Best Zither Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 726 - "Melodic Cadence Exercise 2"

2h ago

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Direct Download Going the next step, Bing writes a longer, more complex melody using open and closed cadences, demonstrating how to play “keep away” with the key. Download the exercise material from: https://www.patreon.com/posts/115503512 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consi…

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Episode 725 - Harmonic Cadence Exercise

9h ago

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Direct Download Bing takes the melody from the last episode and harmonizes it using cadences, while also going a step further into song arranging options. Download the exercise resources at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/115095568 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider suppo…

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Episode 724 - "Melodic Cadence Exercise"

7d ago

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Direct Download Bing demonstrates the use of melodic cadences with the beginnings of a tune on the mountain dulcimer. Download the exercise from this episode for free at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/114658415 Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by…

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Episode 723 - "

23d ago

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Direct Download The finale, and encore, from Bing's set at the Old Jail in Statesville, North Carolina for Piedmont Folkways, presented by the Iredell Arts Council. After ending his set with “Don't Stop Believing”, Bing performs “My Heart Will Go On”, using the guitar synthesizer to add live strings. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments,…

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Episode 722 - "Understanding Cadences"

24d ago

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Direct Download Bing describes and demonstrates four types of musical cadences for tune writing, using melodies and harmonies on the mountain dulcimer. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 721 - "Going to Winfield Pt. 2"

28d ago

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Direct Download Bing and Abby the Spoon Lady get after some “Old Joe Clark” at the 52nd Walnut Valley Festival after they perform onstage during the fest. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 720 - "Going To Winfield Pt. 1"

1M ago

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Direct Download Bing arrives in Winfield, Kansas for the 52nd Walnut Valley Festival and immediately dives into the music, and the lifestyle. Features a premiere performance of “Going To Winfield”, with Kara Barnard and Troy Johnson. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider su…

1
Jazz beyond borders 30:19

1M ago30:19

30:19

Huang Ye is an innovative Jazz musician and music director at the Lincoln Center Shanghai. It won't be surprising to hear segments in his music reflecting the clamor of horns beeping during rush hour or a tiger's mighty roar. The 26-year-old artist once composed 24 works within one single month, but it took him more than a decade to find all the mo…

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Episode 719 - "Beginning Rhythms"

1M ago

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Direct Download An excerpt from the September session of The Ionian Institute, a free monthly online workshop available through Bing Futch's Patreon (which is free to join at www.Patreon.com/BingFutch Basic note durations are covered, along with a special practice cadence for developing your strum. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V…

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Episode 718 - "U2 Can Play U2"

2M ago

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Direct Download Garryowen Irish Pub co- owner Joanne McCready captured this cel phone footage of Bing jamming U2's “With Or Without You” on mountain dulcimer with Gerry Muldoon, a longtime friend of Kevin McCready's from Ireland, on cajon. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consi…

1
Shaun Gibson: "What I put into music is my true story" 40:54

2M ago40:54

40:54

Shaun Gibson is a British singer and songwriter who weaves his narratives into music. His music is so catchy that it often goes around in listeners' heads once they hear it. He represents the distinctiveness of the instruments from the East to make them accessible and appealing. In this episode, we're thrilled to get up-close with Shaun Gibson who …

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Episode 717 - "Melody and Chord Exercise"

2M ago

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Direct Download Back home from summer tour, Bing shares a mountain dulcimer exercise that he taught over the summer using melodies and chords. The basic chord shapes in DAD are covered, and “I Think We're Alone Now” makes a cameo. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider suppo…

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Episode 716 - "Hallelujah"

2M ago

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Direct Download Bing's encore from the July 11th show at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan. This is “Hallelujah” on mountain dulcimer. Bob Warner, owner of Bob's Barn Jams, also makes an appearance. Check out Bob's YouTube Channel at: youtube.com/BobWarnerBarn Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodwo…

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Episode 715 - "John Henry"

2M ago

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Direct Download Bing's actual opening song from the July 11th show at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan. This is “The Ballad of John Henry” on mountain dulcimer. This month's episodes have all been from the livestream recording. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Cons…

