Silent Night - Genie, Ivor and Ken Francis

Genie Francis has struck gold again with her newest venture: a collaboration of Christmas music made with her brothers, Ivor, & Kenneth Francis. Its Christmas Time Again is reminiscent of all the great holiday show offerings of the late 60's & early 70's: The Bing Crosby Christmas Specials, The Carpenters, there even has a retro, The Partridge Family-feel on one of the songs. However, this family affair does not just end there. Jamo & Eliza Frakes are featured on the cd as well as their father, Jonathan, who plays the trombone on When Santa Comes Down the Chimney. You did not misread that: I said the trombone, & he does an outstanding job!This is one talented family!

The flavor of the cd runs the gamut from traditional to jazz with a subtle hint of blues. Of course, there are songs that are simply rollicking fun, Jingle Bells, & the title track, Its Christmas Time Again. Whatever your taste, there is something in this compilation for everyone. I must admit that Ms. Francis pleasantly surprises with her richly fluid, yet strongly vocalized interpretations of these wonderful, timeless classics. I would be remiss if I did not mention how brilliant a classical guitar player Ivor Francis is on The First Noel and Joy to the World. These renditions harkened me back to a younger time in my life - of memories of my grandparents farm; snow; & being a kid again. Isn't that what Christmas is suppose to do - re-kindle those tender, heartfelt memories?

The harmony is blended like a really good cup of coffee. As a matter of fact, I made a cup of coffee & re-listened to it again. The melodies have a pure quality to them that make your heart skip a beat & takes you to a place of profound reflection or pure delight.

I think, perhaps, the most special song for me is Silent Night, not because it is Ms. Francis' favorite but because it is mine. I actually felt chills when I heard the first utterance of Silent Night, because I felt the stirring of the mother in me as I listened, but I also felt my mothers spirit fill me with each note. It made me yearn for long ago times that are no more but that live real & true in my heart.

The Francis-Frakes touch the chord of every good & blessed thing that is Christmas with these renditions. Its Christmas Time Again: did I mention fun before? I actually swayed to the upbeat lift. Lord, it made me want to pull the stuff down from the attic & begin decorating my house now! Auld Lang Syne is the perfect way to top off the cd - no better ending than that grand, old classic. Its brilliant, but Ms. Francis is always pleasing and surprising her audience with something unexpected. She is consummate at thoroughly entertaining with each and every project she undertakes.

Included on the inside cover are never seen photos of Genie as a child with her family, an added bonus. My friends, the $20 dollars is worth the price of admission! In this season of love and giving, It is also no surprise that Genie is donating 100% of her profit from the sale of the cd to The Childrens Mission in Cuernavaca, Mexico run by The Sisters of St. Francis. It is the gift that keeps on giving!

If I had to sum up this cd in one word it would be magic. It restores the magic of this season from another, more innocent time. Get yourself a cup of cocoa with a peppermint stick before you pop Its Christmas Time Again into the player & be prepared to be dazzled, wowed & touched. Genie is a master at touching the heart & filling it full. Merry Christmas Every One & a Happy New Year! -Jhill Perran

Some photos courtesy of: Hallmark, and Lifetime. The photograph used from The Cherished Home is by Thierry Bonneville.

The photograph of a pregnant Genie was taken in 1997 when she won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. The photo of Genie kissing her daughter, Eliza, was taken on June 15, 2007 when she won her Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Front and back covers of Its Christmas Time Again were used in the making of this video. The cd was produced by Ivor and Kenneth Francis.

*** No copyright infringement is intended with the use of any of these photographs.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Genie Francis
• Christmas
• Silent Night

[jeandoodles]

I had no idea that she sang! They sound really good, is the CD still avalable??

[JhillyBean]

Check her business in Maine called The Cherished Home. I know they had it for sale.

[krisj827]

What a voice, such a talent GF is.

[JhillyBean]

Yes. She is. Thanks for the feedback.

[mirko2519]

Nice Video... Holly Night!

[JhillyBean]

Thank you!

[lukeloveslauraalways]

went on amazon--guess it is not available there yet. I'll try tomorrow, Today is Nov 2.

[JhillyBean]

She is amazing! I'm so glad the song brought you joy as that's what Genie does! If you enjoyed this song, you'll enjoy all the others on the cd. I highly recommend it! You should hear her on O Holy Night....beautiful!

[JhillyBean]

They are very, VERY talented! The cd really is worth the price. It's a lovely, heartfelt compilation of Christmas carols. As an actress, Genie is stellar! As a woman, she's golden! I agree with you, I wish her much success. Thanks for the feedback.

[JhillyBean]

It took me 33 years to meet her; it was a dream come true. Genie is as warm, gracious, down-to-earth and beautiful as she appears on t.v. She is a gift!