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1. |
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Soul Cake
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
Oooh, ooh, ooh ooh, ooh,
Oooh, ooh, ooh ooh, ooh…
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry
any good thing to make us all merry.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
One for Peter, two for Paul
and three for Him that made us all.
God bless the master of this house
and the mistress also,
and all the little children
that ’round your table grow.
The cattle in your stable,
the dogs at your front door,
and all that dwell within your gates
we'll wish you ten times more.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry
any good thing to make us all merry.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
One for Peter, two for Paul
and three for Him that made us all.
Go down into the cellar
and see what you can find.
If the barrels are not empty
we'll hope that you'll be kind.
We'll hope that you'll be kind
with your apple and your pear.
And we'll come no more a-soulin'
’til Christmas time next year.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
An apple, a plum, a peach or a cherry
any good thing to make us all merry.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
One for Peter, two for Paul
and three for Him that made us all.
The streets are very dirty.
Me shoes are very thin.
I have a little pocket
to put a penny in.
If you haven't got a penny
an half-a-penny will do.
If you haven't got an half-a-penny
well, God bless you.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry
any good thing to make us all merry.
A soul cake, a soul cake
please good missus a soul cake.
One for Peter, two for Paul
and three for Him that made us all.
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2. |
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I Saw Three Ships
Tradtional - as performed by Allison Crowe
I saw three ships come sailing in
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
I saw three ships come sailing in
on Christmas day in the morning.
And what was in those ships all three
on Christmas day, on Christmas day?
And what was in those ships all three
on Christmas day in the morning?
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there
on Christmas day in the morning.
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three
on Christmas day, on Christmas day?
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three
on Christmas day in the morning?
O they sailed into Bethlehem
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
O they sailed into Bethlehem
on Christmas day in the morning.
And all the bells on earth shall ring
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
And all the bells on earth shall ring
on Christmas day in the morning.
And all the angels in heaven shall sing
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
And all the angels in heaven shall sing
on Christmas day in the morning.
And all the souls on earth shall sing
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
And all the souls on earth shall sing
on Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice again
on Christmas day, on Christmas day.
Then let us all rejoice again
on Christmas day in the morning.
Then let us all rejoice again…
on Christmas day in the morning.
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3. |
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That Night in Bethlehem (Don Oíche úd i mBeithil)
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
I sing of a night in Bethlehem
a night as bright as dawn.
I sing of that night in Bethlehem
the night the Word was born.
The skies are glowing gaily
the earth in white is dressed.
See Jesus in the cradle
drink deep in His mother's breast.
And there on a lonely hillside
the shepherds bow down in fear.
When the heavens open brightly
and God's message rings out so clear.
Glory now to the Father
in all the heavens high,
and peace to His friends on earth below
is all the angels cry.
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4. |
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God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
God rest ye 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 tidings of the same:
how that in Bethlehem was born
the Son of God by name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy
The shepherds at those tidings
rejoiced much in mind
and left their flocks a-feeding
in tempest, storm and wind.
And went to Bethlehem straightway
the Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy
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
all other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy.
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5. |
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The Wexford Carol
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
Good people all, this Christmastime
consider well and bear in mind
what our good God for us has done
in sending His beloved Son.
With Mary holy we should pray
to God with love this Christmas day.
In Bethlehem upon that morn’
there was a blessed Messiah born.
Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
to whom God's angels did appear
which put the shepherds in great fear.
"Prepare and go," the angels said,
"To Bethlehem, be not afraid.
For there you'll find this happy morn’
a princely Babe, sweet Jesus born."
With thankful heart and joyful mind
the shepherds went the Babe to find.
And as God's angel had foretold
they did our saviour Christ behold.
Within a manger He was laid
and by his side the Virgin Maid.
As long foretold
there was a blessed Messiah born.
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6. |
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The Holly and the Ivy
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
The holly and the ivy
when they are both full grown,
of all the trees that are in the wood,
the holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
and the running of the deer,
the playing of the merry organ,
sweet singing of the choir.
The holly bears a blossom
as white as lily flower.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
to be our sweet Saviour.
O the rising of the sun
and the running of the deer,
the playing of the merry organ,
sweet singing of the choir.
The holly bears a berry
as red as any blood.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
to do poor sinners good.
O the rising of the sun
and the running of the deer,
the playing of the merry organ,
sweet singing of the choir.
The holly bears a prickle
as sharp as any thorn.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
on Christmas day in the morn’.
O the rising of the sun
and the running of the deer,
the playing of the merry organ,
sweet singing of the choir.