1
Episode 714 - "Promentory (LIVE!)"

3M ago

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Direct Download Bing's closing number from the July 11th show at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan. This is “Promentory” from “The Last of the Mohicans” with mountain dulcimer and looper. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a…

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Episode 713 - "Birds of a Feather (LIVE)"

3M ago

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Direct Download More from the Bob's Barn Jamborees show in Lake Odessa, Michigan, on July 11th. Bing performs his original song, “Birds of a Feather”, on mountain dulcimer. Natch! Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 712 - "3 Original Blues"

3M ago

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Direct Download On July 11th at Bob's Barn Jamborees in Lake Odessa, Michigan, Bing performs three original blues songs; "The Flip Side", "That's What You Done To Me", and "Red Headed Lover." Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Behind the lyrics: A French singer’s journey of writing Chinese songs 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

Christophe Hisquin is a French singer and songwriter who has been devoting himself to making both Chinese and French songs. Better known as Dantes in music industry, the artist creates music that transcends cultural barriers. In this episode, we'll delve into his musical journey and explore how his career has been shaped within the Chinese music in…

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Episode 711 - "West Michigan Trek"

3M ago

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Direct Download Picking up where the last episode left off, Bing continues a grand circle tour of Michigan state, including the Grand Traverse Bay, before winding up in Lake Odessa at Bob's Barn Jamborees for M.O.D.E. Workshops and a concert. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Co…

1
Episode 710 - "Travels With Bing"

4M ago

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Direct Download From a house concert in Columbus, Ohio to Mackinac Island, Michigan, this episode takes a look at Bing's adventures on summer tour in the first part of July. Includes a live rendition of “Hallelujah” and “Can't Help Falling In Love”. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimeri…

1
Episode 709 - "Mountain Dulcimer Museum Tour"

4M ago

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Direct Download From Sharonville, Ohio, Bing takes us inside the American Folk Music School & National Mountain Dulcimer Museum with director Vickey Sasser. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 708 - "KMW Through the Lens"

4M ago

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Direct Download Bing offers a brief glimpse into his time at Kentucky Music Week through video and music, including a performance of “ADHD Blues” on mountain dulcimer. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

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Episode 707 - "Groovy Cabbage"

5M ago

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Direct Download Back at White Acres Campground, Bing brings some of his teachings from Kentucky Music Week in an episode focused on rhythms and strum-building for songs. A demo of a 3-measure cadence for muscle memory, the palm mute, and turning drums into strums gets applied to “Boil Dem Cabbage Down” Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instrument…

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Episode 706 - "Mountain Dulcimer Quick-Start"

5M ago

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Direct Download Bing takes a no-frills approach to getting started with mountain dulcimer. Here he demonstrates how to 1) figure out tunes you know, 2) make up your own tunes, 3) noodle around, all after a quick tutorial on how to play the drone melody style. A great beginners resource, or for the passing curious. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraf…

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East Meets West: Explore the Sheng in "Phenomena" 32:53

5M ago32:53

32:53

In this episode, we will explore "Phenomena," a Sheng concerto commissioned by China’s NCPA Orchestra. The program features European composer Bernd Richard Deutsch, Sheng virtuoso Wu Wei, and NCPA Orchestra’s Head of Artistic Planning, Tang Ning. They discuss the ancient Chinese mouth organ, the Sheng, and its unique integration into Western classi…

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Episode 705 - "The DulciVox Pro"

5M ago

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Direct Download Bing arrives at Folkcraft Instruments in Woodburn, Indiana, and gets a behind-the-scenes look at production of the new DulciVox mountain dulcimers. He also takes his new DulciVox Pro for a test-drive through some fiddle tunes, O'Carolan, and Meatloaf. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking…

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Episode 704 - "New Tune: 'Gebhard'"

5M ago

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Direct Download Arriving at his first tour stop, Bing writes a new tune inspired by the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer & Traditional Music Festival, taking place this weekend at Goold Park in Morris, Illinois (That's June 8th and 9th for you in the present.) Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimer…

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Strings of time: Reviving the ancient zither 29:02

