B-Side Guys

In a K’jipuktuk kitchen, somewhere between Christmas cookies and Bailey’s-dipped biscotti, magic happens. Adrianna Ciccone and Ellen Gibling’s “The Pear Tree,” released November 15, 2024, transforms familiar carols into something fresh and unexpected through the alchemical blend of fiddle and harp.

The album opens with an ambitious medley of “Petit Papa Noël / Ding Dong Merrily on High / The Ardgroom,” establishing the duo’s gift for seamless transitions. Ciccone’s fiddle and Gibling’s harp dance around each other like old friends, moving from France to England to Ireland with grace and wit. The inclusion of Finbarr Dwyer’s polka adds an unexpected spark to these holiday standards.

“In the Bleak Midwinter / The Anticipation” demonstrates their ability to honor tradition while pushing it forward. The rhythmic reinvention of Christina Rossetti and Gustav Holst’s beloved carol flows naturally into Gibling’s original reel, proving that new compositions can stand proudly alongside classics when crafted with care.

“Charlie’s Welcome / I Saw Three Ships” pairs Ciccone’s celebration of her niece’s arrival with a slip jig version of the English carol. The personal touch adds warmth to the familiar tune, creating something that feels both intimate and universal.

“Divinum Mysterium” provides a moment of medieval contemplation, with Gibling’s harp work particularly shining. The ancient melody resonates through centuries to touch modern ears, reminding listeners of music’s timeless power to move hearts.

The duo brings dance energy to “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day / The Sussex Carol,” their jig rhythm transformation making these English carols feel positively buoyant. The arrangement showcases their technical prowess while maintaining the joy essential to holiday music.

“The Cherry Tree Carol / The Back of Winter” stands as one of the album’s most intriguing combinations. Drawing from William Riley’s Nova Scotian version and blending it with Ciccone’s original composition, the track creates a bridge between local tradition and personal expression.

“The Little Drummer Boy / Breakin’ Up Christmas” closes the main sequence with inspired pairing. The familiar carol finds new life alongside the Appalachian twelve days celebration tune, creating a cross-cultural conversation that feels both natural and necessary.

The bonus track “L’Abbiamo / Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle” adds Italian flavor to the mix, with Ciccone’s waltz for her father flowing beautifully into the traditional carol. It’s a touching reminder of how holiday music connects generations and cultures.

What sets “The Pear Tree” apart is its careful balance of reverence and innovation. While many holiday albums either strictly adhere to tradition or completely reinvent it, Ciccone and Gibling find a middle path. Their arrangements respect the source material while allowing space for personal interpretation and cultural fusion.

The production, helmed by the duo alongside Graeme Campbell at his Halifax studio, captures both the warmth and precision of their playing. Each note rings clear while maintaining the intimate feel of a fireside performance. The mix allows both instruments equal voice, creating conversations rather than competitions.

At 28 minutes, the album proves that holiday music doesn’t need to be exhaustive to be complete. Each track earns its place, contributing to a musical journey that feels both cohesive and varied. The sequencing creates a natural flow that carries listeners from familiar territory into more adventurous waters.

For fans of both traditional folk music and innovative arrangements, “The Pear Tree” is essential winter listening. Like the best holiday traditions, it combines comfort with surprise, nostalgia with discovery. Ciccone and Gibling have created something that deserves to become part of many listeners’ seasonal rotation.

Conceived, rehearsed, and recorded in Halifax’s North End community, the album carries the warmth of neighborhood connection in every note. It’s a reminder that the best holiday music often emerges from specific places and relationships while speaking to universal experiences.

As the winter season approaches, “The Pear Tree” arrives like a welcome guest bearing unique gifts. Whether soundtracking cookie baking sessions or contemplative night walks, these arrangements prove that there’s always room for fresh perspective in holiday music when approached with skill and heart.