The Songs

ACT I:

1. O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM
- Vittoria, 16th century

Recorded live at the First Baptist Church, Regina, Saskatchewan, December 1995.
Vocals: Cathy, Eileen, David

2. DOWN IN YON FOREST
- Traditional English

Thanks to the Voice Squad for permission to use their wonderful arrangement. This song brings together pre-Christian mythology, Arthurian legend and the story of Joseph of Aramathea and the Glastonbury thorn.
Vocals: Eileen, David, Cathy

3. GLOUCESTER WASSAIL
- Traditional English

A wassail sung to bless the animals at the New Year, while, of course, toasting them profusely.
Vocals: Cathy Eileen, David; Irish Bouzouki: David

4. BRIGHTEST AND BEST
- Reginald Heber, 1811

A carol of the journey of the Magi. Always a favourite at Tam Kearney's famous New Year's parties and the Fiddler's Green Parry Family Xmas Xtravaganzas
Vocals: Eileen, David, Cathy; Guitar: Eileen; Bass: David

5. COVENTRY CAROL
- 15th century, English

From the play of the Shearmen and Tailors, presented every year as part of the medieval "Coventry Cycle" in England.
Vocals: Cathy, Eileen, David; Irish Bouzouki: David

6. CHERRY TREE CAROL
- Child Ballad #54

Another popular medieval legend of a tiff between Mary and Joseph.
Vocals: Eileen

7. HURON CAROL
- 17th century - Saint Jean de Brebeuf

The most famous Canadian Christmas carol.
Vocals: Cathy, David, Eileen; Guitar: Cathy

8. DONA NOBIS PACEM
- Palestrina, 16th century

"Grant us peace"
Vocals: Eileen, Cathy, David

9. WHO'S THE FOOL NOW
- Traditional English

In the courts of Medieval Europe, the last day of Christmas was often a "topsy-turvy" day, during which the court fool, or another lowly personage, was put in charge of the revels. Learned by osmosis at the Rocky Mountain Folk Club in Calgary.
Vocals: David, Eileen, Cathy

10. LIGHT FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
- Traditional Am. Spiritual, add. lyrics by Trilogy

The date of Christmas was chosen to coincide with the already popular celebrations of the winter Solstice and the return of the sun. From the Bethlehem star to the lights on the trees, it is a season of light.
Vocals: Eileen, Cathy, David; Guitar, Mandolin, Dobro, Bass: David

ACT II:

11. TONIGHT IS FOR CHRISTMAS
- Cathy Miller (She Sings She Songs/SOCAN)

The second act moves into a more modern approach to Christmas music.Cathy wrote this on a long tour leading up to Christmas.
Vocals: Cathy, David, Eileen; Guitar: Cathy; Dobro: David; Harmonica: Eileen

12. TURN IT AROUND
- Eileen McGann (Dragonwing Music/SOCAN)

"At this festive season of the year, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute. It is at Christmas time that want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices." - Charles Dickens. A homeless man in a Toronto bus shelter was the inspiration for this song.
Vocals: Eileen, David, Cathy; Guitar: Eileen; Bass, Irish Bouzouki: David

13. NEW STAR SHINING
- J. Hall & J. Hall

The story of a homeless couple given a great gift at Christmas
Vocals: David, Cathy, Eileen; Guitar, Bass, Irish Bouzouki: David

14. SNOW SHANTY
- Eileen McGann, based on traditional melody (Dragonwing Music/SOCAN)

Based on the well-known shanty "I'm bound for South Australia". We northerners often spend much of our Christmas season - and many months thereafter - heaving and hauling the white stuff.
Vocals: Eileen, Cathy, David and the Shanty Gang: Susan Casey, Vic Bell, Vic Close, Mary Elizabeth Lauzon, Mary-Anne Lauzon, Katy Lauzon, Patty McGann Brett, Joshua Brett, Bob deWolff, Roger Helfrick, John Bunge, Jack Scown, Louise Parsons.

15. CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES
- John McCutcheon (Appalsongs/ASCAP)

A true story of the observance of the Christmas truce in WWI.
Vocals and Guitar: Cathy; Whistle: David

16. YOU'RE A MEAN ONE, MR. GRINCH
- Dr. Seuss/Albert Hague (EMI Robbins Catalogs/ASCAP)

The Grinch is the latest in a long line of Christmas-time "nasties", from the legendary "Black Piet" and "Belsnickle", to Ebeneezer Scrooge.
Vocals: David, Cathy, Eileen; Fretless Bass: David; Mystery Trumpet: Mystery Trumpeter

17. REJOICE! REJOICE!
- Eileen McGann (Dragonwing Music/SOCAN)

The Solstice in all cultures is a time of new hope and new beginnings.
Vocals: Eileen, David, Cathy; Guitar: Eileen; Bass, National Tri-cone Guitar: David

For more information & bookings, contact:

Trilogy

P.O. Box 52062

Edmonton Trail Post Office

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 8K9

Telephone: (403) 284-3082

Link to :

The "Two Thousand Years of Christmas" Home Page

The "Two Thousand Years of Christmas" Project

Trilogy's Tour Dates

Trilogy's Personnel

Trilogy Reviews

Trilogy member Eileen McGann's home page

Trilogy member Cathy Miller's home page

Return to the Canada Disc & Tape Inc. Home Page
Copyright © 1997. All rights reserved.
Last update Oct. 8,1997