Drive the Cold Winter Away

This carol first appeared in print in the early seventeenth century, being found in various notable collections; Playford’s “The English Dancing Master”, the “Samuel Pepys Collection” and the “Roxburghe Collection”. Whilst the music is thought to have come from an earlier era the dance tune (“When Phoebus Did Rest”), the words were first printed as a broadside c.1625. As a carol, the lyrics discuss various seasonal festivities during ‘Christmastide’. Alternative titles for the same carol include “In Praise of Christmas” and “All Hail to the Days”.

Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.