Christmas Songs, Music and Carols

Christmas and Holiday Music from Karen Mal & Will Taylor Read about,  listen to and support our music below. You listened to it free, but it wasn't free to make this music...so in this new world of the "free music, want to help out, do your part to support our continued creation of great acoustic music? Read below or just signup to get all of our music as a patron of Strings Attached See more about it here.... "Joy to the World" is a popular Christmas carol. The words are by English hymn writer Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 98, 96:11-12 and Genesis 3:17-18, in the Bible. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts' collection; The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship. "The paraphrase is Watts' Christological interpretation. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally! ​SPOTIFY - Coming so Free Pick of the Week Or buy it in AUSTIN texas at Waterloo Records Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally!  ​SPOTIFY AMAZON The story behind Austin for Christmas All of the songs in this collection were favorites of my mother.  She loved filling the house with Christmas decorations, smells of  many varieties of cookies baking, which she'd arrange in spectacular colorful gift trays, and of course Christmas music draped over the top of everything. She'd play the vinyl records on our massive stereo which was as long as our dining room table,.and she'd be as happy as we'd ever see her all year. Her happiness in itself was the best part of the season. It was contagious and it was fleeting. In our household, Christmas music represented the hope of another year, maybe a better year, and a momentary suspension of all things worrisome or sorrowful.     "Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there." We chose the songs with an underlying theme of togetherness. No matter where you fall on the religious/ spiritual spectrum, holidays are a time of connection.  Of reunion and reflection and gratitude. And being together as the bustling world mercifully grinds to a halt, creating a glow in the darkness of the long nights of winter.  - KAREN MAL The story behind A Mandolin Christmas A jazz musician, a folk artist, 20 fingers pulling 14 strings & 19 ancient melodies that time has polished. A Mandolin Christmas        Deep in the throes of the hottest summer on record in Austin,  TX, Karen Mal and Will Taylor decided to make a Christmas album. It was a 112-degree "Silent Night" in their un-airconditioned recording studio in August. Even the cat was sweating.      The couple had collaborated on many musical projects; his, hers, and their ensemble's, but a "Mandolin Christmas" is purely a duet in every sense of the word.  It's a dance between two partners: the mandolin and the classical guitar.  And that's it.  Karen and Will are perhaps better-known as vocalist and violinist, respectively, but as the tracks blossomed, the two instruments just didn't seem to want any company. There's a simple elegance in the combination that makes for a classic record.      "A Mandolin Christmas" is also a duet between traditional folk music and jazz.  The music includes pristine old-style classical arrangements, and also subtle and playful jazz harmonizations, weaving around familiar melodies that sound like home.   You can practically smell the sugar cookies coming out of the oven, see the kitchen windows steaming up.       Even the packaging is a duet. Karen staged the shots in their vegetable garden. That's a real Calabacita squash with the bow on it. (we ate it for Thanksgiving) Will took the photos and fit everything into the artwork templates.      If you like Christmas music even a little, you're going to love this album. You're going to love it again when you dig it out next year, and again and again, every holiday season. Violinist, composer and Austin Music Award winner Will Taylor has performed with Pearl Jam, Grammy winner Shawn Colvin, P-Diddy, Willie Nelson, Ronny Cox (Deliverance) and many more. Will and his musical friends from Austin, Texas light up your house with inspiring acoustic music. WASHINGTON POST–“Imaginatively orchestrated… multi-faceted… darting lyricism, and occasionally pensive moods, Taylor makes the grade with his deft touch and improvisatory skills.” ESQUIRE MAGAZINE–”As to the quality of the music and the professionalism, this production is far superior over the numerous recordings issued by the major record companies.” Learn how you can have Karen Mal & Will Taylor in your home here.~! Anywhere, not just where we live. More fan comments...

One half of the Mandolin Christmas duo wrote an essay about the Winter Solstice. Enjoy and share with friends. Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/bring-torch-from-new-mandolin-christmas.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds Follow us on Facebook We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: FACEBOOK SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER axtcrhb8

The liner notes to A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2 read aloud by mandolinist Karen Mal Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/bring-torch-from-new-mandolin-christmas.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds Follow us on Facebook We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: FACEBOOK SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER axtcrhb8

