We love the way this carol seamlessly blends pagan and Christian traditions in such a cheerful way. Also, living in Norfolk, we have lots of woods and lots of real holly and ivy all around, both inside (and Christmas) and outside the cottage. So we wanted to share our one take mid afternoon Christmas Day near as dammit strum-and-drum along in the front room. It's just the two of us - Maz lead singing and playing acoustic guitar, me male 'multi-tasking' on acoustic bass, backing vocal and foot drum. Plus some lovely Christmas Day Norfolk outdoor ambience at the end.

The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown

[Refrain:]
O, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flow'r
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our dear Saviour

[Refrain]
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good

[Refrain]
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn


Picture shows holly and ivy, inside and lout.

The Holly and the Ivy 2025

The sadness of how life around us is so quiet and we can't get to  see and be with the people we love.

To Be With You

Forgot The Word

Phone's Ringing!!!

the bad i've done

Reworking of a track originally entitled 'A Prayer for New Orleans' recorded following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
[6 Tenor saxophone tracks - played on my 1925 Conn 'New Wonder']

New Orleans Reprise

Dropz

Boson Spin - Whospher

3 Christmas Cards

card 1
The snow is falling through the pines,
And a gentle wind is blowing
As the flurries fly, through the moonlit sky
The winter world is glowing

I wish you peace, this special night,
I hope the new year works out right
And I wish that we, could get together for a while,
I miss the laughter, and the adventures, I miss your pretty smile,

card 2
The house is shining warm and bright
The chimney smoke is flowing
Inside the people smile, and for a little while,
Their hearts are overflowing

I wish you joy, this special day
And I hope the new year goes our way,
I wish that we could see you here again,
I miss you, and I love you, and I'm lost without my friend

card 3
As this town gets dark, there’s skaters in the park
And the carolers are singing
Such a pretty scene dressed in red and green,
And joyful bells are ringing

And I wish you peace,
I wish you love,
And I wish you all your heart dreams of,
And I wish you hope, in times when hope seems lost
I wish this for you, and for    me, and I wish it for the world.

Three Christmas Cards (Christmas '21)

Ode To The Starter Motor

Fine

Composed, arranged, performed, and produced by
Carlos Vivanco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2S1MOT2FS8

the bad i've done

Dave & Friends