Although it is only mid-November, Carol Grolman is already very much into the Christmas spirit.
"I just love Christmas," said the Squamish piano teacher.
To celebrate that love of all things X-mas, Grolman is releasing a brand new CD of seasonal songs called Do We Really Believe?"In 1993 I wrote the song that the CD takes its title from," she said. "And I performed it at Carol's Carols."
Carol's Carols is a Christmas sing-along event, which Grolman produces at the Squamish United Church. The event, which has been on hiatus for a few years, is back for its 17th year Nov. 27.
"The song was well-received and it sort of became a tradition," she said. "A lot of people told me to get a CD out."
So, Grolman rounded up a few friends and recorded the album at Manic Media Studios in Garibaldi Highlands."It's an eclectic mix of songs," she said. "There are no 'O Come All Ye Faithful's.
"It took two and a half years to record. We actually had to cut it down, too."
Originally, Grolman had 18 songs she wanted on the disc, but they had to bring it down to 14.
"We had to eliminate a few because 18 is just too many," she said.The CD features the contributions from 20 local musicians and is a mix of original compositions and "well-known songs".
If you're a bit weary of the slew of celebrity Christmas albums that flood the market every year, and are looking for something that is closer to the real feeling of a family Christmas than Madonna's version of Santa Baby, this is the perfect album for you. It doesn't have the feel of an amateur, first-time CD, but rather has nice arrangements coupled with Grolman's unpretentious and pleasing vocals.
The CD will be available at Billie's Bouquet, The Country Store and through Grolman herself at 604-898-3483 or [email protected].
Of course, you can also hear her sing live on Sunday Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Squamish United Church for this year's installment of Carol's Carols. Admission to the sing-along program is through donations of cash, food or toys for Community Christmas Care.
The show starts at 6:30 [email protected]
