Yorkton performer Jackie Guy is giving fans of her music an early Christmas present with the release of a seasonal recording.
This holiday season she has released her first Christmas cover; ‘What Child is This /Child of the Poor’, produced by Rich McFarlane (Mosaic Music), and features vocals by Kristen Jonassen and The Guy Girls.
“I’ve wanted to do a Christmas album for a long time and this winter I finally got the chance to record my first carol,” Guy told Yorkton This Week. “I initially heard this rendition of ‘What Child is This (Traditional)/Child of the Poor (Scott Soper)’ years ago at St. Gerard’s in Yorkton.
“Pam Yaremko was the pianist at the time and when I heard it, I just knew someday I would record it with Kristen Jonassen and my two daughters Alexis and Savannah (The Guy Girls).”
Guy noted the current pandemic did change recording procedures, but added it was still worth the effort.
“With COVID-19 on the rise, we had to ensure recording at the studio was efficient and, most importantly, safe,” she said. “Although this did delay the release of the song, I’m happy to say we completed it just in time for the holidays and it feels even more special because of the challenges involved.”
‘What Child is This/Child of the Poor’ is available now through Bandcamp only (https://jackieguy.bandcamp.com/track/what-child-is-this-child-of-the-poor). Bandcamp has been waiving its fees on Fridays throughout the pandemic to put more money in the pockets of artists, said Guy.
Later this month, the single will be available on all music platforms: CDBaby, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify.
“Although not formally released to radio, stations will be able to access the single on request,” said Guy. “Reach out to your local radio stations to hear it and download and listen on Bandcamp.”
And, more will be forthcoming – someday.
“The Guy Girls and I will record an album of holiday music at some point and we all hope you enjoy our first release,” she said, adding “Merry Christmas to everyone.”
Readers can follow Guy’s musical journey on social media @jackieguymusic and at her website: http://www.jackieguy.com
