Beautiful songs for the Christmas season from our SoundCloud community of artists.

Christmas Spirit

This is a collection of songs that specifically focus on Angels and all things angelic. Heavenly, loving inspiration from those that guard and protect us, seen or unseen.

Angels' Voices

Monday Playlist 3/15/2021

Various SoundCloud contributions to the joys of Christmas

Home For Christmas

This one I wrote about the frustrations of life's choices and inner conflicts.

Angel's Voice

Rather than follow the traditional path for this classic Christmas song we decided to change the words just a bit so the story is quicker paced than usual and told in the present tense. The message is eternal and unchanging and we hope our acoustic folk version will express it as well as any other version has for generations. Wishing everyone a very joyful Christmas 2022! 

We also did a music video with Nat & performing this song: https://youtu.be/Qwd9lq5Wkeo

Written, Performed and Produced by: Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Craig Durgy: acoustic guitar and vocals
Nat Daniels: keyboards, vocals and production
Copyright 2022 Daniels & Durgy * Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:  Noel (adapted from the traditional The First Noel)

On the first Noel 
Shepherds see a great star
That is guiding three wise men 
From countries afar.
And onto the earth 
Shines this glorious light
Over Bethlehem where the 
Newborn King lies

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel!

Following the Holy light, 
To a stable they come
And there lies dear Jesus, 
God’s only son
Falling to their knees, 
With a gift they each bare 
Humbly looking upon the Lord’s 
Gift lying there

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel!

Come farmers and statesmen, 
Come rich and come poor
Praise the gift of Christ Jesus, 
From our heavenly Lord.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel! 
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! 
Born is the King of Israel!

Noel

This song has a special meaning for us.  We sat on Durge's couch and completed the words together, and created a video on the same day.  This is about the true meaning of Christmas, sentiments we so humbly want to share with you all. 
With all the Love in our hearts..    A Very Merry Christmas to you All.  from Nat & Durge xxx
See the VIDEO:  https://youtu.be/xcD1XOEXH0U

Copyright 2022 Daniels 6 Durgy / Gentle Rain Record
Produced, Written and Performed by Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy

Lyrics:
This Holy Christmas Eve.. 

I guess it’s time to set the table
The fairy lights they flicker like fireflies
The smell of wood and coal from the fire
The Laughter of family and peace is found in all

There so much I feel so grateful for
The years have been so sweet
And through the blessings 
And the bitter 
Life is so complete

The TV plays a Christmas Carol,
There’s far too much to do..
Don’t want the time to run a mile,
And yet it slows down lost in the thoughts of you…

Yes the You that is the World today, 
The way we all can be
I’ll give my love with warmth and pleasure 
A hand , a hug,  
We stand together 

But All I am is all I can give
My love is yours.. yes yours
And may the world find peace this evening
As the snow falls on the this Holy Christmas Eve

This Holy Christmas Eve

The season is upon us...Merry Christmas Folks! The Constant reliability through the Ages, has always been our ability to Love, to Hope, and to Dream.  May this song remind you all, that no matter how small an Idea or action may seem, you can never know the ripples it will initiate through time.  May you ALL Be Blessed, Fed, Healthy, and Loved this Christmas..    With All our Love, Nat & Durge.  

With Special thanks to Little Miss Maïa for singing along on this song! She's only 9 years old, but she showed a lot of courage to sing a long with her Mama, and her awesome Uncle Durge.  

Thank you Maïa, for being my Chorus of Angels xxx

Copyright 2023 Gentle Rain Records / Daniels & Durgy
Written, Produced and Performed by:
Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
and Featuring Maïa T on the Chorus and Choral parts. 

Lyrics: Down Through The Midnight by Nat Daniels

Rolling downward, through the midnight
Bursts a glorious heavenly song
And It’s a chorus of Light and Angels
That pierced the night so long ago

Oh Glory in the highest
On this glorious Christmas Eve
And it’s so crazy oh…to imagine
What a night it must have been
The earth stood still and witnessed Holy peace ..
And felt such peace!
And the wise became so humble,
As the Angels blessed the earth beneath their feet.

Choir:
Glory in the highest.. 

The gentle cry of a child that saved us
Will echo on ‘till all is gone,
But times have made life so confusing
And yet His love lives on in all

Oh Glory in the highest
Christmas Eve so long ago
And It’s so crazy oh.. to imagine
How a child could change the world
The earth stood still in silent reverie
And felt such peace!
And the wise became so humble,
As the Angels blessed the earth beneath their feet.