The holly bears a bark
as bitter as any gall.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
for to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
and the running of the deer,
the playing of the merry organ,
sweet singing of the choir.
The holly and the ivy
now both are full well grown,
of all the trees that are in the wood,
the holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
and the running of the deer,
the playing of the merry organ,
sweet singing of the choir.
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7. |
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In the Bleak Midwinter (Cranham)
Words: Christina G. Rossetti, 1830-1894
Music: Gustav Holst, 1874-1934
Tune: CRANHAM, Meter: Irr.
Arranged and performed by Allison Crowe
In the bleak midwinter
frosty wind made moan.
Earth stood hard as iron,
water like a stone.
Snow had fallen, snow on snow
snow on snow,
in the bleak mid-winter,
long ago.
Heaven cannot hold Him
nor the earth sustain.
Heaven and earth shall welcome Him
when he comes to reign.
In the bleak mid-winter
a stable-place sufficed
for the Lord incarnate,
Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels
sang their praises there.
Cherubim and seraphim
gathered in the air.
But His mother Mary,
in her maiden bliss,
worshipped the beloved
only with a kiss.
What can I give Him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb.
And if I were a wise one
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart.
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8. |
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Ding Dong Merrily on High
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
Ding dong merrily on high,
in heaven the bells are ringing.
Ding dong verily the sky
is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E'en so here below, below,
let steeple bells be swungen.
And “Io, io, io”
by priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime
your matin chime ye ringers.
May you beautifully rime
your evetime song ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
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9. |
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What Child Is This (choral)
Words: William C. Dix (1837-1898), The Manger Throne, 1865
Music: Greensleeves, 16th Century English melody
Arranged and performed by Allison Crowe
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.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
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10. |
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Once in Royal David’s City
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
Once in Royal David’s city
stood a lowly cattle shed
where a mother laid her Baby
in a manger for His bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven
who is God and Lord of all.
And His shelter was a stable,
and His cradle was a stall.
With the poor and mean and lowly
lived on earth our Saviour holy.
For He is our childhood's pattern.
Day by day like us He grew.
He was little, weak, and helpless,
tears and smiles, like us, He knew.
And He cares when we are sad,
and He shares when we are glad.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
through His own redeeming love.
For that Child so dear and gentle
is our Lord in heaven above.
And He leads His children on
to the place where He is gone.
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11. |
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Wassail Song
Traditional - as performed by Allison Crowe
Here we come a-wassailing
among the leaves so green.
O here we come a-wandering
so fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you,
and to you your wassail, too.
And God bless you, and send you
a Happy New Year.
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We are not daily beggars
that beg from door to door.
But we are neighbors' children
whom you have seen before.
Love and joy come to you,
and to you your wassail, too.
And God bless you, and send you
a Happy New Year.
And God send you a Happy New Year.
Good master and good mistress,
as you sit beside the fire,
pray think of us poor children
who wander in the mire.
Love and joy come to you,
and to you your wassail, too.
And God bless you, and send you
a Happy New Year.
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We have a little purse
made of ratch'ing leather skin.
We want some of your small change
to line it well within.
Love and joy come to you,
and to you your wassail, too.
And God bless you, and send you
a Happy New Year.
And God send you a Happy New Year.
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12. |
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The Christmas Song
Composed by Robert Wells & Mel Tormé
As performed by Allison Crowe
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
And Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
and folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
will help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
will find it hard to sleep tonight
They’ll know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna try
to see if reindeer really know how to fly
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
to kids from one to 92
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
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13. |
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Santa Baby
Composed by Joan Javits, Philip Springer , Tony Springer
As performed by Allison Crowe
Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree for me
I’ve been an awful good girl, Santa baby
So hurry down the chimney tonight
Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing - a ring
I don't mean on the phone, Santa honey
So hurry down the chimney tonight
Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
I really do believe in you
Let's see if you believe in me
Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree for me
I’ve been an awful good girl, Santa baby
So hurry down the chimney tonight
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14. |
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Blue Christmas
Composed by Jay W. Johnson & Billy Hayes
As performed by Allison Crowe
I'll have a blue Christmas without you
I'll be so blue thinking about you
Decorations of red in a green Christmas tree
don't mean a thing if you're not here with me
But when those blue snowflakes start falling
that's when those blue memories start calling
You'll be doin' alright on that Christmas of white
but I'll have a blue, blue Christmas
But when those blue snowflakes start falling
that's when those blue memories start calling
You'll be doin' alright on that Christmas of white
but I'll have a blue, blue Christmas
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15. |
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Baby, It's Cold Outside
Composed by Frank Loesser
Arranged & performed by Allison Crowe
I really can't stay
But, baby, it's cold outside
I've got to go ‘way
But, baby, it's cold outside
The evening has been
I’ve been hoping that you'd drop in
so very nice
I'll hold your hands they're just like ice
My Mother will start to worry
Hey, beautiful, what's your hurry?
