Tag: Musicians

  • 12/22 Ha Nerot, Happy Hannukah

    Ha Nerot sung by Chava Rachel Saban

    Happy and filled with Light, a wonderful tribute to Hannukah.  Enjoy the Holy Lights of the menhora dancing to this joyful song!

    Chava Rachel Saban, Song: Ha Nerot, album: Don’t Give Up (2008), video by: Daniel Jacob Pearson

     

    hanukkah litesHa-nerot hallalu  is an ancient chant mentioned in the Talmud (Soferim 20:6), which is a reminder of the sacred nature of the Hannukah lights. It is said after the candles are lit. Photo from history.com.

    Hannukah (Heb. Judaism, Dedication) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It honors the victory of Judah the Maccabee, religious freedom and the ‘miracle of holy oil’ and celebrates the power of God. Hannukah begins at sundown the previous day and lasts for 8 days. This year it is celebrated 12/22 to 12/29.

    Happy Hannukah! May your life be filled with miracles everyday.

     

    Chava Rachel Saban says about herself,

    “I was a junior in Yale college, pursuing a literature degree along with a musical career as a classical violinist, when a wheel flew off the car i was driving. the car flipped, i was knocked unconscious, and had my first spiritual awakening. i clearly experienced the next world, and felt the presence of a friend who had passed away. i heard a heavenly sound; the sound of myself playing the violin. it was the sweetest sound in the world. i began to realize that this sound was inside of me, the song of my soul. i began to realize that i had a soul. I began to sing in order to heal myself.”

    I wasn’t able to find much about Chava Rachel Saban. Her webpage wasn’t loading this morning 12/22. I linked her name to it in hopes it works again soon.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/18 The 12 Days Of Christmas, John Denver

    ‘The 12 Days Of Christmas’ John Denver & The Muppets

    Wonderful, happy and fun! I love this clever rendition, makes me laugh and smile. Used to watch the Muppets’ Christmas specials every year, so is a walk down memory lane for me. Hope you enjoy it.

    John Denver, Song: The 12 Days of Christmas, TV special: A Christmas Together with John Denver and The Muppets (1979). Nominated for an Emmy and winner of the Director’s Guild Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety. If you’d like to own a copy on DVD you can buy it at missedmovies.com. Words: vary widely, Music: Traditional English, 18th Century carol.

     Christmas Bling photo by Light. ©Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved.

    ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ is traditionally attributed to England but may have a French origin. Date of first performance is unknown, however it was sung as early as 16th century in Europe and Scandinavia. The chant  may have had it’s origins as a ‘memory and forfeits’ game where the person who forgets the verse has to pay penalty of a kiss or sweet.

    The actual 12 days of Christmas are usually December 26 through January 6 in England. Sometimes Christmas Day is included as one of the 12 days, sometimes not.  Most often the 12 days are attributed to the twelve days from the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) to the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6, or the Twelfth Day). You can learn more about the song at Hymns and Carols of Christmas or wikipedia.

     

    Leather bag by Bonnee Klein Gilligan       My 12 Days of Christmas – This year the Holidays are very tight financially so I decided to make all my gifts and pamper myself while I’m at it. Went to a local art gallery, saw a lovely leather bag I would have loved to buy. Its’ cost $1,500. Rather then grumbling about the price, it inspired me to create my own and one for a friend too. Mine is still in the works, photo right is the other one.

    This year my Christmas will be filled with wonderful treats, songs, love and things which make me smile. Just for fun, wrote about my inexpensive indulgences to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. It goes something like this…

    • On the first day of Christmas, I made this gift for me, a handmade leather satchel
    • On the second day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel
    • On the third day of Christmas, I’ll do this just for me, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the fourth day of Christmas, I’ll do this just for me, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the fifth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the sixth day of Christmas, I’ll make this just for me, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the seventh day of Christmas, I gave this gift to me, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the eighth day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the ninth day of Christmas I made a treat for me, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the tenth day of Christmas, I whipped this up for me, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the eleventh day of Christmas, I promised this to me, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel 
    • On the twelfth day of Christmas, I bought a gift for me, twelve lovely flowers, eleven crackling fires, ten oatmeal cookies, nine hot spiced ciders, eight fragrant baths, seven candles burning, six gourmet dinners, five chocolate bars, four manicures, three pedicures, two pecan pies and a handmade leather satchel  

    Have a wonderful Holiday! May your days be filled with treasures!

     

    John Denver John Denver given name Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr.  (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), born in Roswell, New Mexico was a singer, songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian.  At eleven he was given his grandmother’s guitar, took guitar lessons and joined the boy’s choir. At twenty he pursued his dream career and the rest is history. You can read more about him at: johndenver.com or wikipedia.

    The photo above left of Christmas Bling is by Light. Light Traveler (August 1946 – July 2003)  photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler’s gallery.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/16 Joy to the World, John Tesh

    ‘Joy to the World’ preformed by John Tesh

    Upbeat, rockin’ and fun Christmas song. Brings more joy to the world. Great instrumental performance!

