This is the new CD. (The purchase button is above)
In the Winter Dark is a mix of traditional and non-traditional Yule/Winter Carols. It is available for purchase. CD Baby (click on the name to go there) has it listed and you can download MP3s via Amazon, iTunes or your favorite service.
Topeka release party will be at Manning Music, 7:30pm on Wednesday, December 23. Poster to follow. Here is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/527308597435096/
There will be a release and signing party at Aquarius Books in Kansas City on December 14, 7 pm.
Whether you celebrate Yule, Christmas, Chanukah or any of the other winter "light" holidays, you realize it is a time for introspection and quietude. Alone time is important, almost as important as celebrating these times with others.
I, personally, focus on the Pagan and Christian aspects since that is my society and tradition. This collection is a representation of that eclectic background. From the quiet of a snow covered hillside to the roaring fire of a friend's hearth, this album represents my wish for a bright and happy holiday season, how ever you celebrate.
I will forewarn you that my voice is not as good as it should be. I was dealing with heavy allergies, followed by an infection on my vocal chords. By the time these songs were recorded, the infection was gone but the voice had not yet healed. There is a husky, smoky, almost lounge singer quality here.
Here are some thoughts about the various songs (Titles are linked to clips from each selection):
Evening song, Steve Clark* (3:47)
Abbot’s Bromley horn dance, Traditional, arr J Mosher* (3:07)
Holly and the ivy, Traditional, arr Barbara Semmann (2:06)
Away in a manger, Traditional, arr Christopher Small & J Mosher*$ (2:13)
Christmas dinner, Noel Paul Stookey (NEWORLD MM Pub. ASCAP) (3:56)
In the bleak mid-winter, Gustav Holst, arr Sunita Stanislow & J Mosher* (4:24)
Tanner’s Wassail, Traditional, arr Harper Tasche & J Mosher* (2:51)
In the winter dark, Stella Benson (4:34)
Winter solstice song, Elat Ophidia Anna Alekner, arr J Mosher* (3:17)
Huron carol, Traditional arr J Mosher* (2:52)
Celtic carol, Traditional, arr Sharon Thormahlen & J Mosher (4:25)
Still, still, still, Traditional, arr RoJean Loucks (2:53)
Les fenêtres de Paris, Wm Mahan, arr J Mosher (3:33)
Silent night, Franz Gruber, arr S Clark* (2:38)
Miss Fogarty’s Christmas cake, C. Frank Horn, arr J Mosher* (4:51)
Total run time 51:27
* with Castle & Cross Consort
$ with Donna Mealy, violin
Jim Mosher: Harp, Recorders, Oboe, English horn, Bells, Voice
Steve Clark (Consort): Recorders, Bells, Percussion
Gitta Gronewaller (Consort): Recorders, Bowed psaltery, Bells
Jane Kerns (Consort): Recorders, Harp
Donna Mealy: Violin
Recorded at Exceptions Studio, Topeka Kansas. Randy Wills, recording tech.
Cover photo: “Snowy Moon”, Jack Brauer, photographer (you may see more of his work at mountainphotography-dot-com)
In the Winter Dark is a mix of traditional and non-traditional Yule/Winter Carols. It is available for purchase. CD Baby (click on the name to go there) has it listed and you can download MP3s via Amazon, iTunes or your favorite service.
Topeka release party will be at Manning Music, 7:30pm on Wednesday, December 23. Poster to follow. Here is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/527308597435096/
There will be a release and signing party at Aquarius Books in Kansas City on December 14, 7 pm.
Whether you celebrate Yule, Christmas, Chanukah or any of the other winter "light" holidays, you realize it is a time for introspection and quietude. Alone time is important, almost as important as celebrating these times with others.
I, personally, focus on the Pagan and Christian aspects since that is my society and tradition. This collection is a representation of that eclectic background. From the quiet of a snow covered hillside to the roaring fire of a friend's hearth, this album represents my wish for a bright and happy holiday season, how ever you celebrate.
