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Watch the new music video at youtu.be/c9vV9wJ3olA

Mara Levine's beautiful cover of Bob Franke’s moving song about the nativity “Straw Against the Chill”. The story unfolds with Bob’s powerful imagery and lush angelic harmonies. “Straw Against the Chill” was the #1 song played on folk radio for December 2010.

----Praise for Mara Levine's Version of "Straw Against The Chill"----

“An achingly beautiful version”
Si Kahn

“It is a gorgeous recording and it will become a holiday classic!”
Ron Olesko, “Traditions” WFDU, 89.1 FM

“It's gorgeous! Thanks for the care you put into it.”
Bob Franke, Composer

“Mara's recording of Bob Franke's song, "Straw Against The Chill" is the most beautiful holiday song I've laid ears on in years. In her lovely voice I often hear echos of Karen Carpenter. Kudos to Joe Jencks as well for his masterful guitar work and breathtaking vocal arrangements!"
Glen Roethel, "Gathering Time" 11/15/09”

"Bob Franke's always brilliant compositions have never been better interpreted than in this piece by Mara Levine and Joe Jencks”
Bill Hahn, Folk DJ, WFDU Traditions







---

lyrics

----Lyrics----

Straw against the Chill by Bob Franke
C 1983

In a town of David, not so near to spring,
At the heart of love, there came a lovely thing.
It was the time of Mary, the time of Caesar's reign.
Nothing in our lives would ever be the same.

Chorus 1

It was so long ago, but we remember still:
Star upon the snow, straw against the chill.
A planet dancing slow, a tree upon a hill.
Star upon the snow, straw against the chill.

Stumbling in the darkness, it was her time for birth,
Bearing in her womb, the king of all the earth.
Searching for some shelter, by a cruel decree,
They found a kind of glory the mighty never see.

Chorus 2

There within a stable, the baby drew a breath
There began a life that put an end to death,
And all the frozen stillness, mighty voices heard:
"God is here among you! Human is the word!"

Chorus 3

It was so long ago, but we remember still:
Star upon the snow, straw against the chill.
A planet dancing slow, a tree upon a hill.
Star upon the snow, straw against the chill

Straw Against the Chill is also on my 2013 Release Jewels and harmony which was the #1 Album for January 2013 on the FOLK DJ Chart and #3 for the year.

Other songs include

Leaves That Are Green(by Paul Simon) with Gathering Time(Bob Harris on Guitars) #1 song Folk DJ Chart October 2011

The Dutchman (by Michael Peter Smith) Duet with Si Kahn, (Bob Harris on Guitar, Chad Hammer on Cello) Charted #1 January 2013

credits

released December 1, 2009
-Track Credits----

Mara Levine – Vocals, Harmony Vocals
Joe Jencks - Guitar, Harmony Vocals
Bob Harris - Lead Guitar
Chad Hammer - Cello
C Robert James Franke 1983 Telephone Pole Music Publishing Company (BMI)

Joe Jencks – Male harmony Arrangements
Bob Harris and Mara Levine – Female harmony arrangements
Produced by Bob Harris, Joe Jencks, Mara Levine at Ampersand records in Bridgewater, NJ.

Cover Image adapted from, "The Birth Of Jesus"
Beuronese mural late 1800's

Permission to reprint cover image received from the Mary Page at www.udayton.edu/mary of The Marian Library/International Marian Research institute, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio (USA)

(p) (c) Mara Levine/Mara's Creations 2009
Mara Levine, PO box 2057 Edison, NJ 08818
www.maralevine.com
marablevine@gmail.com

Web page development
Joe Iadanza
iadanzamediagroup.com

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Mara Levine Edison, New Jersey

Mara Levine is a song stylist known for her pure vocals and sense of harmony. She creates original interpretations of folk songs from traditional to contemporary.


Joe Jencks is an international touring performer, songwriter, entertainer, and educator, noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Joe tours with his harmony trio “Brother Sun”
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