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums: A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/o-holy-night-from-new-mandolin.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will at will@willtaylor.com , up to $500" Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums: A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/watchman-tell-us-of-night-from-new.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will at will@willtaylor.com , up to $500" Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/gesu-bambino-from-new-mandolin.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/bring-torch-from-new-mandolin-christmas_35.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/dance-of-sugar-plum-fairy-from-new_82.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/the-angel-gabriel-from-new-mandolin_26.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/in-dulci-jubilo-from-new-mandolin_26.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen and I are thrilled to present to you the 3rd in our series of acoustic holiday albums A Mandolin Christmas, Vol. 2   Buy it at AMandolinChristmas.com Read episode notes here: https://christmassongsmusicandcarols.blogspot.com/2018/11/bring-torch-from-new-mandolin-christmas.html AVAILABLE ON Spotify b.link/karenwillspotify ~~ Apple Music b.link/karenwillitunes ~~ Amazon b.link/karenwillamazon ~~ DOWNLOAD FROM WILL b.link/karenwillbc ~~ CD b.link/karenwillcds We’d like to invite you to let our record shine its light in your holiday atmosphere.  It’s a great accompaniment to preparing holiday meals, visiting with friends and family. Here are the links to do that: Want to help us get the word out and get this music playing everywhere we can this season? For every 1 paragraph or more positive review of our new album, we will donate $1 to Strings Attached Cares up to $1000.00 Want to match us and make this more fun and effective? Post your review on any of the digital outlets, your social media, or email us at will@willtaylor.com Include the amount you'd like to match for other reviews, and your limit, and you’re all set.  For example: “I'll donate $5 to Strings Attached Cares for every review submitted to Will a will@willtaylor.com , up to $500 Let’s raise $$$ for Strings Attached cares and help promote A Mandolin Christmas at the same time.. Liner notes Follow Karen & Will: SPOTIFY PANDORA APPLE MUSIC AMAZON GOOGLE DEEZER

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about The First Noel Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about The Christmas Song Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about Bring a Torch Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about Blue Christmas Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about In the Bleak Midwinter.. Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify                Listen to our 76 Song Austin Christmas PLAYLIST here. Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Karen Mal & I have created some wonderful ad-free holiday music for you to enjoy with family and friends. Ancient classics & modern standards of the Holiday season paired with a few fun facts and a story or two about the songs. This episode is about Auld lang Syne Like the music? Here's how to get the music and support the work we do. Get “Austin for Christmas” for yourself here https://stringsattached.bandcamp.com/album/austin-for-christmas You like CDs?  http://Budurl.me/austinforchristmascd Spotify: https://budurl.me/afcspotify Amazon is your zone: https://budurl.me/afcamazon Youtube: https://budurl.me/afcyoutube Buy our companion recording A Mandolin Christmas here. Austin for Christmas. With Austin for Christmas, we decided to record a collection of half ancient and half modern songs. And by modern I refer to the mid-20th-century gems which have become almost as classic as the traditional carols. As it turns out, the songs in both categories go together beautifully. This owes a lot to Will's loving and masterful arrangements. His delicious jazz harmonies are delivered with a pristine subtlety worthy of a quiet firelit midwinter's eve.  We went for less is more: a classical guitar, a violin, a couple of violas, and an occasional trumpet line supporting the vocals. If any music is suited to this crystalline economy, it's Christmas music.  - KAREN MAL Read more about us on FACEBOOK and Here.

