Keith and Kristyn Getty’s studio album, Joy: An Irish Christmas, quickly found its way to the top of my Christmas playlist ever since its release in 2011. That album featured a number of original Christmas songs with the sort of memorable tunes and thoughtful lyrics the Gettys have become known for. There were also a number of fresh new arrangements of traditional carols featuring both traditional Irish and bluegrass styles.
Every December since 2011, the Gettys have taken their Christmas album on the road.Joy: An Irish Christmas LIVE is both a CD and a DVD record of those shows. About half of the songs on the live album are from their studio Christmas album, but the arrangements are expanded and enhanced, and some new Christmas songs show up as well. Their band is made up of outstanding instrumentalists who know when to show their musical chops and when to stay back and let the text shine through.
The DVD is essentially a video version of the CD. It is especially fun to see band members take their turn in the spotlight and even doing some traditional Irish dancing. This new Christmas collection reminds us that Keith and Kristyn Getty continue to raise the bar for contemporary worship music. (Getty Music)
About the Author
Robert J. Keeley is a professor of education emeritus at Calvin University and leads music at 14th St. Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich.