The Star News

New Christmas CD by Ivan Sand art teacher

by Britt Aamodt

For many, the holidays are about tradition.

Tables groan under turkeys and spiced ham. Cranberry sauce, neglected for 10 months of the year, suddenly becomes a staple of the family get-together. Wreaths, lights and tinsel deck the house.

Another beloved tradition is holiday music.

Sue Davies, art teacher at Ivan Sand Community School, and Becky Mortvedt are carrying on that tradition with the release of “Blanket of Snow,” a collection of seasonal tunes arranged for flute and harp.

Though the track list includes several festive titles, Davies said not to expect a “Christmassy” album suited only “for the months around Christmas.”

Mostly a selection of Celtic folk melodies, the album evokes the meditative and tranquil side of winter, a mood reinforced by the instrumentation—Davies on flute and Mortvedt on harp.

“A Babe Is Born All of a Maid” and “Medley of Maid Mary” represent some of the more seasonal tunes.

Also in that category, “Waltz of the Snowflakes” is actually a reworking of an older song, “Cutty Wren.” The original song was an incitement to English laborers to rise up against their landlords. Davies and Mortvedt have provided a lighthearted reworking.

Another tune with a past is “Tomorrow Is St. Valentine’s Day.” According to legend, William Shakespeare incorporated it into early performances of “Hamlet.”

Altogether, over a dozen songs were recorded for “Blanket of Snow.” The duo used Hammond Eggs Studio in St. Cloud, where they also put together their first album “Gentle Breeze.”

“The owner John Hammond was shocked at how fast we completed the CD,” said Davies.

Only 14-15 hours of studio time were spent cutting the album. However, the actual planning took a year—a time investment that nearly stalled the project before it began.

“Becky wasn’t sure she wanted to go through all that work and expense again. And I’d call her and say, ‘Get ready for “Blanket of Snow”’ just to get her motivated,” said Davies.

Though a third CD is uncertain, Davies and Mortvedt continue to perform throughout Central Minnesota.
In Elk River, “Blanket of Snow” is available at Moe Therapeutic Massage (763-441-0041) and the Elk River Area Arts Alliance office (763-441-4725). The cost is $15.

Journalist

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