Seasons

Vibrant Celtic Nu-Folk

Carol of the Child in The National Catholic Register

Delighted to announce that the National Catholic Register featured “Carol of the Child“ in a review and article!

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/harpist-mary-kate-spring-lees-carol-of-the-child

“Harpist Mary-Kate Spring Lee dropped her latest album, Carol of the Child, on Dec. 8. The album features, in Lee’s words, “11 ethereal tracks weaving together Christmas carols with the work of [early-18th-century harpist Turlough] O’Carolan.”

Lee is an Irish Catholic harpist who hails from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. Her love for harp music, cultivated in childhood, has developed over the last 20 years into both a solo career and a Celtic folk band made up of five of her six siblings called Seasons

Carol of the Child was inspired by Lee’s desire to create new arrangements for the churches she plays at during the Christmas season. Of the album’s tracks, the title track Carol of the Child (which interweaves Carol of the Bells and What Child is This?) is her current favorite. Recorded with her husband Faris Beshara in their basement studio, the album contains a particularly personal touch. 

“When we were finishing the album, we realized that at the very end you can hear our youngest son, Gabriel, start crying upstairs,” Lee told the Register. “Initially we were going to try to edit it out, but then we realized it had to stay because isn’t that the whole point of Christmas — a baby? Christ comes to us at times that aren’t always expected or convenient.” 

Gabriel makes an appearance on more than just this track. “He’s actually the baby featured in the album’s cover art,” Lee added, which was created by fellow Franciscan University of Steubenville graduate and Pittsburgh-based artist Sara Tang.

Of her vocations as both musician and mother, Lee sees the beauty that these callings lend to each other. “I think in our culture there’s a fear that you’ll have to step away from everything you love when you become a parent, but my children have definitely made me a better and more hardworking artist.” For Lee, parenthood has only deepened her love for her art. “Pursuing my passions and art has given me energy for parenting,” Lee said. “My kids are such blessings and augment my life so much.” 

When it comes to her craft, Lee notes the importance of “the relationship between artist and listener”: “As I’ve gotten farther along my musical and spiritual journey, I’ve realized that playing music is less about me and much more about the listeners. I think that my interest and ability in music is something God gave me to bless other people with. I play music in Hershey Hospital as part of their arts and health program and see a lot of people who are waiting that probably are worried or in pain, and music can help ease their suffering.”

Lee continues to grow her craft through teaching and learning. She is currently partaking in a grant that has allowed her to study with Irish harpist Gráinne Hambly. She also teaches harp lessons. Her work can be found here, and her band Seasons can be found at this website and on Facebook

As to Lee’s family Christmas traditions, music is most certainly interwoven into the festivities. 

“Every Christmas, my brother hosts the annual ‘Lee family Christmas party,’ which involves caroling around the piano, musical solos from guests, and an improvised staging of A Christmas Carol from the party guests!” 

For all wishing to enter into the joy and spirit of the Christmas season, Lee’s Carol of the Child offers space to prepare Christ room.”

Carol of The Child

Mary-Kate Spring Lee of Seasons is proud to announce the release of her new full-length Christmas album, “Carol of the Child.“

Advance reviews:

"fills one heart and soul...my favorite Christmas Album of the year." (Gloria Galante, Director of Harp at WCU).

“Mary-Kate’s harp tone is delicate yet sophisticated, poignant yet comforting. This collection of Christmas songs rings with a winsome music-box gentleness-beautifully done.” -Matt Wheeler, Musician.

“A treasury of original arrangements and beautiful playing, this music expresses the serene beauty of the holiday season.  Mary-Kate’s album is an instant classic and will be a part of my family’s Christmas soundtrack this year--and for many years to come!” Dr. Timothy Dixon, Professor of Music, Assistant Dean/Orchestra

“Mary-Kate Spring Lee is a multi-talented musician of my acquaintance, one whom I have seen mostly performing with members of her family band, Seasons. On Carol of the Child, which will be released for distribution within a few days on Bandcamp, Mary-Kate focuses on the harp -- the instrument with which I most often associate her, although certainly not the only one that she plays.

On 11 tracks, Mary-Kate weaves together a delightfully restrained and refined homage to the Christmas season. Many of the tunes are very familiar, others less so. The album pieces together well-known carols -- including "The Holly & the Ivy," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Silent Night," "Ding Dong Merrily On High" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" -- with Irish melodies (including three by Turlough O'Carolan) such as "Lord Masserene," "Christmas Eve Reel," "The Sweetheart Reel," "Celia Connellen" and "Planxty Crilly."

It's a lovely blend, presented here with subtlety, serenity and a great deal of musical skill.

One might be tempted to play this in the background during family gatherings over the holidays, and certainly this album is an appropriate choice for just such an occasion. It sits neatly in the background, tugging at the corners of your attention just enough to allow listeners to enjoy the music while going about the business of making merry.

But don't let it sit wholly in the background, either -- every now and then, you should sit close and pay attention to the artistry at work here. Mary-Kate has a firm yet delicate touch on the harp strings, which ring out with self-assured emotion and flawless intonation.

I don't add many new Christmas albums to my collection each year, but Carol of the Child was a pleasant surprise and a welcome addition.” Tom Knapp, Fiddler, Fire in the Glen

“I have had the great pleasure of watching Mary - Kate grow as a musician over many years. I was absolutely delighted to receive an advanced copy of her new project and I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying this album. The full breath of Mary-Kate’s exceptional talent is on display and there is something for everyone to enjoy.   My personal favorites are the Irish tunes,  but I will be playing the entire album over and over again, especially during the Christmas season. Congratulations Mary-Kate on this truly wonderful new recording. I will be recommending It to all my music loving friends!” -Brian Conway-Premier Irish American Fiddler

Carol of the Child' brings a pensive touch to season favorites, as well as some pieces that you'll want to add to your playlist for years to come. Mary-Kate demonstrates a mastery of her instrument with this expressively performed selection of Christmas compositions on solo harp! Corey and Deidre Purcell, Poor Man's Gambit

“This enchanting collection brings the songs of Christmas to life with the beauty of the harp. With skill and sensitivity, these deft interpretations weave together Christmas carols and Celtic songs. This is a delightful addition to the musical gems of Christmastide.” Bishop Senior

“Carol of the Child by Mary-Kate Spring Lee is a truly wonderful solo harp collection of Christmas music.   The album begins with an angelic piece aptly names Angels Song.  From there she weaves a collection of Christmas music with threads of Celtic music, ever flowing and intertwined like the green and red rivers of the Northern lights.  Her music is relaxing yet it kept me eager to hear what lay ahead in her beautiful arrangements. “ Dan Diviney, Across the Pond 


The album is available both at during the Christmas tour and on bandcamp starting December 8th:

https://mary-katespring.bandcamp.com/album/carol-of-the-child


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