My Father will be pacing the floor
Listen to the fireplace roar
I really can't stay
’cause, baby, it's cold outside
I simply must go
But, baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no
But, baby, it's cold outside
The welcome has been
So lucky that you dropped in
so nice and warm
Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious
Your lips look delicious
At least I can say that I tried
What's the use in hurting my pride?
I really can't stay
’cause, baby, it’s cold outside
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16. |
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Someday at Christmas
Composed by Ron Miller & Bryan Wells
As Performed by Allison Crowe
Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
playing with bombs like kids play with toys.
One warm December our hearts will see
a world where men are free.
Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
when we have learned what Christmas is for -
when we have found what life's really worth
there'll be Peace on Earth.
Someday all our dreams will come to be
someday in a world where men are free.
Maybe not in time for you and me
but someday at Christmastime.
Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
with no hungry children, no empty hand.
One happy morning people will share
our world where people care.
Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
all men are equal and no men have fears.
One shining moment, one prayer away
from our world today.
Someday all our dreams will come to be
someday in a world where men are free.
Maybe not in time for you and me
but someday at Christmastime.
Someday at Christmas man will not fail,
hate will be gone and love will prevail.
Someday a new world 'we can start
with hope in every heart.
Someday all our dreams will come to be
someday in a world where men are free.
Maybe not in time for you and me
but someday at Christmastime.
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“Souling is an album that redefines the usual traditional holiday tunes and also about how they are being rendered. It is in this rendition that an artist tells the listeners her true identity. It’s beautiful and fresh,” says The Celtic Music Fan blog.
Allison Crowe’s gorgeous voice brings tidings of comfort and joy with “Souling”. The songs themselves, performed wholly a cappella, have a purity of expression – a 21st century take on music of faith and spirit – sounds and themes aired by carolers and ‘soulers’ of old. And, in this expanded, bonus tracks, edition – tunes of heart and hearth from the popular songbook join in the fun.
The genesis of “Souling” is found within the creative family of Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador, an Atlantic Canadian professional theatre company founded in 1979. Each Summer from 2012 through 2015 Allison Crowe's served as Musical Director of "Newfoundland Vinyl" – an hit stage show produced by TNL for the Gros Morne Theatre Festival. Alongside this ongoing success, in 2014, TNL Artistic Associate SaraH McDonald invited the Corner Brook, NL-based musician to also be MD for a vibrant production of “A Christmas Carol”.
The Adaptation of this classic Charles Dickens story by playwright Jeff Pitcher, TNL’s Artistic Director, excited Crowe’s musical imagination – as did the desire of McDonald, the play’s Director, to incorporate songs in the style of Victorian Era carolers.
So inspired, Allison Crowe immersed herself in curating and arranging music for choral presentation – a process which gave an unique breath of life to these solo performance recordings. “Her arrangements are undeniably exquisite,” notes Celtic Music Fan.
In 2015, Crowe musically directs a new TNL show for the holiday season – “The Gift of the Magi”. O. Henry’s short-story is adapted for the stage by Jon Jory and directed by TNL’s AD Jeff Pitcher. Carollers in this show will perform favourite Christmas carols, and also modern, secular, tunes. And from these latter songs, popularized by Elvis, Eartha Kitt, Louis & Ella, Nat King Cole and Stevie Wonder among others, Allison Crowe’s selected the newest tracks for “Souling”.
A decade ago, Allison Crowe first released “Tidings| – an album of singular interpretations - “River” (Joni Mitchell), “Hallelujah” (Leonard Cohen), “In My Life” (The Beatles) and more from the secular canon – alongside such loved traditional carols as “Silent Night”, “The First Noel”, and “O Holy Night”. “Tidings” has proven to be a modern classic – “music for the season and all time”.
Now, Allison Crowe delivers another timeless musical gift – bringing new voice and light to the holiday season songbook.
REVIEWS:
“I know I will be playing this album next holiday season” ~ Baxter Labatos, The Celtic Music Fan - full review @
celticmusicfan.wordpress.com/2014/12/17/two-new-albums-by-allison-crowe
released November 20, 2015
Allison Crowe - voice, arranger, engineer & producer
