SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS
DOWN EAST BOYS
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
PRODUCER: JASON WEBB
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2025
GROUP MEMBERS: RICKY CARDEN (LEAD), DOUG PITTMAN (TENOR), CAYDEN HOWELL (BARITONE), AND BRANDON BARRY (BASS)
SONG LIST:
- Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark The Herald Angels Sing
- Christmas In Killarney
- What Child Is This
- Caroling Medley (We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Here We Come A’Caroling/Caroling, Caroling)
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- Cradle In Bethlehem
- Wexford Carol
- On This Night In Bethlehem
- The Holly And The Ivy
- Sing We Now Of Christmas
- Danny Boy
BREAKDOWN:
Christmas, Celtic style and the Down East Boys are, in my humble opinion, a perfect match. An Irish Christmas features rich harmonies, beautiful arrangements of classic Christmas songs, and the unmistakable message of the season. This album is also the first to feature new bass Brandon Barry, who joined last year following the departure of Alex Utech. This exciting and well crafted album is sure to put all who listen in the Christmas spirit. Recorded in Dublin, Ireland with the world renowned RTÉ Concert Orchestra and produced by Jason Webb, this artistically ambitious project features eleven incredible songs of faith, warmth, worship, and Christmas cheer all with a fun Celtic flavor.
This incredible recording opens with an epic medley featuring “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “Hark The Herald Angels Sing.” This beautifully arranged track is full of infectious energy and celebration. “Christmas In Killarney” keeps the tempo light and fun and leaning into the Irish inspiration. This fun tune captures the fun and festive aspects of this special time of year. The group delivers a stunning and heartfelt version of the classic Christmas hymn “What Child Is This” that brings the listener into a time of reflection and meditation. Next, the quartet delivers another festive medley featuring: “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” “Here We Come A’Caroling,” and “Caroling, Caroling.” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is given a fun update infused with catchy Celtic rhythms and stellar harmonies. Cayden Howell is featured on “Cradle In Bethlehem,” a tender lullaby that reminds us of the true reason for the season. Howell delivers this powerful song beautifully. His rich baritone vocals bring that special holiday warmth. Cayden Howell continues to prove that he is one of the best young talents in Southern Gospel Music. Bradon Barry takes the lead on the classic “Wexford Carol.” Barry’s smooth bass vocals shine on this fun yet reflective standard. This Christmastime bear in mind what Our Good God has done for us in sending His Beloved Son. Ricky Carden takes the lead on the powerful and worshipful ballad “On This Night In Bethlehem.” This incredible song tells of the joyous day of Christ’s Birth. God the Son has come to dwell with men. The traditional carol “The Holly And The Ivy,” featuring each member, is given a great arrangement here. This song featuring rich symbolism is a timeless reminder of the incredible gift that is Jesus Christ. “Sing We Now Of Christmas,” the title track, is given an epic arrangement that will have listeners singing along. This incredible album closes with a truly breathtaking version of the Irish classic “Danny Boy” featuring Doug Pittman. Pittman’s soaring tenor fits this timeless classic beautifully.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
THIS IS ONE OF THE DOWN EAST BOYS’ BEST ALBUMS TO DATE! INCREDIBLE SONGS, STELLAR VOCALS, AND TOP NOTCH MUSICIANSHIP. A FUN CELEBRATION OF THE SEASON WHILE NOT UNDERSTATING THE TRUE REASON FOR THE FESTIVITIES. HEARTFELT VOCALS, INFECTIOUS CELTIC ENERGY, AND THAT CLASSIC SOUTHERN GOSPEL FOUR PART HARMONY BLEND BEAUTIFULLY TO CREATE A MUST ADD TO YOUR CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: “WEXFORD CAROL,” “ON THIS NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM,” “CRADLE IN BETHLEHEM,” “DANNY BOY,” AND “THE HOLLY AND THE IVY.” ALSO, BRANDON BARRY IS AN INCREDIBLE ADDITION TO THE GROUP WITH HIS SMOOTH AND DYNAMIC BASS VOCAL.
ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.downeastboys.com
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