“Night of All Nights”
By Steven Kapp Perry
“Night of All Nights” is the 2004 Christmas release from Sounds of Zion & The Inspirational Music Showcase. With 17 tracks and nearly an hour’s worth of music, this CD is full of the smooth, polished arrangements that are part of this label’s sound.
The rich touches of warm strings, harp, acoustic guitar and dulcimer support a familiar cast of voices that include Barry Hansen, Michael Dowdle, Tanya Barkdull, Jessie Clark Funk, Trudy Seeley, duo of Todd McCabe & April Moriarty, Josh Campbell, Joy Gardner, Dave Tinney, Tammy Simister Robinson, and Roger Hoffman. With the exception of two tunes set in keys noticeably too low for the male soloists, the songs are well cast.
For the most part this CD would be perfect background accompaniment to Christmas activities. The songs are the stars rather than the artists, and the music rarely takes the foreground and demands the listener’s active involvement. The exception to this is “Joy to the World,” sung by Jessie Clark Funk (previously arranged for “Come to the Manger,” an Orrin Hatch/Janice Kapp Perry Christmas release).
Other highlights include the 4 atmospheric instrumental pieces and “…In Her Heart,” a retelling of the Christmas story from Luke. This is narrated by accomplished actress Stephanie Breinholt, with music by Dave Tinney.
Putting on this CD will be like setting a spicy apple, orange, and cinnamon potpourri to boil in the kitchen. It will suffuse the house with a cozy holiday ambience without overwhelming the conversation.
The 9 traditional and 8 original songs included are as follows:
1. “O Holy Night”
Barry Hansen
2. “The First Noel” (Instrumental)
Michael Dowdle
3. “Away in a Manger”
Tanya Barkdull
4. “His Endless Gift Of Love”
Jessie Clark Funk
5. “Gentle Jesus”
Trudy Seely
6. “Silent Night” (Instrumental)
Todd McCabe & April Moriarty
7. “No Greater Story”
Josh Campbell
8. “Night Of All Nights”
Joy Gardner
9. “Joy To The World”
Jessie Clark Funk
10. “While Shepards Watched Their Flocks” (Instrumental)
Todd McCabe & April Moriarty
11. “Is This the One”
Dave Tinney
12. “Mother’s Love”
Tanya Barkdull
13. “Still, Still, Still” (Instrumental)
Michael Dowdle
14. “…In Her Heart” (Luke 2:19)
Stephanie Brienholt
15. “Coventry Carol”
Tammy Simister Robinson
16. “Hosanna, to God”
Roger Hoffman
17. “Silent Night”
Joy Gardner, Dave Tinney, Tanya Barkdull
