The soothing sound of the clarinet in harmony with a unique blend of instruments offers the listener a journey into the melodic, joyful sounds of Christmas.  My Gift is a great way to celebrate the season and most of all, a gift of music that masterfully reflects on the ultimate gift that started it all over 2000 years ago.

Liner Notes

When we consider the prevailing theme of Christmas there is one word that is synonymous with this season…….Gift. The word gift is at the central theme of the Christmas message and permeates our Western Civilization to the extent that the entire world has recognized Christmas as a season of giving.

The title of this CD, My Gift, has multiple meanings. First, it recognizes the gift of Christ to mankind. The ultimate gift was a baby boy, born in a stable and laid in a manger to become a Savior to anyone who would receive that message.

Secondly, I humbly suggest that there is a musical gift that was entrusted to me as a young boy. Today I have been blessed to release this album as a tribute to the giver of this gift. Then, I find it is even more relevant that we each one have the opportunity each Christmas to give gifts to people we know and love and more so to those less fortunate. I encourage you to give out of your abundance to someone that is lacking and you will truly find the meaning of Christmas. “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great” Proverbs 18:16. We can turn darkness into light when we offer our gifts to the poor. Psalms 112:9 says “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever, his horn will be lifted high in honor”.

As the third album in the “To Trust” series, I feel it very appropriate that “My Gift” is a Christmas album that is truly symbolic of Christ’s gift to the world. I dedicate this album to you, the listener, and pray you find time to rest in the hope and promise of the first gift, Jesus Christ. Take time out of the busy schedules of the holiday season, wherever you are, to reflect on what gift you have that may be a blessing to someone that crosses your path. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Production Credits

Executive Producer Paul Aaron
Produced by Nick Christian Coetzee
Arrangements by Nick Christian Coetzee
Musical Direction and Concept Paul Aaron & Nick Coetzee

Clarinet Paul Aaron
Drums on Away in the Manger/Silent Night Jimmy Williams
Sax and Flute Simon Hutchings
Nylon String Guitar Mark Baldwin
Violin Aaron Rutter
Mandolin Billy Sandlin

Go Tell It on the Mountain/Swing Low Sweet Chariot:
Trombone Brad Herring . Saxophone Bill Witherspoon
All other instruments Nick Coetzee
Mastering Craizy Daisy Mastering
Photography Paul Aaron / art work and design Richard Ortiz

Publishing Credits

The Christmas Song. C 1946 (Renewed) Edwin H. Morris & Co., A Division of MPL Communications, Inc, and Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC Words and
Music by Mel Torme and Robert Wells
Frosty the Snowman. © 1950(Renewed) by Chappell & Co. Words and Music by Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins
Hark the Herald/Joy to the World. Words & Music by Charles Wesley & Mendelssohn / Words & Music by Isaac Watts & George F. Handel
Away In the Manger/Silent Night. Martin Luther Traditional German Folk Song. Words & Music by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber
What Child Is This. Traditional Words & English Tune, “Greensleeves” Harmonized by Sir John Stainer
The First Noel. Traditional English Words and Melody Harmonized by Sir John Stainer
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Traditional English Words and Melody
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem. Words & Music by Phillips Brooks & Lewis H. Redner
Angels We Have Heard On High. Traditional

Download MP3 samples:

01 Hark the Herald Angels/
     Joy to the World
02 Frosty the Snowman
03 Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
04 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
05 The Christmas Song
06 The First Noel
07 Away in the Manger/Silent Night
08 Angels We Have Heard on High
09 What Child is This
10 Go Tell It on the Mountain/
      Swing Low Sweet Chariot