I will forewarn you that my voice is not as good as it should be. I was dealing with heavy allergies, followed by an infection on my vocal chords. By the time these songs were recorded, the infection was gone but the voice had not yet healed. There is a husky, smoky, almost lounge singer quality here.
Here are some thoughts about the various songs (Titles are linked to clips from each selection):
Evening song, Steve Clark* (3:47)
- Steve is one of the founding members of the Castle & Cross Consort, my early music ensemble. We also have CDs available from CD Baby. This haunting tune is reminiscent of high country Alps. Played on harp and tone chimes (a variation of hand bells), Steve dedicated to Sister Mary Corita Conlan, SCL (Sisters of Charity, Leavenworth), a long time friend who passed before she could hear this wonderful piece.
Abbot’s Bromley horn dance, Traditional, arr J Mosher* (3:07)
- An English folk dance dating back to the Middle Ages. Still observed every year in Abbots Bromley, a village in Staffordshire, England. I am delighted to have the Castle & Cross join me for this piece. We had great fun planning the recorder and bowed psaltry parts.
Holly and the ivy, Traditional, arr Barbara Semmann (2:06)
- An early English folk carol which shows the connection of the Christian and Pagan traditions.
Away in a manger, Traditional, arr Christopher Small & J Mosher*$ (2:13)
- A lovely rendition of the tune that is also used for “Flow gently sweet Afton.” A hearty thank you goes out the Christopher Small for this arrangement. Originally for two guitars, it makes a wonderful addition to the harp/recorder repertoire. Donna Mealy joins us on violin for a lovely obbligato.
Christmas dinner, Noel Paul Stookey (NEWORLD MM Pub. ASCAP) (3:56)
- Recorded first in 1969 on “Peter, Paul and Mommy” this song tells the story of what this season is truly about, love and caring. I came to love this piece long before taking up the harp. Normally played on guitar and voice I was never sure just how it would translate to harp until I tried. Now I am happy.
In the bleak mid-winter, Gustav Holst, arr Sunita Stanislow & J Mosher* (4:24)
- This carol is based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti written before 1872. Holst’s setting appeared in 1907. I have combined recorders playing Holst's version and a four part rendition by Steve with the beautiful harp solo by Sunita. It is a magical blending of styles.
Tanner’s Wassail, Traditional, arr Harper Tasche & J Mosher* (2:51)
- This is one of the many versions of a wassail. The word refers both to the salute 'Waes Hail' (to your health) and to the drink of wassail, a hot mulled cider traditionally drunk as an integral part of wassailing, a medieval southern English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year. I had not heard of this Wassail until Harper shared his arrangement. We took it and ran with great gusto.
In the winter dark, Stella Benson (4:34)
- Based on a simple tune which was written after the death of her brother, the majority of this tune is improvised and changes each time it is played. Stella's haunting tribute to her brother is a perfect example of the lonely, introspective quality of this season. I can imagine standing beside the tree on the cover in deep meditation as the wind blows.
Winter solstice song, Elat Ophidia Anna Alekner, arr J Mosher* (3:17)
- Winter Solstice is the longest night, the time that Pagan’s celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God. I don't remember where or when I first was introduced to this piece, but it is now a favorite for Yule. This is one of the pieces I sing while the sun is rising after the longest night.
Huron carol, Traditional arr J Mosher* (2:52)
- A Canadian Christmas carol, written probably in 1642 by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary.
Celtic carol, Traditional, arr Sharon Thormahlen & J Mosher (4:25)
- An Austrian carol, “Die Hirten Auf Dem Felde”, which tells the story of the Nativity from the point of view of the shepherds. This is such a lovely piece that I play it all year long. Through the wonders of recording technology I can play a trio with myself (oboe, English horn and harp).
