Christmas albums are notoriously tricky. Too often, they feel like re-packaged nostalgia, another set of familiar carols arranged without vision or risk. But every so often, an artist arrives who understands that sacred traditions deserve both reverence and reinvention—someone who approaches Christmas music not simply as seasonal filler, but as a living, breathing form of storytelling. Larry Karpenko’s ‘Celebrate the King,’ released from his creative sanctuary at Kreation Records Studio in Loma Linda, California, is that rare gift: a breathtaking, genre-spanning holiday album powered by soul-shaking arrangements, world-class musicianship, and emotional authenticity. Across its twelve tracks, Karpenko transforms the familiar into the extraordinary, guiding listeners through a rich tapestry of jazz, cinematic orchestration, pop warmth, big-band excitement, and worshipful stillness. This album is a spiritual journey, an artistic celebration, and a family-infused tribute to the heart of Christmas.
The opening track, “Lullaby for a King,” sets the tone with tender reverence, drawing listeners into a soft cradle of strings and acoustic guitar that feels intimate and majestic. It is the calm before a dazzling musical odyssey—one that moves seamlessly into Karpenko’s reverent interpretation of “Away in a Manger” and the dramatic, film-scored electricity of “One Small Child”. Influenced by David Meece’s original composition, this track pulses like the soundtrack of a Bond film: driving percussion, bold melodic arcs, and a gypsy-style violin that slices through the arrangement like lightning. It’s a daring move so early in the album, but it establishes Karpenko’s artistic mission: to honour tradition while boldly rewriting the emotional possibilities of Christmas music.
One of the most striking qualities of Celebrate the King is its willingness to experiment. The reimagining of “Mary, Did You Know?” exemplifies this innovation, taking cues from Jon Bellion and Switchfoot’s 2023 collaboration style. Instead of leaning into the theatrical ballad approach familiar to fans of Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene’s classic, Karpenko strips the song down to focused instrumentation and a modern pulse that intensifies its emotional core. The result is haunting and electrifying—a contemporary devotional that feels deeply personal rather than performative. Similarly, “What Child Is This?” elevated by Ben Phipatanakul’s unmistakable jazz sensibility, sways with a vintage 1970s warmth, embracing retro textures while remaining undeniably fresh.
The album’s jazz heart beats even stronger on “Christmas Time Is Here,” which honours Vince Guaraldi’s legendary 1965 composition while welcoming it into the present with lush modern harmonies and a smooth groove anchored by longtime collaborator Shawn Scott. Scott’s bass becomes the track’s heartbeat, perfectly balancing nostalgia and renewal. “Hark! The Herald” explodes with joyous energy, driven by Earnest Kim’s high-voltage improvisation and a big-band swing that feels like a holiday parade bursting through the speakers—playful, confident, and impossible not to smile at.
Karpenko’s willingness to explore humour and whimsy shines in “Carol of the Bells,” a Beatles-inspired experiment that could have been lifted straight from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Complete with surreal sound effects—popping popcorn, coaster screams, and even a cuckoo clock—the track blends psychedelic creativity with cathedral-like choral structure. It’s bold, theatrical, and wickedly fun: a reminder that holiday music should spark imagination, not just sentimentality. The album’s title track, Celebrate the King, erupts in joyful fusion—Lionel Richie celebration energy, Kool & The Gang party spirit, and the playful enthusiasm of a Disney parade, punctuated by the iconic “Let’s go!” that captures pure festive jubilation. Inspired in part by collaborators Abigail Pakpahan and Azariah Waworundeng, this anthem radiates unity and movement, the very heartbeat of the Christmas celebration.
Yet for all its spectacle, the album’s emotional nucleus lies in its moments of softness. “Adore,” performed as a duet with Karpenko’s daughter Lauryn, is a warm, breath-held moment of intimacy. Like the worshipful depth found in Chris Tomlin’s most tender recordings, the track feels like a quiet prayer whispered beneath the glow of Christmas tree lights. It’s peaceful and personal, magnifying the familial love and spiritual devotion that shaped the birth of this project. The album’s reflective weight continues in songs like Real Love and The Power Inside, which echo themes of faith as foundational strength, reminding listeners that hope endures even through silence and struggle.
Much of the album’s power stems from the community woven into every song. This project is not a solitary effort but a family of creative spirits shaping something sacred together. Karpenko acknowledges the monumental influence of collaborators like Scott, Kim, Phipatanakul, his children Lauryn and Andrew, and the spirited vocal contributors who fueled the celebratory spark. Their combined artistry turns Celebrate the King into something more than an album: a musical gathering grounded in love, generosity, and worship. Recorded at the independently owned Kreation Records Studio, the project reflects the freedom to create without commercial pressure—music born not for charts, but for souls.
In a world overflowing with disposable holiday playlists, Larry Karpenko has delivered something rare: a Christmas album rooted in craftsmanship, creative daring, and heartfelt devotion. Celebrate the King is reverent without being predictable, innovative without losing its sacred footing, and rich with the warmth of family and community. It offers permission to feel awe again—to dance, reflect, rejoice, and remember the heart of the season. This is Christmas alive.
For more information, follow Larry Karpenko
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Spotify – Soundcloud – Bandcamp
