humbuggers to the deeply religious.
The first half of the CD features early songs, one dating back to the 14th century, wassails and the more familiar Huron Carol and Coventry Carol. The second half is comprised of more modern music, some of which was written by members of Trilogy.
This is a Christmas concert with a difference. Not just the sound of three voices with a magical blend. Not just the joy of learning new sing -alongable Christmas songs. Audience members have thanked us over the years for redefining Christmas to them, for bringing back the meaning to our customs, and for helping them enrich their holiday season with music never played in shopping malls.
The three members of Trilogy developed "Two Thousand Years of Christmas" so that they could sing together once a year. Eileen McGann, originally from Ontario, has been called a national treasure for her extraordinary singing and songwriting in the Celtic tradition, and has toured internationally for many years . She was a 2002 Juno nominee for her recording "Beyond the Storm". Her Masters in Medieval History has been invaluable in researching traditions for this show. David K., born in BC, is a talented multi-instrumentalist, primarily working in country and bluegrass music, and runs a recording studio in Mill Bay, BC. Cathy Miller, with a long history of songwriting, performing and theatre, is known for her spectacular singing voice and is currently touring the world singing for quilters, thanks to her three CDs about quiltmaking. She is also originally from Ontario. Together, Trilogy brings over 60 years of performing experience to the stage!
Here are the songs:
ACT ONE
O Magnum Mysterium 14th century Vittoria
Down in Yon Forest - traditional English
Gloucester Wassail - traditional English
Brightest and Best - Reginal Heber, 1811
Coventry Carol - Robert Croo, 1534
Cherry Tree Carol - Child Ballad #54
Huron Carol - Father Jean de Brebouf
Who's the Fool Now? - traditional English
Dona Nobis Pacem - Palestrina, 16th century
Light from the Lighthouse - American spiritual, additional lyrics by Trilogy
ACT TWO
Tonight is for Christmas - Cathy Miller
Turn It Around - Eileen McGann
New Star Shining - Ricky Skaggs and James Taylor (Hall and Hall, writers)
Snow Shanty - Eileen McGann, based on traditional melody
Christmas in the Trenches - John McCutcheon
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Dr. Seuss/Albert Hague
Rejoice! Rejoice! - Eileen McGann
RAVE Reviews!
"This album is a healthy antidote to the cynicism many of us feel upon seeing the Obligatory Christmas Standards Albums cranked out by too many record labels this time of year. It's a marvellous CD which is hopefully destined to become a holiday staple in many households."
Val Cormier - Rogue Folk Review, Vancouver BC
"Two Thousand Years of Christmas is one of the most exciting of the new entries in the highly competitive field of Yuletide albums. What makes the album such a distinctive treat is the magical power of their three voices in harmony."
Robert Reid - Kitchener-Waterloo Record