5M ago29:02

29:02

Ancient instruments are symbolic cultural relics, and people can get a glimpse of the culture and traditions behind their unique sounds. In this episode, Zhang Xuguang, a zither and bowed instrument performer with the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe, join us to explore the captivating story behind the revival of the soulful sound of a sev…

1
Episode 703 - “One Last Bit of New Jam Book!”

5M ago

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Direct Download One last bit of music from Mountain Dulcimer in the Band (Book 8) featuring a walk-through of “Hard Times” by Stephen Foster and some fancy interlude chords. Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wolf Hill Woodworking. Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!…

1
Episode 702 - "Even More New Jam Book!"

5M ago

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Direct Download Another snippet of the May 8th edition of Mountain Dulcimer in the JAM!, a monthly online workshop/jam sprung from the pages of the tune-and-backing-track series, Mountain Dulcimer in the Band. Today's episode features “Wild Mountain Thyme” in the style of Dire Straits! Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Wo…

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Echoes of the Tibetan fiddle 34:07

6M ago34:07

34:07

Embark on a captivating journey with Gesang Norbu, who has been pursuing his passion for the Tibetan fiddle despite tough challenges and discouraging voices from his family. When he finally brought his instrument into the limelight, he returned to his hometown with a resolute commitment to spread his love of the fiddle among the younger generation…

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A Fusion of East and West 22:08

6M ago22:08

22:08

A recent concert titled "The Song of Xianghe", meaning a harmonic blend, is considered a fusion of Eastern and Western culture. In this episode, we will delve into the collaboration, and find out why Chinese flutist Zhang Weiliang believes his instrument is able to represent the Chinese spirit and people, and discover how Chinese music speaks to Fr…

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The Flying Dutchman: Igniting China-Germany cultural fusion through Wagner 26:58

7M ago26:58

26:58

In April of 2024, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, China, presented German composer Richard Wagner’s enduring and epic opera "The Flying Dutchman". The production received enormous acclaim from Chinese audiences for its spectacular stage design and masterful performances. In this special episode of Music Talks, we will…

1
Jiangnan Rhythms: The Mystique of Silk Threads and Bamboo Melodies 27:47

7M ago27:47

27:47

Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music is a cherished folk instrumental tradition in southern China. From its ancient origins to its modern-day significance, this episode highlights the evolution of this musical heritage, and its role in contemporary society. There are insights from experts and performers, as well as captivating musical performances, shedd…

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Flowers Blooming in Qingming: Traditional Chinese Music Reflecting the Essence of Spring 30:17

7M ago30:17

30:17

The traditional Chinese festival Qingming Festival is commemorated to honor and pay respects to ancestors. Flowers such as plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and peonies, which bloom during the Qingming Festival, carry profound cultural connotations. They serve as emotional symbols to express respect and nostalgia for deceased loved ones, while also sy…

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Sanxian: A Revered Icon of the Chinese Musical Tradition 28:36

8M ago28:36

28:36

The Sanxian is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It belongs to the plucked lute family and is widely played in various genres of Chinese music, including traditional folk music, opera, and contemporary compositions. It holds a revered place in Chinese musical culture, embodying centuries of tradition.…

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Jizhong Sheng-guan Music: Field Music concert 27:01

8M ago27:01

27:01

The Jizhong Sheng-guan Music, a traditional genre prevalent in the Jizhong Plain region of China has been playing an important role in the people's lives for centuries. Its instrumentation, performance styles, and historical background established its distinctive status in folk activities and ceremonies.…

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Di and Xiao: Chronicles of Chinese Flutes 28:41

8M ago28:41

28:41

The sound of Di, echoing through imperial courts and bustling marketplaces alike, has weaved melodies that transcended time and still resonate with collective memories of generations. The mellifluous tones of the Xiao, melting into the serene landscapes and through ancient pavilions, evoke a beauty that mirrors the soulful tranquility of traditiona…

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An Erhu's serenade: A lifetime's poetic melody 27:01

8M ago27:01

27:01

The Erhu, with only two strings, has the power to express a thousand emotions and a myriad of styles. From its origins as an accompaniment, the Erhu has evolved into a solo instrument, transitioning from folk traditions to the grand stages of classical music. Its versatile repertoire showcases remarkable singing qualities and narrative depth, playi…

