Melanie Penn To Release 'Immanuel The Folk Sessions'

Singer/songwriter Melanie Penn will release her second Christmas project Immanuel The Folk Sessions Oct. 25. Produced by Ben Shive (Mercy Me, Brandon Heath, Ellie Holcomb), Penn delivers all original songs based on the Christmas story, recorded with a bluegrass twist.

"I never expected to write a Christmas album. The whole experience of writing and recording Immanuel The Folk Sessions has felt like a gift." said Penn. "Ben and I wanted to do a record with an organic sound and live vocals. We listened to a lot of Alison Krauss and Union Station to prepare for this album, and we hoped to bring this kind of intimacy to the recording."

Penn's six-song EP is the fourth studio collaboration between Penn and Shive.The Arcadian Wild band and Nashville players provided backup for the songs, which features mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar and a rhythm section.

Penn's holiday project brings all original songs that are written from the perspective of the angels, Mary, Joseph, Gabriel and even Simeon who lived through the first Christmas. The collection also includes a tender arrangement of "The First Noel" arranged by Penn and Shive. Immanuel The Folk Sessions can be purchased at all digital music outlets, with pre-sales now available.

"The holidays can be difficult for some people, as it can seem like everyone is celebrating the perfect Christmas except you," explained Penn. "Singing the Immanuel songs on tour connects me to people during the season of Advent and Christmas. We really are one family when we celebrate Christ's birth together!"

Penn will tour Scotland and the United States in support Immanuel The Folk Sessions. For continued updates on Penn visit her website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Immanuel The Folk Sessions track listing

1.    All Things Are Possible (Gabriel)
2.    Great Things (Mary)
3.    Gift of Love (Angel Chorus)
4.    The First Noel (arr. Shive, Penn)
5.    What Child Is This? (Joseph)
6.    I've Seen the Glory (Simeon)

About Melanie Penn

Melanie Penn is a singer/songwriter based in Manhattan, who was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Falls Church, Va. She began singing and receiving formal vocal training at a young age, and even competed as a classical vocalist through her teen years. After studying classical voice, she moved to New York City and pursued musical theatre where she joined a national Broadway touring company with "Grease," starring Frankie Avalon. Following several years in the theater scene, Penn's attention turned to songwriting and becoming a solo artist. She started collaborating with producer Ben Shive and has released four albums, with a pop album due in 2020 becoming her fifth project.