Vincent Varvel
...Not A Creature Was Stirring...
© 2004 Vincent Varvel (741378200226)
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"...Not A Creature Was Stirring..." features Vince Varvel's brilliant guitar versions of nine holiday classics. This wonderous instrumental collection is peaceful and joyous, evoking the pure sentiment of Christmas.
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- VINCENT VARVEL: Pictures & Postcards
- ROBIN BULLOCK: A Guitar for Christmas
- MICHAEL RYAN: A Classical Guitar Christmas
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"...Not A Creature Was Stirring..." features Vince's brilliant guitar arrangements of nine holiday classics. This wonderous instrumental collection is peaceful and joyous, evoking the pure sentiment of Christmas. This is Varvel's follow-up to his debut album, "Pictures & Postcards."
Varvel has been performing for over 20 years, and has spent much of the last seven years touring the U.S. and Europe, with the Peter Mayer Group, lending his brilliant sense of harmony and texture to that band.
In addition to Varvel on acoustic and electric guitars, this album features excellent work by percussionist R. Scott Bryan.
"Not a Creature Was Stirring"
Christmas cd from Vincent Varvel, review by Dennis McCaughey
Following the release of Pictures and Postcards, well known for his guitar work and song writing with the Peter Mayer Group, Vincent Varvel has just released a collection of Christmas classics called "Not A Creature Was Stirring." A Little Flock Music label release with nine songs in all, this all instrumental compilation features R. Scott Bryan's percussion work on several songs woven into tasteful and beautifully recorded guitar renditions of such favorites as God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
While lending his own signature style to songs like Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel, Vince captures the simplicity and essence of the song. Beautiful chords layered with soft melody, the interpretation is quite moving. A personal favorite, Vince shows that he's not only a gifted guitarist, but also an accomplished arranger on songs like What Child is This. This holiday standard features steel string acoustic guitar chords with gentle nylon string classical guitar melody on top and just a touch of dreamy electric guitar underneath, creating a captivating feel to this Christmas classic.
Vince uses just a bit of tasteful percussion to bring new life to old favorites like Walking in a Winter Wonderland. Light and bouncy, Vince adds a unique and effective treatment to this one, giving this holiday standard a samba rhythm and jazzy chord structure while still maintaining the integrity of the song.
The best rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas that I've ever heard, this one is nothing short of moving. A soft, soothing rendition done on just two guitars, will take you far away from the hustle and bustle of mall-madness and deliver you back to your living room with Christmas tree sparkling and the scent of wood slowly burning in the fireplace.
You won't find any Jingle Bell Rock here, just a collection of true Christmas classics beautifully arranged and performed. If you're hoping to get that Christmas spirit back this year, these songs will help you get there. Leave the trappings of the holidays behind and remember what the season is really about. Wish for snow this year, and curl up next to the tree this Christmas eve with Vince's brand new cd. Simply a must have for your holiday collection. Make sure you put this one is in the stockings of all your loved ones. I guarantee you'll be glad you did. It is truly "stirring".
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- author: james r payne
very nice cd, something to listen to while having some hot spiced rum with candlelight. very mellow, my only thing is that he does'nt have that professional touch on the guitar, such as james taylor or earl klugh, but it was enjoyable. also i got the paul horn peace cd from you guys very very very nice cd, loved it..tks
- author: CD Baby
Weaving the soft tones of acoustic guitar through jazz, folk and classical styles, peppered with hand percussion, this full-bodied, resonant Christmas album is a fine addition to any collection. It's the perfect complement to those Bing Crosby and Mariah Carey Christmas albums. Simple, beautiful, elegant and peaceful, just like the season was meant to be. No frills, no commercialism, just a seasonal album made for the quiet moments, bringing back a grounded spirit of generosity and warmth.