The timeless tune finds a cozy and welcoming niche within the world of holiday music, even as the haunting aspects of the nativity narrative linger, accompanied by the unavoidable fatigue that each winter season brings. Laura Cannell embarks on her most profound and shadowy exploration yet in this examination of a period when, as she articulates in her album’s liner notes, “joy and sorrow coexist.” This duality is evident in her recent projects such as 2020’s *Iciness Rituals EP*, featuring cellist Kate Ellis, and 2022’s more somber *New Christmas Rituals*, wich highlights André Bosman’s amplified fiddle.

A Musical Exploration of Winter

Drawing inspiration from a street named after King Wenceslas before winter’s icy grip takes hold, *Brightly Shone the Moon* begins with organ melodies that evoke memories of Cannell’s childhood Christmases spent in Norfolk’s Methodist chapels.The soundscape created by her fiddle weaves around the customary folk melody “O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum,” conjuring images reminiscent of a snow globe filled with swirling memories seeking too settle.

The track “All Ye Faithful,” characterized by its haunting repetitions from pre-chorus sections,features choirs repeatedly inviting listeners to “come let us adore him.” However,an unsettling sensation permeates this piece—akin to an animal burrowing underground—a sonic reminder of how overwhelming winter can feel for many individuals.

Finding Beauty Amidst Despair

within this heaviness lies beauty; “Lost in a Merry Christmas” showcases soaring melodies that intertwine gracefully before merging into one another. In contrast, “Bleak Midwinter” carries an urgent chill while transforming despair into playful glimmers of hope. The intriguingly titled “Angels Falling from the Realms” stands out as perhaps the warmest composition on this album—filled with echoes of long-forgotten hymns that appear only to fade away again.

This collection transcends mere festive gatherings or tree decorations; it serves as an ethereal guide through time itself—where fragments of ancient songs illuminate paths like Christingles during dark nights.

This Month’s Notable Releases

• The innovative project by Anna Pidgorna, titled *invented Folksongs* (Redshift), emerges from her travels back to Ukraine where she engaged with traditional music practitioners while infusing folk idioms into her avant-garde style. Tracks like “Drown in Depth” showcase raw energy while others such as “What Else Can I Give Him?” express profound yearning.

• Dropping just ahead of Hanukkah celebrations is Michael Winograd‘s live album *Plays Tanz!* (Borscht Beat). This vibrant performance pays homage to Dave Tarras’ iconic klezmer record from1955 alongside Musiker Brothers—a fusion marrying Ashkenazi Jewish instrumental traditions with jazz influences.

• *Joy Unlimited* by IWinter Wonderband*,self-released by musicians Jennifer Crook,Maclaine Colston,Saul Rose,and Beth Porter offers delightful renditions including their take on “Shepherds Are The Cleverest Lads,” inspired by Watersons’ interpretations along with boo Hewerdine’s New Year anthem.