Christmas and Holiday Music from Karen Mal & Will Taylor Read about,  listen to and support our music below. You listened to it free, but it wasn't free to make this music...so in this new world of the "free music, want to help out, do your part to support our continued creation of great acoustic music? Read below or just signup to get all of our music as a patron of Strings Attached See more about it here.... "What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. At the time of composing the carol, Dix worked as an insurance company manager and had been struck by a severe illness. While recovering, he underwent a spiritual renewal that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to this carol that was subsequently set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song. Although it was written in Great Britain, the carol is more popular in the United States than in its country of origin today. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally! ​SPOTIFY - Coming so Free Pick of the Week Or buy it in AUSTIN texas at Waterloo Records Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally!  ​SPOTIFY AMAZON The story behind Austin for Christmas All of the songs in this collection were favorites of my mother.  She loved filling the house with Christmas decorations, smells of  many varieties of cookies baking, which she'd arrange in spectacular colorful gift trays, and of course Christmas music draped over the top of everything. She'd play the vinyl records on our massive stereo which was as long as our dining room table,.and she'd be as happy as we'd ever see her all year. Her happiness in itself was the best part of the season. It was contagious and it was fleeting. In our household, Christmas music represented the hope of another year, maybe a better year, and a momentary suspension of all things worrisome or sorrowful.     "Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there." We chose the songs with an underlying theme of togetherness. No matter where you fall on the religious/ spiritual spectrum, holidays are a time of connection.  Of reunion and reflection and gratitude. And being together as the bustling world mercifully grinds to a halt, creating a glow in the darkness of the long nights of winter.  - KAREN MAL The story behind A Mandolin Christmas A jazz musician, a folk artist, 20 fingers pulling 14 strings & 19 ancient melodies that time has polished. A Mandolin Christmas        Deep in the throes of the hottest summer on record in Austin,  TX, Karen Mal and Will Taylor decided to make a Christmas album. It was a 112-degree "Silent Night" in their un-airconditioned recording studio in August. Even the cat was sweating.      The couple had collaborated on many musical projects; his, hers, and their ensemble's, but a "Mandolin Christmas" is purely a duet in every sense of the word.  It's a dance between two partners: the mandolin and the classical guitar.  And that's it.  Karen and Will are perhaps better-known as vocalist and violinist, respectively, but as the tracks blossomed, the two instruments just didn't seem to want any company. There's a simple elegance in the combination that makes for a classic record.      "A Mandolin Christmas" is also a duet between traditional folk music and jazz.  The music includes pristine old-style classical arrangements, and also subtle and playful jazz harmonizations, weaving around familiar melodies that sound like home.   You can practically smell the sugar cookies coming out of the oven, see the kitchen windows steaming up.       Even the packaging is a duet. Karen staged the shots in their vegetable garden. That's a real Calabacita squash with the bow on it. (we ate it for Thanksgiving) Will took the photos and fit everything into the artwork templates.      If you like Christmas music even a little, you're going to love this album. You're going to love it again when you dig it out next year, and again and again, every holiday season. Violinist, composer and Austin Music Award winner Will Taylor has performed with Pearl Jam, Grammy winner Shawn Colvin, P-Diddy, Willie Nelson, Ronny Cox (Deliverance) and many more. Will and his musical friends from Austin, Texas light up your house with inspiring acoustic music. WASHINGTON POST–“Imaginatively orchestrated… multi-faceted… darting lyricism, and occasionally pensive moods, Taylor makes the grade with his deft touch and improvisatory skills.” ESQUIRE MAGAZINE–”As to the quality of the music and the professionalism, this production is far superior over the numerous recordings issued by the major record companies.” Learn how you can have Karen Mal & Will Taylor in your home here.~! Anywhere, not just where we live. More fan comments...

Christmas and Holiday Music from Karen Mal & Will Taylor Read about,  listen to and support our music below. You listened to it free, but it wasn't free to make this music...so in this new world of the "free music, want to help out, do your part to support our continued creation of great acoustic music? Read below or just signup to get all of our music as a patron of Strings Attached See more about it here.... "We Three Kings", also known as "We Three Kings of Orient Are" or "The Quest of the Magi", is a Christmas carol that was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and he wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City. Many versions of this song have been composed and it remains a popular Christmas carol. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally! ​SPOTIFY - Coming so Free Pick of the Week Or buy it in AUSTIN texas at Waterloo Records Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally!  ​SPOTIFY AMAZON The story behind Austin for Christmas All of the songs in this collection were favorites of my mother.  She loved filling the house with Christmas decorations, smells of  many varieties of cookies baking, which she'd arrange in spectacular colorful gift trays, and of course Christmas music draped over the top of everything. She'd play the vinyl records on our massive stereo which was as long as our dining room table,.and she'd be as happy as we'd ever see her all year. Her happiness in itself was the best part of the season. It was contagious and it was fleeting. In our household, Christmas music represented the hope of another year, maybe a better year, and a momentary suspension of all things worrisome or sorrowful.     "Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there." We chose the songs with an underlying theme of togetherness. No matter where you fall on the religious/ spiritual spectrum, holidays are a time of connection.  Of reunion and reflection and gratitude. And being together as the bustling world mercifully grinds to a halt, creating a glow in the darkness of the long nights of winter.  - KAREN MAL The story behind A Mandolin Christmas A jazz musician, a folk artist, 20 fingers pulling 14 strings & 19 ancient melodies that time has polished. A Mandolin Christmas        Deep in the throes of the hottest summer on record in Austin,  TX, Karen Mal and Will Taylor decided to make a Christmas album. It was a 112-degree "Silent Night" in their un-airconditioned recording studio in August. Even the cat was sweating.      The couple had collaborated on many musical projects; his, hers, and their ensemble's, but a "Mandolin Christmas" is purely a duet in every sense of the word.  It's a dance between two partners: the mandolin and the classical guitar.  And that's it.  Karen and Will are perhaps better-known as vocalist and violinist, respectively, but as the tracks blossomed, the two instruments just didn't seem to want any company. There's a simple elegance in the combination that makes for a classic record.      "A Mandolin Christmas" is also a duet between traditional folk music and jazz.  The music includes pristine old-style classical arrangements, and also subtle and playful jazz harmonizations, weaving around familiar melodies that sound like home.   You can practically smell the sugar cookies coming out of the oven, see the kitchen windows steaming up.       Even the packaging is a duet. Karen staged the shots in their vegetable garden. That's a real Calabacita squash with the bow on it. (we ate it for Thanksgiving) Will took the photos and fit everything into the artwork templates.      If you like Christmas music even a little, you're going to love this album. You're going to love it again when you dig it out next year, and again and again, every holiday season. Violinist, composer and Austin Music Award winner Will Taylor has performed with Pearl Jam, Grammy winner Shawn Colvin, P-Diddy, Willie Nelson, Ronny Cox (Deliverance) and many more. Will and his musical friends from Austin, Texas light up your house with inspiring acoustic music. WASHINGTON POST–“Imaginatively orchestrated… multi-faceted… darting lyricism, and occasionally pensive moods, Taylor makes the grade with his deft touch and improvisatory skills.” ESQUIRE MAGAZINE–”As to the quality of the music and the professionalism, this production is far superior over the numerous recordings issued by the major record companies.” Learn how you can have Karen Mal & Will Taylor in your home here.~! Anywhere, not just where we live. More fan comments...

