A Paul Brandt Christmas: Shall I Play For You? (1998)
Produced by Josh Leo
A & R direction: Paige Levy
Album Coordinator: Kimberly Bianco for Josh Leo Productions
Recorded at Emerald Sound Studios by Ben Fowler, assisted by Allen Ditto.
The Way In A Manger and What Child Is This recorded at Quad Studios by Gary Paczosa, assisted by Ed Simonton.
Mixed by Ben Fowler at Emerald Sound Studios, assisted by Allen Ditto.
What Child Is This mixed at Seventeen Grand by Gary Paczosa, assisted by Chad Brown.
Mastered by Danny Purcell at Georgetown Masters.
Management: Creative Trust
Musicians:
Bass--Mike Brignardello, Barry Bales
Drums--Greg Morrow
Keyboards--Steve Nathan, John Hobbs, Steve Rosen
Steel Guitar--Danny Dugmore
Electric Guitar--Jeff King, Richard Bennett, Josh Leo
Acoustic Guitar--Biff Watson, Richard Bennett, John Willis, Dan Tyminski, Ronald Block
Fiddle--Larry Franklin
Mandolin--Adam Steffey
Background vocals on A Star Is Born by Gayle Mayes, Pamela Holman, Juanita Edwards, Yvonne Hodges, Robin Neal, Demetria Slayden, Marvin Metthews, Rodney Covington, Larry Neal and Duawne Starling.
Background vocals on The Way In A Manger by Elizabeth Brandt and Dan Tyminski.
Christmas is a time for memories, joy, love and new beginnings. It is also a very personal time with family and friends, each with their own special traditions. My goal on this album is to share with you a piece of my Christmas experience... through music.
I can still remember the excitement on Christmas Eve, the smell of turkey dinner at Grandma's, the anticipation of seeing my presents, and seeing the response of family members when they opened their gifts. I still catch myself daydreaming every now and then about how I met my wife, Elizabeth, back home in Calgary at a Christmas Eve church service. I've often recalled the way my daddy would call my sisters and me to gather around him in the living room to read a passage from the Bible, recounting the original Christmas story. My parents always gave me more than they could afford (and more than I deserved), and I learned through the years by their example that giving really is more blessed than receiving.
It struck me more than ever while I was recording "The Little Drummer Boy," a song I have sung all my life, what an amazing story it really is. How could a peasant boy possibly repay, or give a gift worthy enough to honour a King? What is even more remarkable is that this child born so many years ago to bring the gift of peace and hope to our world, gave it freely, without cost to any person, nobleman or peasant. I pictured myself as that peasant boy, and in a way, this album is my modest attempt to try to please that King.
I hope you will find a piece of your own Christmas tradition in the lines of these songs, and thank you for letting me be a part of your life during this blessed season. Merry Christmas.
Special thanks to:
Warner Music Canada and Warner/Reprise Nashville, Warner/Chappell Music, Emerald Sound Studios, Georgetown Mastering Labs, Terri Clark for singing on "Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy," Kim Richey for singing on "Run Run Rudolph," the Union Station Band for playing on "What Child Is This" and "The Way In A Manger," all the musicians who poured their hearts into this album, the "C-Team," Josh Leo, Ben Fowler, Allen Ditto, Gary Paczosa, Woody Wright, Takamine Guitars, Epiphone Guitars, D'Addario Strings, The Alberta Boot Company for keeping my feet dry, my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, for lending your voice to "The Way In A Manger" and for being my helper and supporter in life, thanks for giving me your phone number... Thank you my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for the unconditional gift of Christmas. (Matthew 1:21)
World Vision Child Sponsorship changes lives. Please contact World Vision at 1-800-387-5112 or email www.worldvision.ca and make it a Merry Christmas for a child in need. It just might be the best present you ever get!
--Paul
Lyrics:
1) The Little Drummer Boy
2) Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
3) What Child Is This
4) Run Run Rudolph
5) A Star Is Born
6) The Way In A Manger
7) Jingle Bells
8) Silent Night
9) Six Tons Of Toys
10) O Holy Night
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