Award-winning composer John Adorney’s The Bells of Distant Stars takes holiday music into exciting, uncharted territory. Featuring the luscious vocals of his long-time collaborator Daya, the album seamlessly blends together traditional songs and melodies from various cultures and holidays.
John displays his skills not only as a composer and arranger, but also as a multi-instrumentalist, playing cello, keyboard, guitar, recorder, mandolin, viola and banjo.
About the album, John says: “Creating this album was a unique experience for me for many reasons. When I was growing up, my family celebrated Christmas, and being musically inclined, I always enjoyed all the carols and songs. As an adult, I have participated in many of the Jewish holidays and traditions, including Passover, Hanukkah, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. I’ve also become quite familiar with much of the traditional Indian music. This album gave me an opportunity to incorporate some of my favorite melodies from these three traditions, while giving them my own interpretations.”
“I’ve also included a few of my own compositions,” continues John. “Some of which were written for a holiday choir that I conducted for many years. I found it satisfying and interesting to see how seamlessly some of these different melodies could blend together within one piece. For me, combining the melodies was, in a way, symbolic for how we can appreciate the uniqueness of our diversity while celebrating that which we all have in common.”
The Bells of Distant Stars carries a universal message of celebration, hope and peace, and is an album that can be enjoyed year-round.
For more information and music samples, visit johnadorney.com.
Text provided by artist/label