Wrapped in White

A craftsman of the harp guitar, John Doan blends the old and new on handpicked holiday songs. You may remember John Doan from his Narada recordings or his appearances on PBS. Hearts of Space.2005.Wrapped in White: Visons of Christmas Past is truly a treat. More than adhering to the theme of Christmas, multi-instrumentalist John Doan furthers the concept to embrace 19th-century American Victoriana. Doan tackles the long-forgotten harp guitar and a vast stable of Victorian-era instruments, including the toy piano, with its plinking kidlike sounds, and piccolo trumpet, as well as a pleasing novelty blend of strings such as mando-bass, autoharp, and parlor guitar. Songs are craftily assembled and arranged as groupings such as Carols of Kings, Carols of Night, Carols of Bells, and Farewells. Altogether enjoyable, Wrapped in White embodies age-old tradition, celebrates nostalgia, and captures the spirit of the holiday’s peace, warmth, and ritual. –Paige La Grone