Encouraged by the response to our first CD (see below, on this page), we set out to create a Christmas album, one that was traditional, yet uniquely our own. Like our initial offering, it was made in cooperation with four Oregon historical sites: Aurora Colony Historical Society, Champoeg State Heritage Area, End of the Oregon Trail Visitor Center, and Philip Foster Farm. Christmas is a magical season at these wonderful places. Each offers special holiday programs and activities, which are described in the liner notes.

Featured on this recording are hammered dulcimer, guitar, violin, string bass, vocals, and the hauntingly beautiful Native American flutes. The CD includes many Yuletide favorites of the 19th Century, in arrangements we think you will enjoy.

Tunes:

1. Joy to the World
2. In the Bleak Midwinter
3. Still, Still, Still
4. Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
5. Fum Fum Fum/Pat a Pan
6. Coventry Carol
7. The First Nowell/Angels We Have Heard on High
8. The Story (Away in a Manger)
9. O Come O Come Emanuel
10. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
11. The Holly and The Ivy
12. 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
13. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear/O Come All Ye Faithful
14. O Holy Night
15. Little Drummer Boy
16. Go Tell It on the Mountain
17. I Wonder as I Wander
18. Noel Nouvelet
19. What Child is This?
20. Silent Night
21. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Heartstrings' first full-length album, largely comprised of music of the Oregon Trail, grew out of our performances at Oregon historical venues and was produced in cooperation with four historical organizations: Aurora Colony Historical Society, Champoeg State Heritage Area, Clackamas Heritage Partners, and Philip Foster Farm. The cover incorporates eye-catching photos of properties preserved and interpreted by these organizations and each group tells its story in the liner notes, making the album a nice memento for anyone with an interest in Oregon history.

Through the magic of multi-tracking, the CD features hammered dulcimer, guitar, violin, flute, whistle, string bass, and vocals. It includes arrangements of some of Cal Scott’s tunes from the Bound for Oregon soundtrack as well as many traditional favorites.

Tunes:

1. La Bastringue/St. Anne's Reel/Mouth of the Tobique
2. Liza Jane
3. My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night!
4. Oh! Susanna
5. The Ashgrove
6. Bound for the Promised Land/One More River/McLoughlin's Reel
7. Jenny Lind Polka/The Yellow Rose of Texas
8. Red Haired Boy/Cold Frosty Morn
9. The Bonnie Blue Flag/Tenting Tonight on the Old Campground/Battle Cry of Freedom
10. Shenandoah/River
11. The Boatmen's Dance
12. January Waltz
13. Cherokee Shuffle
14. The Girl I Left Behind Me/Red Wing
15. Home on the Range
16. Fisher's Hornpipe