Renaissance musician and veteran Canadian folk-rocker Glen Foster has unveiled a collection of songs sure to warm your home and your holidays, The Spirit of Christmas.
An eclectic assortment of classic holiday numbers paired exquisitely alongside original compositions, Foster’s extensive guitar experience lends itself to a unique twist on the Christmas standards endured for generations. Notable on the 12-song album is the remaster of Glen Foster’s 1986 single “The Spirit Of Christmas” — which was initially released on red vinyl, and inspired the new record’s title.
Inspiration for the release materialized gradually over years of Foster’s guitar teaching sessions, finally coming to fruition for this upcoming holiday season. Foster began the creative process by discussing the single and album opener, “Christmas In Vancouver,” with premier jazz keyboardist Marty Steele, and decided to expand the project into a full-blown album shortly after. He then gathered a team of all-star musicians under the guidance of seasoned producer Rick Salt to create a record that’s jazzy and festive.
The pandemic allowed for the time to record many of the solo guitar pieces at Foster’s home studio, giving the album an artisanal handcrafted quality. The glistening sounds of the season especially come alive on the uptempo “Jingle Bells Jig.” 100-year-old sleigh bells can be heard on the song along with a century-old cigar box refashioned into a ukulele; these rustic touches accentuate and embellish the rendition of the Christmas classic. Musical themes of togetherness are made more moving by the harmonies performed alongside Foster’s wife and a cute little part for his young son.
The holiday season is sure to be more harmonious, with the thoughtful musical stylings of Glen Foster uplifting your spirits all season long.
Check out the album below, and stay up to date with Glen via his socials.