Carol of the Bells by BYU Vocal Point and Mat & Savannah Shaw

Carol of the Bells, a song never intended to be a Christmas staple, is mashed up with another not-exactly-a-Christmas-song titled Wayfaring Stranger, in a collaboration of BYU Vocal Point with the sensational father/daughter duo of Mat and Savannah Shaw:

You likely have heard the song Wayfaring Stranger before. It is a traditional American folk tune that has seen many interpretations over the years. It has been famously covered by the likes of Burl Ives, Emma Lou Harris and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.

Does it fit in this mash-up of non-traditional Christmas? Check out the lyrics and you decide:

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger
Traveling through this world below
There’s no sickness, no toil or danger
In that bright land to which I go

I’m going there to see my father
And all my loved ones, who’ve gone on
I’m just going over Jordan
I’m just going over home

I know dark clouds will gather ’round me
I know my way is hard and steep
Yet beauteous fields arise before me
Where God’s redeemed their vigils keep

I’m going there to see my mother
She said she’d meet me when I come
So I’m just going over Jordan

I’m just going over home
I’m just going over Jordan
I’m just going over home

We have talked about Carol of the Bells many times here on MyMerryChristmas.com and it’s journey and now acceptance as a Christmas standard. Read that at this link.

This particular version of these two songs is beautifully showcased with the power of Vocal Point and the sweet blend of the Shaw’s.

Mat & Savannah Shaw are on their third Christmas of bringing us their brand of Christmas music and their new album will be one we scrutinize carefully. And, as with their previously offerings, we’ll likely digest it slowly, deliciously savoring their harmonies. If you have not discovered them before seeing this video and hearing this arrangement, you will want to go back and hear what they have accomplished with their music in such a short time.

As for BYU Vocal Point, it’s unique in that it is a group that is constantly evolving. Voices and faces change, giving them an always fresh sound that showcases principled musicianship. While they are known for all kinds of sacred and secular music we especially appreciate their consistent celebration of Christmas through new interpretations of the classics.