Sharon Marie Cline: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: A Benediction For Peace” (2015) CD Single Review

While I do believe that some sort of ordinance should be passed forbidding stores from putting up any Christmas decorations until we are safely beyond Thanksgiving, I do understand people getting a jump start on their holiday shopping. And if you’re going to do your holiday shopping now, then I suppose you might as well listen to some Christmas music. But if you are going to do that, then at least listen to some good Christmas music (yes, it does exist). Several years ago, jazz vocalist Sharon Marie Cline released an interesting and passionate rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” titled “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: A Benediction For Peace.” And this is a recording certainly worth listening to, worth paying attention to.

This rendition opens with some work on drums that has the feel of a march. Sometimes when you hear snare work like that, you might think of a military formation. And just as that thought crosses your mind while listening to this track, the vocals come in. But not Sharon Marie Cline. Rather, this version starts with a spoken word section by D. Harris. And the first line he delivers is “We’ve got to stop, stop, stop the violence,” which works in some contrast to that drum beat. So immediately you know this is not the typical rendering of this particular song. Sharon Marie Cline gives us a rather exciting and moving rendition. People often say that Christmas is a time of peace. But what does that really mean? Sharon Marie Cline explores that idea in her version. When she sings of “comfort and joy,” we can hear the joy in her voice, or at least of the desire for joy. What’s great is that after that line, she adds these: “Oh, tidings of comfort and joy/Comfort and hope/Comfort and love/Comfort and peace/And joy.” And here when she sings, “And joy,” the joy is clear. You can feel it throughout your body. It’s a gorgeous moment. And that’s followed by some really nice work on organ. That’s Rich Eames on organ, as well as piano. Gary Wicks is on bass, and Peter Buck plays drums on this track. D. Harris returns for another rap before the track’s conclusion.

CD Track List

1. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: A Benediction For Peace

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: A Benediction For Peace was released on December 15, 2015.