Mornigtown Ride to Christmas

The Seekers were a four piece Australian folk-pop group that first achieved chart success in the 1960's with hits such as The Carnival is Over. They were so successful that they sometimes rivalled even The Beatles and Rolling Stones for chart supremacy. Though there have been various line ups over the years since the group first broke up in 1968, here all 4 original members (lead singer Judith Durham, guitarists Bruce Woodley and Keith Potger and bassist Athol Guy) play together.

The Seekers' folk influence and background on this CD is obvious, when you listen to some of the arrangements, featuring instruments like a guitar and harmonica, and some of the song choices themselves. The opening track is a version of one of their 1960's hits - the children's lullaby Morningtown Ride, but with slightly altered Christmas lyrics. Other tracks include Christmas favourites like Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Santa Claus is Coming To Town.

Though most of the CD has a sunny and reassuring atmosphere, one of my favourite tracks is There are No Lights (On Our Christmas Tree) about a dad and son seeing things differently at Christmas. Written in 1962 by Cyril Tawney, I've read thatthis was a humorous song, but Bruce Woodley (doing an excellent job taking the vocal lead on this track) plays it entirely straight with the other Seekers, and in my opinion their version of the song is very poignant and tinged with sadness. It really demonstrates the group's skill at delivering a song and capturing emotion.

I also really like When a Child is Born, which in its way is curious for a Christmas song in that it doesn't actually mention Christmas. Originally, the melody was a wordless folk song.

Judith Durham has such a clear, pure voice, and radiates such warmth singing this song, enveloping you like a blanket on a cold winter night. The lyrics are beautiful and hopeful.

Silent Night is lovely as well, as the arrangement is really peaceful. There are a few gospel standards on this CD such as Children Go Where I Send Thee. Judith's voice has a jazzy, blues-like tone on these upbeat gospel tracks which reflects her love of jazz music.

All things being said, this is a very warm, gentle and comforting album and I truly like it.

The CD is really nicely presented with a lyrics booklet inside, and on the back of the CD cover, there are some friendly quotes from Judith, Athol, Keith and Bruce. You can tell how much they enjoy performing together. I would really recommend this CD to fans of The Seekers and Christmas music.