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review by Michael Debbage Well known for their very earthly and organic musical connection, the guitar and oboe of Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel respectively have always been a thoroughly classy duo. So when you combined their smooth talents with classic hymns and carols, the combination is simply heavenly. Peace On Earth is a tidy compilation of the prior Christmas albums The Gift and Star Of Wonder with a few surprises up its sleeve. Though Eric and Nancy have completed viable projects as solo artists, clearly the sum is greater than the parts. As a duo they compliment [sic] and blend effortlessly together bringing the best out of each other. This musical couple has being playing together for almost 20 years. In fact it was The Gift that originally brought them together. Joining the affluent Narada label back in 1986, Eric and Nancy have never looked back and to this very day they remain on the Narada roster, despite the departure of several of the labels [sic] mainstay artists. While 2003's double disc compilation Acoustic Elegance effectively paid tribute to their past recordings, Peace On Earth pays homage to their festive recordings. Of the twelve tracks, five are pulled from The Gift while the more recent Star Of Wonder recorded back in 1994 is given four tracks. Meanwhile, Narada adds the elegant "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" from the Narada Christmas Collection Volume 1. However, fans of the duo may be more attracted to the two stocking stuffers courtesy of the previously unreleased "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Catalan". According to the Narada label David Lanz appears but unfortunately I have a promotional disc that does not include the appropriate credits. Thus I am not sure if it is on one or both of the tracks though the piano is present on both of the compositions. Nevertheless, the additions are very worthy. Avoiding a track by track synopsis of the album if I was pressed into a favorite it would be "Silent Night" for two reasons. First, I love the song as it represents the pureness of Christmas, which is a wonderful relief from the over commercialism. Second, the guitar work of Tingstad is utterly harmonious with the spirit of the song. That said the album illustrates the consistent high level of musicianship that I have come to expect from this apparently timeless duo. The fans that wish to have a greater portion of new material have the alternative of purchasing the new Holiday collection in the form of Comfort & Joy. Whichever route you take, the results, given their track record will surely be equivalent to what I hear here. The regal yet common man approach to their music merges well with the real story of Christmas... the Lamb of God born in manger. |
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