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Mystical Winds: Tales of the Enigmatic Bili 27:44

9M ago27:44

27:44

The Bili is a Chinese double-reed wind instrument with a history dating back to ancient dynasties. Discover its distinctive mellow yet piercing timbre, exploring its unique cylindrical bore that sets it apart in the realm of traditional Chinese music. Join us on a musical odyssey as we unravel the cultural significance of the Bili, its role in vari…

1
Celestial Hammer: Journey into the World of Yangqin 26:56

9M ago26:56

26:56

The trapezoidal Yangqin is a Chinese hammered dulcimer, most likely derived from the Iranian santur or the European dulcimer. After evolving for hundreds of years, now with its unmistakable timbre of bamboo and steel, it brings the impressive sound of a traditional Chinese instrument to modern musical works.…

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Spring Festival: The overture of a new year 26:33

9M ago26:33

26:33

The Spring Festival is commonly believed to be the most important among Chinese people. Out of all kinds of celebrations, music is the most indispensable. In this special edition of Music Talks, we appreciate several ensembles of traditional Chinese instrumental music that are popular and usually played during the Spring Festival, and learn about t…

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Powerful Suona: The loudest voice 26:36

9M ago26:36

26:36

The Suona is a traditional Chinese instrument that is played by blowing into a double-reed, through a mouth piece and then through the wooden body. Known for its extremely penetrating sound and distinctively northern flavor, the Chinese Suona is an instrument that has the ability to instinctively take the lead of all other instruments when played. …

1
Ruan: Integrating tradition and innovation 26:37

10M ago26:37

26:37

The Ruan is a lute with four strings, a fretted neck, and is similar to the Pipa. The Ruan existed about 2000 years ago in the Western Jin Dynasty. This episode walks us through the history of the Ruan, telling stories about its origin, and explores how it combines tradition with new ideas.

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Thousand-year old Nanyin mellows with time 27:01

10M ago27:01

27:01

Nanyin music is an ancient art form with a lineage of more than a thousand years surviving political, social and cultural change. It has been able to incorporate new influences, stay relevant to changing audiences yet maintain its ancient legacy. In 2009, China successfully championed for UNESCO designation of Nanyin as intangible cultural assets.…

1
Konghou: An old musical instrument rejuvenates 27:01

10M ago27:01

27:01

The Konghou is an ancient Chinese harp. It was once one of the most popular musical instruments in China but became extinct sometime in the Ming Dynasty. Now in the 20th Century, it has been revived in the shape of a double bridge harp. This modern version of the instrument barely resembles its ancient form, but has a shape similar to Western frame…

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Guqin: The tone of high mountains and flowing water 26:35

10M ago26:35

26:35

Qin music tends to linger on certain notes, with an emphasis on silence and timbre, giving it a meditative quality. "Qin qi shu hua" refers to the Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar, wherein "qin" refers specifically to Guqin. In this episode, we learn more about the development of this musical instrument, to understand its connotation in trying to c…

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Pipa: Variable Tunes on Emotionally Charged Strings 26:36

11M ago26:36

26:36

“Pi” for plucking the strings forward, and “pa” for plucking the strings backward. The Pipa, sometimes called the "Chinese lute", is a plucked instrument with a varying number of frets ranging from 12 to 31. In this episode, we explore the historical stories of this traditional musical instrument, and see how modern Pipa artists have been working t…

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December 24th: What Sweeter Music 3:54

11M ago3:54

3:54

Welcome to the Carols of Christmas. Each day leading up to Christmas, I talk about a particular Christmas carol, explaining some of the history and background behind the carol, and then finally, I will sing a verse of it for you. Some will be familiar and some probably not, but they all point us toward the true reason for the season: our Savior Jes…

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December 23rd: We Wish You a Merry Christmas 3:45

11M ago3:45

3:45

Welcome to the Carols of Christmas. Each day leading up to Christmas, I talk about a particular Christmas carol, explaining some of the history and background behind the carol, and then finally, I will sing a verse of it for you. Some will be familiar and some probably not, but they all point us toward the true reason for the season: our Savior Jes…

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