Still, still, still, Traditional, arr RoJean Loucks (2:53)
- Another Austrian carol who’s melody is a folk tune (authorship unknown) from the State of Salzburg. The tune appeared for the first time in 1865. My friend, RoJean, has graced us once again with a delightful lullaby.
Les fenêtres de Paris, Wm Mahan, arr J Mosher (3:33)
- Translates as “The windows of Paris” this piece is quite visual for me, seeing lights streaming out of the windows onto freshly fallen snow in middle-of-the-night Paris.
Silent night, Franz Gruber, arr S Clark* (2:38)
- One of the most familiar of the German carols, first performed in 1818. The Castle & Cross join me once again for this arrangement (which was originally for handbells) where we mix bells, recorders and the harp.
Miss Fogarty’s Christmas cake, C. Frank Horn, arr J Mosher* (4:51)
- Original sheet music resides in the Library of Congress sheet music archives, a delightful song bemoaning the attempt at a Christmas fruitcake. (Note: Brogans are shoes) I have to thank my friend Pamela Bruner for introducing me to this piece. These humorous songs lift the spirits and make the long nights not quite so long.
Total run time 51:27
* with Castle & Cross Consort
$ with Donna Mealy, violin
Jim Mosher: Harp, Recorders, Oboe, English horn, Bells, Voice
Steve Clark (Consort): Recorders, Bells, Percussion
Gitta Gronewaller (Consort): Recorders, Bowed psaltery, Bells
Jane Kerns (Consort): Recorders, Harp
Donna Mealy: Violin
Recorded at Exceptions Studio, Topeka Kansas. Randy Wills, recording tech.
Cover photo: “Snowy Moon”, Jack Brauer, photographer (you may see more of his work at mountainphotography-dot-com)
My CD "Above the Clouds" was released in 2011. This is an eclectic mix of my some of my favorite pieces, played on harp and recorders. All parts were played by me and I recorded/produced this album in the privacy of my own home.
The musical selections are (click on the title for a sample of the piece):
Olivia's Song (by RoJean Loucks - visit RoJean's site)
Harper's frolic/Kemp's jig (a couple of traditional dances)
Annwvyn "The mystical otherworld" (by Christina Tourin - visit Christina's site)
Twilight (by Meg Robinson - visit Meg's site)
**Steve plays in the Castle & Cross Consort with me and does not have a website. However, the Consort does have two CDs of our own on CD Baby with more of his music recorded. Please stop by and check out these at some point. Steve does have some photos on Flickr. Check them out.
It is available on CD Baby or from me in person.
With CD Baby you can use PayPal or Credit Card, buy a physical disc or download individual songs or the entire CD.
CDs from me are $15 a piece (plus shipping and tax). Order form can be found here. I am set up with PayPal but I am still learning how the new server and web creator work. In the meantime feel free to use jim (at) harperbear.com to send money. If you are outside the continental US, please use shipping rate of $13.20 (current International rate for USPS Priority Mail). Kansas residents please remember to add 9.15% sales tax.
Olivia's Song (by RoJean Loucks - visit RoJean's site)
- Salina (Kansas) harper RoJean Loucks has many pieces available (at www.roharps.com) including this delightful 'music box' written for her granddaughter. This can be found in her book “Reflections.”
- An Irish "planxty" is a piece written in honor (or memory) of a particular person. In this case Merlin, a helper dog (a Sheltie), who was a faithful and loving companion before his passing. It can be found in her book “Ginger’s Little Harp Book.”
Harper's frolic/Kemp's jig (a couple of traditional dances)
Annwvyn "The mystical otherworld" (by Christina Tourin - visit Christina's site)
- Of Annwvyn Christina says “This tune came to me after going to King Arthur’s Labyrinth while visiting Wales. This and many other pieces can be found in “Illuminations: Healing music for harp or piano.”
- This music box waltz came to me one day while sitting beside my lily pond. The fairy lights came to dance as I played.
