Pamplin's Simplicity series presents instrumental music-simply. And, they do just that. Each title clearly tells what sorts of instruments you'll be hearing.
Their Christmas series is no different. They have taken some popular Christmas carol, gathered a few lesser known carols, and arranged them in a simple instrumental package.
Volume 5 features John Mashinot on uillean pipes, Irish flute, and tin whistle with David Patterson and guitar. The tunes range from upbeat and peppy to slow and pondering-at times almost a little dark. I wouldn't suggest throwing this in for a bunch of friends, unless you're sure they like Irish folk music. Otherwise, I think it might be a little too far from traditional carols to turn some heads.
Volume 6 features Trammell Starks on keyboards and synthesizers. It ranges from simple piano all the way to some very ethereal tunes, not too different than you might expect from Enya. I'd suggest this one for casual background music. It's so gentle and unpresuming that I let it play for several hours, almost forgetting it was there. With its wandering countermelodies, it is also easy to lose track of the carol melody-which isn't a bad thing at all. I really enjoy that.
Volume 7 features Joe Granston on trumpet and flugelhorn. Despite what you might think, this album isn't just trumpet and flugelhorn. Sure, that is what carries the melody, but there is a nice background laid by a string section, piano, and other instruments. This isn't a big horn section-type album that blares the melody. It's very laid back and enjoyable to listen to over and over.
Volume 8 features Richard Jones on flute, backed by piano. As you'd expect from the title of the series, this is a simple, yet elegant, collection of tunes. This would work nicely as background music at a nice Christmas party or meal.
With this year's installments from the Simplicity Christmas series, there is plenty to be had if you're interested in some simply elegant Christmas tunes.