So do you hear it, through the midnight?
Can you hear the Angels’ song?
Oh it’s only heard in your kindness ..
And you will hear their song of old

Down Through The Midnight

A simple message for the fast approaching Christmas Day, taking the time honored classic tune and adding a few other familiar elements to this folky, upbeat rendition. I want to dedicate this Christmas wish to all my SoundCloud friends but most especially my dear friend and awesome partner in musical crime, Nat Daniels. This one is a solo effort but it goes out to Nat. 
Merry Christmas!!!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

This is a cover of the time honored Christmas classic that grew to particular popularity and meaning during WWII for American soldiers fighting far from home. Nat and I both love the song but we wanted to try something a little more lively while maintaining the ultimate melancholy of the words. We send this out with the hope that it reaches all our friends with its longing for home and the eternal loving spirit of Christmas. (Photo: Ralph Morse)

I'll Be Home For Christmas (Cover)

Fifteen musicians from the Materia Collective join forces to sing and play a Christmas carol! Free download above!

Composer: G.F. Handel
Original arranger: Lowell Mason
Lyrics: Isaac Watts

Arranger and Producer: Sauraen (@sauraen)
Performers: Members of (M) Materia Collective

Soprano: Sirenstar
Alto: Katelyn Isaacson
Tenor: Charles Ritz
Baritone: Daniel Romberger

Flute: Thecoolestnerdguy
Oboe: Sauraen
Soprano Sax: Sean Schafianski
Alto Sax: Sean Schafianski
Bassoon: Katelyn Isaacson

Horn: John Robert Matz
Trumpet: John Robert Matz
Trombone: Daniel Romberger
Bass Trombone: Patrick Allred

Violin: IceRequiem
Bouzouki: Ian Martyn
Melodica: Fabian Fabro

Piano: Charles Ritz
Acoustic Guitar: Andrew Filipski
Electric Guitar: Darryl John Hannan
Bass: Fabian Fabro

Timpani: Kyle Hughes
Snare Drum: Kyle Hughes
Cymbals: Kyle Hughes

Icon art: Yuuhiko (yuuhiko.tumblr.com)

Joy to the World - Materia Collective - Free download

Written and recorded by the Allman Brothers in 1970.  Greg Allman's solo version became a hit in 1973.  Greg is another great talent that left us recently.  I loved that group.  Also, yes, Willie Nelson recorded it in 1980 and it reached #6 on the country charts.  A fun song to do.  My version is some where in between the two.

Midnight Ryder ( cover)

The Angel From Montgomery
Written by John Prine
Arranged and performed by Josh McAlexander

The Angel From Montgomery

Drive-In Movies were a big part of America and we still have a few that never closed.

Drive-In Picture Show (lyrics by Tony Harris - Music & Vocal by Eddie Harrison) Original 2012

An original written , composed and presented by Gary McMahon and myself.  We had the help of two great musicians (Josh McAlexander and Lawrence Farr) who brought the lyrics to life with their great voices.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of you guys for a great job.  Gary and his families lost their homes in the Paradise, CA fires recently and having a rough time.  We all keep him in our thoughts and pray.  
Lyrics:
Christmas night is here, and the skies seem so crystal clear
And the star that shown so bright, so long ago still shines tonight
A mother holds her child, wise men bow down a world reconciled
( May the warmth from that star that flows
Set your heart aglow
May that star lead you home)
Loved ones all are near, tinsel and lights hang for good cheer
And atop of that Christmas tree, we place a star for all to see
Love can open your eyes, for one, for all, our Christmas sky
And in our hearts there will be, that star that shines eternally.

The Star (Gary McMahon,Josh McAlexander,Lawrence Farr,Chuck Aaron)

This is a remake of my black crow song.
Colab with Al wood on the lead guitar near the end.
Iam on the rhythm guitars and first lead.Thanks Al !
We hope you like it ...

Black Crow Returns with Al Wood

Another live interpretation of an old classic love song, this one was originally written by Jimmy Duncan and first recorded by the Sonny Land Trio back in 1957. But this caught most of our attention from the Bobby Helms recording later that same year. I’ve also been a big fan of the version released in 1968 by The Vogues. This started as a live recording that Nat once again brought to full life with her beautiful accompanying vocals and instrumental nuances.

Deja Views

My Special Angel

My Special Angel (Cover)

Rambler's Final Ride

Available on Bandcamp: https://danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-wish

Copyright 2019 Daniels & Durgy
Gentle Rain Records
Written, Performed & Produced by: Nat Daniels & Craig Durgy
Tin Whistle: Nat Daniels
Violin: Larry Deming
Art Work (painting): Albert Chevallier Tayler    Licence: Public Domain

LYRICS:
The day arrives with a bright sunrise
And the cold is crisp and calling
What a grand surprise to cast my eyes
On a Christmas snow that’s falling

Lucy stoke the fire, to your heart’s desire
And I will tend to the horses
For this is the day, to celebrate
The Lord’s eternal forces

Blessed Father, joyous children
We’ll gather in his name
We will sing and play, on this Christmas Day
And his glory shall proclaim  