- Having collaborated with Pamela on several CDs, Forest Stroll, found in her book ”Midsummer Meadow,” remains one of my all time favorites.
- It is a great pleasure to play with Steve in the Castle & Cross Consort. He regularly brings new pieces for us to play. This one is a depiction of mice discovering pies leftover after a party.
Twilight (by Meg Robinson - visit Meg's site)
- Meg Robinson (www.megrobinsonmusic.com) has created a work which is as peaceful as that magical time of day. Her music is published by Afghan Press.
- Another gem from “Ginger’s” book, this is a final goodbye to a four-legged friend and long time companion.
- This sublime piece says it all. That magical place we all yearn for is “Above the Clouds” but also within.
**Steve plays in the Castle & Cross Consort with me and does not have a website. However, the Consort does have two CDs of our own on CD Baby with more of his music recorded. Please stop by and check out these at some point. Steve does have some photos on Flickr. Check them out.
It is available on CD Baby or from me in person.
With CD Baby you can use PayPal or Credit Card, buy a physical disc or download individual songs or the entire CD.
CDs from me are $15 a piece (plus shipping and tax). Order form can be found here. I am set up with PayPal but I am still learning how the new server and web creator work. In the meantime feel free to use jim (at) harperbear.com to send money. If you are outside the continental US, please use shipping rate of $13.20 (current International rate for USPS Priority Mail). Kansas residents please remember to add 9.15% sales tax.
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Other CDs include:
Castle & Cross Consort
The Stoney Path
Our second CD (released originally as a tape) includes beautiful and ancient dances, pavanes, canzons and galliards of the Renaissance, and the familiar Greensleeves. “The Stoney Path" is a must-have for fans of this long-established consort! These are charming Renaissance treasures, artfully performed on recorders, harp, krumhorns, and the fascinating, rarely-heard medieval hurdy-gurdy. Tracks 1. Bonny Sweet Robin 2. Earle of Salisbury Galiardo 3. Noel's Galliard 4. J'ay tant bon credit 5. Hey, ho! To the Greenwood 6. Pavane de la Guerre & Galliard de la Guerre 7. The Donkey Carol 8. The Nightingale 9. S'on me regarde 10. Canzon 11. Come Ye Down, Merrie Mary 12. Flos Filius Eius 13. Coragon triste, sofrid 14. Galliard, Pavane & Corranta 15. The Stoney Path 16. Nous voyons que les hommes 17. Virgo Sancta Katherina 18. Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All ALone 19. Pase elagoa, ma Julieta, dama 20. Spanish Pavan 21. Greensleeves 22. Somebody / Brian Boru A Circle of Seasons
This album is a real "year-around treasure!" Whatever season, you can find music to compliment it, here.
The spring numbers are mostly romantic love songs from the 16th century. They conjure up images of "fair maidens'" and "dashing lords." The summer songs are carefree and sunny and mostly from the twentieth century. The autumn group highlights music by Consort member, James Mosher: a delicate "Fairy danse," and another piece by Clark, the lively "Arundel Castle." Winter songs sing of holiday merriment and festivities and include favorite carols, like "Silent Night" and "I Saw Three Ships," among others. The unique variety of music makes this a must-have album for Consort connoisseurs and everyone who likes delightfully pure tones, fine nuance and jovial style. Wonderfully pleasing, relaxing and enjoyable! Tracks 1. Coletta 2. In These Delightful, Pleasant Groves 3. April Is My Mistress' Face 4. Now Is the Month of Maying 5. I Know a Young Maiden Wondrous Fair 6. Morir Non Puo'l Mio Core 7. Gay Little Nymph 8. Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone 9. The Bright Sun 10. Four Miniature Dances: Why Granmaw? 11. Four Miniature Dances: Hide and Seek 12. Four Miniature Dances: Cloud Shadows 13. Four Miniature Dances: First Love 14. Rendsburger Dance 1 15. Rendsburger Dance 2 16. Rendsburger Dance 3 17. Rendsburger Dance 4 18. Rendsburger Dance 5 19. Rendsburger Dance 6 20. Arundel Castle 21. Io Mi Son Giovinetta 22. Vray Dieu D'amours 23. Fairy Danse 24. Serenade in C 25. Ukranian Carol 26. I Wonder As I Wander 27. Sussex Carol / I Saw Three Ships 28. What Is That Lovely Fragrance? 1 29. Joseph, Lieber Joseph Mein 30. Sans Day Carol / the Holly and the Ivy 31. Greensleeves 32. Silent Night (plus a 'secret' track) |
CDs I've been fortunate to have helped Pamela Bruner record:
I play winds (Flute, Oboe, English horn, Recorders, Pennywhistle & even sing on "Irish Journeys") Titles in black are linked to a sample. Click on them to listen.