    John Tesh, song: ‘Joy to the World’, album: Christmas Worship (2003),  label: Garden City Music. Video: 2005 PBS TV special Christmas in Positano, Italy.

    Joy to the worldThe original ‘Joy to the World’ hymn was written in 1692 by Isaac Watts at age 18. He wanted to add some depth to the Anglican hymns of the day. The hymn was published in 1719. One hundred years later in 1848 the words were set to music by Lowell Mason. He called the song ‘Antioch’ after Antioch, Syria the first place the term Christian was utilized. It is said he was inspired by Handel’s ‘Messiah’. You can find out more about ‘Joy to the World’ at: Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

    Have a Happy Joy Filled day and Holiday Season.

     

    John-Tesh John Frank Tesh born July 9, 1952 in Garden City, New York. At age 6 he began playing piano and trumpet and studied with teachers from the Juilliard School of music. He was named to the New York State Symphonic Orchestra in high school. In 1970 he graduated from North Carolina State University where he studied communications and music. John is a pianist, composer and national radio and television personality. He was a long time host of Entertainment Tonight. He also plays guitar, sax, keyboard and sings.  You can read more at his websites: www.tesh.com, www.myspace.com/thejohnteshradioshow and  www.myspace.com/johnteshalive.

    I found the spectacular image called ‘Joy to the World’ at: Central Coast Conservatorium there are no credits given.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/11 O Little Town Of Bethlehem, McLachlan

    ‘O Little Town Of Bethlehem’ sung by Sarah McLachlan

    A truly beautiful rendition of the song. Sweet, soft and loving. I could feel Spirit moving through Sarah as she sang. Ahhh, nice!

    Artist: Sarah McLachlan, Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Album: Wintersong (2006), Arista Records, LLC, a unit of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Words: Bishop Phillips Brooks, Music: Lewis Henry Redner.

    The-Christmas-Star, YarraAfter a pilgrimage to Bethlehem in 1868 Bishop Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) wrote O Little Town of Bethlehem. The beautiful evening view of the Holy city from the hills of Palestine inspired him. Lewis Redner (1831-1908) Brooks’ church organist set the words to music for the children’s choir. You can find out more about this Christmas classic at: hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com.

    The photograph right called ‘The Christmas Star’ by Debbie Yarra is a wonderful compliment to the song. It was taken 3 days before Christmas 1999 in The Garden of the Gods, Colorado. Spectacular!

    May your Holidays be filled with inspiration and love.

     

    SarahMcLachlan Sarah McLachlan singer/songwriter was born January 28, 1968 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Growing up she took voice lessons, and studied classical piano and guitar. At 17 she fronted for the band The October Game, following their first concert she was offered a recording contract by Nettwerk. She is a 3-time Grammy and 8-time Juno Award-winning multi-platinum recording artist. Listen to her amazing music, read news, buy CDs and learn more at www.sarahmclachlan.com.

    Debbie Yarra Debbie Yarra is a self-taught photographer who took her first photograph in 1980. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Debbie says, “I want to capture the beauty and emotion of light, for that is the essence of God.”You can see more of Debbie’s beautiful images at www.yarraimages.com.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

  • 12/4 The Angel Gabriel, Aled Jones live

    ‘The Angel Gabriel’ performed by Aled Jones, live

    Absolutely beautiful and inspiring performance. I felt Spirit moving as Aled sang this lovely hymn. Enjoy The Angel Gabriel!

    Artist: Aled Jones, album: The Christmas Album (2005), song: The Angel Gabriel, words: Basque carol, paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924). Originally based on Angelus Ad Virginem, Anonymous 13th or 14th Century Latin. Alternate titles: Gabriel’s Message, The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came.

     Lyrics:Ecce Ancilla Domini, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1850

    The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
    his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame, “All hail” said he “thou lowly maiden Mary, most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

    “For know a blessed mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee, thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

    Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said, “My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name.” most highly favored lady. Gloria!

    Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say “Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!

    May angels bless and keep you safe throughout the Holidays! 

     

    Aled Jones Aled Jones born December 29, 1970 in Bangor, Wales is a Welsh singer, actor and television/radio personality. He first gained recognition as a boy soprano in the choir of Bangor Cathedral at age nine and was Lead Soloist within two years. In 1982 he won the Cerdd Dant solo competitions for age 12 at the Urdd Eisteddfod. By age 16 he sold more than six million albums. He has performed private recitals for Pope John Paul II, the Queen of England and the Prince and Princess of Wales. To date he has recorded twenty-four albums many reaching gold or platinum in the UK and Australia. You can read new, find out more and listen and buy his music at his website aledjones.co.uk.

    The painting above right is a perfect compliment to the beautiful hymn. It is called Ecce Ancilla Domini (“The Annunciation”) by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. 1850. Oil on canvas. Tate Gallery, London, UK. You can view more paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti at Olga’s Gallery.

    ~Bonnee Klein Gilligan