Singer/Songwriter/Violinist Enlists Guitar Virtuoso Phil Keaggy And Grammy Nominated Producer Billy Smiley On
Christmas...Not The Way It Seems
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 19, 2014) - Shadowlands recording artist Jean Watson is set to unveil her Celtic-infused holiday project, Christmas...Not The Way It Seems, on October 14. The singer/songwriter/violinist, the first artist signed to the indie Shadowlands label, brought in Grammy Award-nominated producer Billy Smiley to produce the 11-song collection of angelic and classic Christmas favorites, along with enlisting the talents of Gospel Music Hall of Famer and guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy.
Elevate Entertainment is distributing the project, which will be available for the holiday season through retailers including Lifeway Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores, Munce Group member stores, Christian Book Distributors, Amazon and iTunes.
Watson, who resides in Michigan, enjoys a large fan base across the U.S. and throughout the United Kingdom. She also hosts a daily inspirational radio show, Jean Watson, which airs across Ireland. Watson will feature all of the tracks from her new CD on her radio show in November and December.
Destined to become a Yuletide classic, Christmas...Not the Way It Seems blends
time-honored, beloved carols like "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "The First Noel," with melodic renditions of less familiar holiday songs like "Pat A Pan," "Coventry Carol" and "Lo How A Rose," along with Watson's newly-penned Christmas hymn, "Not The Way It Seems."
"Jean is a gifted soul and person. Very seldom do I find someone with incredible gifts in songwriting, singing, and violin all in one person," says Smiley, who, in addition to his Grammy nominations, has produced more than 100 albums and 30 No. 1 songs, and is a founding member of legendary Christian rock band WhiteHeart. "It has been a pleasure to see her wings unfold throughout the recording process. It will be so exciting for the world to see and hear this beautiful talent!"
Musically, the album employs rich, emotive orchestration which, when combined with Watson's ethereal yet resilient vocals, is reminiscent of such world music artists as Enya, Maire Brennan, Clannad and Kristen Getty.
Born into a musical family, Watson's classical training began when she was still a young child. Early on she displayed an affinity for the violin, but as time passed she became equally recognized for her wistful, ethereal vocals. As an adult, music was set aside for Watson to focus on her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Her marriage ended in divorce and she found herself in a time of deep depression and hopelessness. At her lowest point, she cried out to God.
A short time later, the landlord of the house where Watson lived with her four children stopped by to bring her family a Christmas tree. As he was setting it up, he heard some Christmas carols that Jean recorded on a cassette.
"'What is that?, he asked. 'That's you? I don't know what you are doing with your life, but THAT is what you're supposed to be doing with your life.' Watson remembers. "He told me to keep my rent money and take it to a recording studio and make a CD.' He had no idea that his generosity was an answer to my prayers."
Her landlord's kind financial gift led to Watson's first CD in 2002 and set her on the path that she continues following today, which has taken her around the world performing music from her six albums.
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