I play winds (Flute, Oboe, English horn, Recorders, Pennywhistle & even sing on "Irish Journeys") Titles in black are linked to a sample. Click on them to listen.
Irish Journeys
This CD is enhanced with a slideshow of David & Pamela’s trip to Ireland, and features rollicking songs, jigs, and reels, with Pamela's voice and harp, as well as fiddle and pennywhistle. An Irish lover's dream come true! Tracks: 1. Ripples in the Rock Pool/Kiss of the Fiddle 2. The Roving Galway Boy/The Red-Haired 3. Fiddler's Green 4. The Cliffs of Moher/The Trip to Sligo 5. Mairi's Wedding/Haste to the Wedding 6. An Irish B&B/Inisheer 7. Mrs. O'Leary's Irish Cake 8. The Book of Kells/The Black Nag 9. In a Kilkenny Pub/The King of Rome 10. Banish Misfortune 11. Cockles and Mussels 12. O'Carolan Ladies (Eleanor Plunkett and Bridget Cruise) 13. Hills of Connemara 14. The Blarney Pilgrim/The Kesh Jig 15. Come By the Hills Total Running Time: 61:07 Wind Beneath My Wings
Pamela brings us some of the most popular love songs of our time utilizing her unique blend of harp, voice, cello and wind instruments. Tracks: 1. My Heart Will Go On 2. Annie's Song 3. Somewhere Out There 4. Tara Theme 5. Through the Eyes of Love 6. Can't Help Falling in Love 7. I Love Who I Am When I'm With You 8. Wind Beneath My Wings 9. Unchained Melody 10. The Rose 11. My Cup Runneth Over 12. The Wedding Song 13. Somewhere in Time Total Running Time: 57:15 A Wild Rose
A beautiful collection of favorite Celtic love songs, these haunting melodies will linger in your soul. Tracks: 1. The Water is Wide 2. Lakes of Ponchartrain 3. Ode to Brigit 4. Shenandoah 5. If I Was a Blackbird 6. Wild Mountain Thyme 7. She Moved Through the Fair 8. Demeter's Daughter 9. Fear a Bhata (The Boatman) 10. Jock o' Hazeldean 11. Star of the County Down 12. Loch Tay Boat Song 13. Laddie Lie Near Me Total Running Time: 58:40 min Some Enchanted Evening
A classic collection of tunes from Broadway musicals and the silver screen. Tracks: 1. Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific) 2. Try to Remember (The Fantasticks) 3. How Could I Ever Know? (The Secret Garden) 4. Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany's) 5. Memory (Cats) 6. I Don't Know How to Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar) 7. Feed the Birds (Mary Poppins) 8. Music of the Night/Think of Me/All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera) 9. Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof) 10. I Know Him So Well (Chess) 11. Send in the Clowns (A Little Night Music) 12. Edelweiss (The Sound of Music) 13. (Somewhere) Over the Rainbow (The Wizard of Oz) Total Running Time: 60:13 
On Christmas Morn
This collection of unusual seasonal music features harp and voice, arranged with English horn, oboe, violin, cello, and bassoon for a rich, moving tribute to the Christmas season. Many of these songs are sung in their original languages. I'm sad to say that this title is now Out of Print and not available. |
Midsummer Meadow