Christmas and Holiday Music from Karen Mal & Will Taylor Read about,  listen to and support our music below. You listened to it free, but it wasn't free to make this music...so in this new world of the "free music, want to help out, do your part to support our continued creation of great acoustic music? Read below or just signup to get all of our music as a patron of Strings Attached See more about it here.... O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a Christian hymn for Advent and Christmas. It is a translation of a Latin hymn, Veni, Veni, Emmanuel, itself a metrical paraphrase of the O Antiphons, a series of plainchant antiphons attached to the Magnificat at Vespers over the final days before Christmas. The 1861 translation from Hymns Ancient and Modern is the most prominent by far in the English-speaking world, but other English translations also exist. Translations into other modern languages (particularly German) are also in widespread use. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally! ​SPOTIFY - Coming so Free Pick of the Week Or buy it in AUSTIN texas at Waterloo Records Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally!  ​SPOTIFY AMAZON The story behind Austin for Christmas All of the songs in this collection were favorites of my mother.  She loved filling the house with Christmas decorations, smells of  many varieties of cookies baking, which she'd arrange in spectacular colorful gift trays, and of course Christmas music draped over the top of everything. She'd play the vinyl records on our massive stereo which was as long as our dining room table,.and she'd be as happy as we'd ever see her all year. Her happiness in itself was the best part of the season. It was contagious and it was fleeting. In our household, Christmas music represented the hope of another year, maybe a better year, and a momentary suspension of all things worrisome or sorrowful.     "Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there." We chose the songs with an underlying theme of togetherness. No matter where you fall on the religious/ spiritual spectrum, holidays are a time of connection.  Of reunion and reflection and gratitude. And being together as the bustling world mercifully grinds to a halt, creating a glow in the darkness of the long nights of winter.  - KAREN MAL The story behind A Mandolin Christmas A jazz musician, a folk artist, 20 fingers pulling 14 strings & 19 ancient melodies that time has polished. A Mandolin Christmas        Deep in the throes of the hottest summer on record in Austin,  TX, Karen Mal and Will Taylor decided to make a Christmas album. It was a 112-degree "Silent Night" in their un-airconditioned recording studio in August. Even the cat was sweating.      The couple had collaborated on many musical projects; his, hers, and their ensemble's, but a "Mandolin Christmas" is purely a duet in every sense of the word.  It's a dance between two partners: the mandolin and the classical guitar.  And that's it.  Karen and Will are perhaps better-known as vocalist and violinist, respectively, but as the tracks blossomed, the two instruments just didn't seem to want any company. There's a simple elegance in the combination that makes for a classic record.      "A Mandolin Christmas" is also a duet between traditional folk music and jazz.  The music includes pristine old-style classical arrangements, and also subtle and playful jazz harmonizations, weaving around familiar melodies that sound like home.   You can practically smell the sugar cookies coming out of the oven, see the kitchen windows steaming up.       Even the packaging is a duet. Karen staged the shots in their vegetable garden. That's a real Calabacita squash with the bow on it. (we ate it for Thanksgiving) Will took the photos and fit everything into the artwork templates.      If you like Christmas music even a little, you're going to love this album. You're going to love it again when you dig it out next year, and again and again, every holiday season. Violinist, composer and Austin Music Award winner Will Taylor has performed with Pearl Jam, Grammy winner Shawn Colvin, P-Diddy, Willie Nelson, Ronny Cox (Deliverance) and many more. Will and his musical friends from Austin, Texas light up your house with inspiring acoustic music. WASHINGTON POST–“Imaginatively orchestrated… multi-faceted… darting lyricism, and occasionally pensive moods, Taylor makes the grade with his deft touch and improvisatory skills.” ESQUIRE MAGAZINE–”As to the quality of the music and the professionalism, this production is far superior over the numerous recordings issued by the major record companies.” Learn how you can have Karen Mal & Will Taylor in your home here.~! Anywhere, not just where we live. More fan comments...

