Tag Archives: The First Noel

25 Days Of Christmas Music: Day 20

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The beauty and elegance of acoustic music is something I fell in love with as a child. And today’s two artists are quite skilled at it. Their less is more approach on today’s Christmas carol brings it to life in a simply sublime way.

Ryan O’Neal-who performs under the moniker Sleeping At Last-in an undated photo from his website. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

An undated photo of Karla Bonoff from her Facebook page. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

Karla Bonoff: “The First Noel” (2020, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 13

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 13A

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Several years ago I heard an absolutely gorgeous song on a TV show which helped me discover the artist-Ryan O’Neal-who performs under the moniker, Sleeping At Last. That led me to his simply gorgeous take on today’s song which I have featured before. This year I found another incredibly beautiful version of that song by singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff.

I discovered her years ago courtesy of Linda Ronstadt who recorded three songs by Bonoff (“Lose Again”, “If He’s Ever Near” and “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me”, with the last two also featuring her on backing vocals) on 1976’s Hasten Down The Wind. Bonoff released those three songs on her self titled debut in 1977. In August 1982 she had her own Top 20 hit with “Personally”. Ronstadt’s 1989 duet with Aaron Neville, “All My Life”, was also written by Bonoff.

Over a decade later, I heard her stunning cover of “The Water Is Wide” when my favorite soap, “Another World” featured it during an episode in January 1997. And this week I finally heard her 2020 album, Silent Night. I love when Christmas comes early.

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Ryan O’Neal of Sleeping At Last. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

karla

Karla Bonoff circa 2020 from her website. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

Karla Bonoff: “The First Noel” (2020, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 23

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Blog day 23

A sweet vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

We may have lost actor Ryan O’Neal earlier this month, but the singer by the same name is luckily alive and well. Better known by the name of his musical project, Sleeping At Last, his sparse yet unbelievably elegant arrangements showcase his beautiful and unique voice perfectly. From the first time I heard “Touch” on “Grey’s Anatomy”, I knew this man had a way with music that is the complete antithesis of the auto tune world which has become so prevalent of late. And O’Neal’s take on today’s Christmas song is an extraordinary example of his talent.  

sleeping-at-last-releases-new-already-gone-cover-1-med

Sleeping At Last’s Ryan O’Neal. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 18

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 18 2022

A sweet vintage Christmas card image found on Pinterest. (Original source unknown.)

The cover of today’s song was only recorded about five years ago but it has become one of my all time favorite versions of this classic holiday track. Sometimes a unique & innovative approach can turn a tune you have heard a thousand times into a whole new experience. This beautiful delicate interpretation definitely falls into that category.

“The First Noel the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep“.

Day 18 Ryan Oneal

Ryan O’Neal, the man & talent behind Sleeping At Last. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 16

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 16

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The string arrangement on today’s song is incredibly beautiful but when paired with the singer’s soft expressive voice it becomes one of the most stunning versions of this carol I have ever heard. Not many artists reinvent traditional Christmas tunes when they choose to record them but this artist did just that with this remarkable performance.

“This star drew nigh to the northwest
Over Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay“.

Sleeping

Sleeping At Last’s Ryan O’Neal circa 2010. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 277

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Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Dec 18

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Have you ever watched a TV show or movie and heard a song that completely and utterly shattered you? It has happened to me a number of times and one of those moments introduced me to Ryan O’Neal, (not to be confused with the actor) who is better known by the name of his musical project, Sleeping At Last. Originally that was the name of his band, but when the other two members left O’Neal kept working under that title.

His voice is strong but has a tender soothing quality to it that turns his vocals into palpable feelings of comfort. The musical tracks have a stark simple elegance to them as showcased in today’s song. The gorgeous violin arrangement & gentle accompanying music combined with O’Neal’s vocal turns this holiday classic into a moment of beauty and light. It is just stunning.

“This star drew nigh to the northwest
Over Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both pause and stay
Right o’er the place where Jesus lay“.

Sleeping At Last Ryan O'Neal

Sleeping At Last’s Ryan O’Neal. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Sleeping At Last: “The First Noel” (2017, traditional).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Christmas Song Countdown #14

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Hello, Vixens!!!  Welcome back to the countdown!!!

country-christmas-trees-farm-snowy-winter

 

Courtesy:  cctrees.us 

I am not a fan of reality shows, so I do not watch them.  I knew who the first winner of “American Idol” was because of all the publicity surrounding that season, so after that I really did not know anything about the competitors until Daughtry (sa-woon!!!).

So the winner of Season 4 was not on my radar.  But then her song, “Before He Cheats” was everywhere, and I remember thinking is it really a good idea for someone to be bragging about a crime (“Carved my name into his leather seats, I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights, I slashed a hole in all four tires”) ?  I must admit I was not impressed.

Then I saw her perform live at the 2014 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. She joined Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt & Emmylou Harris in a tribute to Linda Ronstadt.

linda-rondstadt

Linda Ronstadt circa early 1970’s  (original source unknown)

This singer was so good even Stevie Nicks complimented her performance of “Different Drum“.  That is an amazing feat.  So is co-hosting the CMA Awards for  eight years straight.  So now I am a little impressed.  Especially after hearing her take on this Christmas classic.

Carrie Underwood:  The First Noel.

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you   🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, fellow Vixens, happy listening!!!

silver-bells

Original source unknown