Pamela composed this entire collection of instrumental music for relaxation, meditation, or massage. A great way to unwind and invite in peace and serenity. Tracks: 1. Midsummer Meadow 2. Daydreams 3. Contemplation 4. Valerie's Song 5. Grace 6. Dragonfly Waltz 7. Forest Stroll 8. Pacific Waves 9. Estella's Fancy 10. Setting Sail 11. Enchantment 12. Gathering Dusk Total Running Time: 62:59 Music in the Glen
This lively collection of traditional Celtic tunes features harp combined with hammered dulcimer and recorder. As one fan notes, "This CD is a real charmer, light and lilting, with a delicate good cheer ... conjuring images of misty glens and romantic vales." Tracks: 1. Merrily Kiss the Quaker/Merrily Danced the Quaker 2. Fairy Dance/Rakes of Mallow 3. Maid at the Spinning Wheel 4. Shebeg Sheemore 5. Road to Lisdoonvarna/Drowsy Maggie 6. Carolan's Draught/Morpath's Rant 7. The Ash Grove 8. Miss Brown's Fancy/Smash the Windows 9. Moving Cloud 10. Southwind/Hammond's Bridge 11. John O'Connor/Fanny Po'er 12. Rosita's Song 13. Tobin's Favorite/Music in the Glen Total running time: 52:06 The Gentle Maiden
This album will transport you to a place of peace and tranquility with the quiet sounds of the Celtic harp, cello, and woodwinds playing traditional Celtic music. It's perfect for background music, massage, or simply relaxing in the evening. Tracks: 1. The Moonlit Lake (P. Bruner) 2. Gossamer Gate (S. Thormahlen) 3. The Mermaid's Song (Ireland) 4. Rorate (Scotland) 5. Gaelic Melody/Parting Glass (Ireland) 6. In the Fields (P. Bruner) 7. Arran Boat Song (Ireland) 8. Bonny Portmore (Ireland) 9. Bridget O'Malley (Ireland) 10. Song for a Whale (S. Thormahlen) 11. Danny Boy (Ireland) 12. The Gentle Maiden (Ireland) 13. The Fair-Haired Boy (Ireland) Total Running Time: 59:02 'Till We Meet Again
A lovely collection of traditional Celtic songs of love, longing, and hope, all sung from a woman's point of view. Tracks: 1. Harp Song of the Dane Women (R. Kipling) 2. Loch Lomond (Scotland) 3. Bonnie at Morn (Scotland) 4. Beloved, When Will You Return? (Scotland) 5. Lament for Mary, Quees of Scots (R. Burns) 6. The Snows (Ireland) 7. Skye Boat Song (Scotland) 8. Shule Aroon (Ireland) 9. Weel Mary the Keel Row (Scotland) 10. Silent O Moyle (Ireland) 11. John Anderson My Jo (Scotland) 12. The Fairy's Love Song (Ireland) 13. Land o' the Leal (Lady Nairne) Total running time: 53:00 An Abundance of Time
Songs of inspiration and joy, comfort and healing. This wonderful collection of Pamela's original work, arranged for harp, voice, cello, and winds, will enrich your day and leave you feeling great about yourself and the world. Includes Pamela's moving September 11 song "Who I Choose to Be." Tracks: 1. So I Say Thank You 2. The Other World 3. Music of My Heart 4. Boxing with Shadows 5. We Leave with Promises 6. Like She Was 7. You Have a Gift 8. Sour Grapes 9. Rorschach in D Minor 10. Hush 11. Haiku Moon 12. The Lady and the Unicorn 13. Keeping the Demons at Bay 14. An Abundance of Time 15. Who I Choose to Be Total Running Time: 60:45 |