Christmas and Holiday Music from Karen Mal & Will Taylor Read about,  listen to and support our music below. You listened to it free, but it wasn't free to make this music...so in this new world of the "free music, want to help out, do your part to support our continued creation of great acoustic music? Read below or just signup to get all of our music as a patron of Strings Attached See more about it here.... "O Tannenbaum" (German: [oː ˈtanənbaʊm]; "O fir tree", English: “O Christmas Tree”) is a German Christmas song. Based on a traditional folk song, it became associated with the traditional Christmas tree by the early 20th century and sung as a Christmas carol. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally! ​SPOTIFY - Coming so Free Pick of the Week Or buy it in AUSTIN texas at Waterloo Records Buy the CD with any credit card ITUNES MP3'S or WAV files direct from the artist Call 512-589-8749 to order by phone. Call me and I'll write a note and send it to them personally!  ​SPOTIFY AMAZON The story behind Austin for Christmas All of the songs in this collection were favorites of my mother.  She loved filling the house with Christmas decorations, smells of  many varieties of cookies baking, which she'd arrange in spectacular colorful gift trays, and of course Christmas music draped over the top of everything. She'd play the vinyl records on our massive stereo which was as long as our dining room table,.and she'd be as happy as we'd ever see her all year. Her happiness in itself was the best part of the season. It was contagious and it was fleeting. In our household, Christmas music represented the hope of another year, maybe a better year, and a momentary suspension of all things worrisome or sorrowful.     "Yuletide by the fireside and joyful memories there." We chose the songs with an underlying theme of togetherness. No matter where you fall on the religious/ spiritual spectrum, holidays are a time of connection.  Of reunion and reflection and gratitude. And being together as the bustling world mercifully grinds to a halt, creating a glow in the darkness of the long nights of winter.  - KAREN MAL The story behind A Mandolin Christmas A jazz musician, a folk artist, 20 fingers pulling 14 strings & 19 ancient melodies that time has polished. A Mandolin Christmas        Deep in the throes of the hottest summer on record in Austin,  TX, Karen Mal and Will Taylor decided to make a Christmas album. It was a 112-degree "Silent Night" in their un-airconditioned recording studio in August. Even the cat was sweating.      The couple had collaborated on many musical projects; his, hers, and their ensemble's, but a "Mandolin Christmas" is purely a duet in every sense of the word.  It's a dance between two partners: the mandolin and the classical guitar.  And that's it.  Karen and Will are perhaps better-known as vocalist and violinist, respectively, but as the tracks blossomed, the two instruments just didn't seem to want any company. There's a simple elegance in the combination that makes for a classic record.      "A Mandolin Christmas" is also a duet between traditional folk music and jazz.  The music includes pristine old-style classical arrangements, and also subtle and playful jazz harmonizations, weaving around familiar melodies that sound like home.   You can practically smell the sugar cookies coming out of the oven, see the kitchen windows steaming up.       Even the packaging is a duet. Karen staged the shots in their vegetable garden. That's a real Calabacita squash with the bow on it. (we ate it for Thanksgiving) Will took the photos and fit everything into the artwork templates.      If you like Christmas music even a little, you're going to love this album. You're going to love it again when you dig it out next year, and again and again, every holiday season. Violinist, composer and Austin Music Award winner Will Taylor has performed with Pearl Jam, Grammy winner Shawn Colvin, P-Diddy, Willie Nelson, Ronny Cox (Deliverance) and many more. Will and his musical friends from Austin, Texas light up your house with inspiring acoustic music. WASHINGTON POST–“Imaginatively orchestrated… multi-faceted… darting lyricism, and occasionally pensive moods, Taylor makes the grade with his deft touch and improvisatory skills.” ESQUIRE MAGAZINE–”As to the quality of the music and the professionalism, this production is far superior over the numerous recordings issued by the major record companies.” Learn how you can have Karen Mal & Will Taylor in your home here.~! Anywhere, not just where we live. More fan comments...