Set the table fine, with ale and wine
And  cider for the younger
Bow our heads in prayer, to thank Him here
For shelter and no hunger

Willie fetch your pipes, when the time is right
And I will play my fiddle
To the Christmas sounds, we will circle round
And dance about the middle

Blessed Father, joyous children
We’ll gather in his name
We will sing and play, on this Christmas Day
And his glory shall proclaim

Christmas Home

Brand New Angel LIVE (Cover) written by T-Bone Burnett. This is for our friends and loved ones who wait in heaven.. 'till we meet again. 
Video:   https://www.facebook.com/NatDanielsMusic/videos/1448055492058329/

Vocal Copyright Gentle Rain Records 2020

Brand New Angel LIVE (Cover)

Available on Bandcamp: https://danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-wish
This original song expresses the belief that God carries us through life with the help of angels. Though I would never profess to understand these things in any detail, I do feel that angels are all around us as surely as the darkness lurks in every day. With that I recognize that they fight for us but can't always win our battles for us. We have to accept that and know that ultimately the key is that we are never alone and always loved, even if we lose some of our battles.
Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2020  Gentle Rain Records

Lyrics:
When Angels Fail by Craig Durgy

God, He has so much to carry, we reach out to Him in our way
With hopes that hopes won’t soon be buried, for some to fight, for some to pray

With wisdom stretched and torn between us, sight and feeling grown so frail
We trust somehow that He’ll redeem us, even when His Angel’s fail

His legions must be all about us, spreading wings to shield and heal
Evil hunts our hearts to rout us, we make ourselves its ready meal
We make ourselves its ready meal

But angels battle unrelenting, every moment, every nail
So, bear the cross be not lamenting, even when His angels fail

Time is hollow like a reed, reaching from the shadowed depths
Up in the air to breathe, and fill the void with every breath

If not for those that do God’s work, this world would long ago have died
But through the darkness, light preserved, to dry each tear that ever cried
To dry each tear that ever cried

So, when you face your worst despair, impaled upon the Devil’s tail
Fear not for your angel’s there, and through the tears love will prevail

Even when the Angel’s fail
Even when the Angel’s fail
Even when the Angel’s fail
Even when the Angel’s fail
Side by side, love will prevail

When Angels Fail

Available on Bandcamp: https://danielsdurgy.bandcamp.com/album/the-christmas-wish
An original Christmas ballad that appeals to us all to remember the greatest gift we should all aspire to share each and every day. This has a traditional feel and a haunting appeal. Thanks to Dirk for such beautiful guitar contributions!

Copyright Daniels & Durgy 2020 Gentle Rain Records
Nat Daniels: Vocals, keyboard, percussion
Craig Durgy: Vocals, electric guitar
Dirk Taubenheim: Acoustic guitars - Our profound Thanks Dirk for lending us your exquisite talents!

Lyrics:
Christmas Wish by Daniels & Durgy

Can you see the wonder in a falling leaf
The miracle of every day in all the things you see
Look at all the children laugh and play with ease
They paint their lives in colors of love and joy and peace 

Oh can we hold each other can we truly see, 
The love in one another that starts with you and me.. 
And so it comes full circle on this Christmas Eve 
Oh love is still the greatest to give and to receive..

A loving smile can heal you like a warm embrace 
Love is all that matters and all that leads to Grace 
Are we not all destined to be loving souls?
For once we shed this mortal coil we join the same unknown

So it comes full circle and giving thanks I pray
You’ll all love one another beyond this Christmas Day 
All it takes kindness, a truly selfless deed,
To change the world forever and bring us Holy peace
Oh love is all that matters
come take my hand ... it’s up to you and me.

The Christmas Wish

This is "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from my album, "Pieces Of Christmas:  A Pause For The Clause".  It is played on solo acoustic guitar.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Acoustic Solo 12 - 12 - 20

Angels play a huge role throughout the Biblical narrative.  They also play a role in our lives as well, probably much more than we realize...May Lemke is one such angel. I read about her years ago and her rescuing of a hopelessly disabled, premature baby she would adopt and name Leslie in an article titled "The Miracle of May Lemke's Love".  Here is a brief video of that angel telling her story.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWtZA-ZmOAM&list=PLKj3m-0NiJ6VpEOx8YE1dhsRg0umHaQ8N&index=1  Debra Buesking gives the song yet another dimension of ambience and power in our collaboration: soundcloud.com/david-dunhamuser589535203/on-the-wings-of-angels-second-flight-with-debra-buesking-piano

On Angels' Wings (In Memory of May Lemke)

Two song writers, two kindred spirits... that found each other by pure happenstance and great fortune, to collaborate and create music together.
To see our separate artist pages, please click on the following links:
Nat Daniels   https://soundcloud.com/natdaniels
Craig Durgy  https://soundcloud.com/durge