Christian Singer, Fernando Ortega, Gives Birth: To A New Baby and A New Album

By Brian Nixon
Special to ASSIST News Service

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (ANS) -- I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Dove winning artist, Fernando Ortega, to discuss his recent Christmas album, Christmas Songs.

Ruby Aveline Ortega

But the truth of the matter is, Fernando had other things on his mind: the birth of his first child, Ruby Aveline Ortega.

Opening his computer, Fernando was quick to show pictures of his new gem. She is a bright-eyed, beautiful girl- wrapped in a white blanket.

Fernando's wife, Margee, gave birth to Ruby Aveline in early December.

This being the first child for the 51-year-old singer and songwriter, he was quite reflective with his words concerning his newborn joy.

"I can't believe that I have a child. It is the greatest thing," he told me in between sets during his recent concert at Calvary of Albuquerque.

Fernando Ortega

He then turned the interview onto me with several questions: "What is it like being a father? Is the first week the hardest? Do you think my age will come into play?"

We talked, shared feelings, and rejoiced, as fathers tend to do.

Gravitating back towards his Christmas CD, Christmas Songs, Fernando explained that he began recording the album last winter, finishing it up in July of this year.

Creating an album is similar to giving birth, I thought: there is the conception (the idea of creating it); there is gestation (the growth and making of it); then there is the birth (its release to the public).

So in a way, Fernando has helped give birth twice this December: a new baby girl, and a new album.

The album is comprised of ten songs, several of which are instrumentals. There is a mix of traditional carols and original songs.

Of interest are Ortega's Jesus, King of Angels and a new version of O Little Town of Bethlehem, with Ortega creating a new melody for the classic Phillips Brooks lyrics.

Cover of Christmas Songs

I am quite impressed that Ortega included Carol of the Birds (a tune cellist, Pablo Casals, closed many of his concerts with), and Bring a Torch (Jeanette, Isabella (an ancient French carol) on this album.

Overall, the album is very strong, filled with joy, wonder, and great musicianship.

With eight musicians participating, ranging from violin, cello, and accordion, the album has the classic- folk meets contemporary music- sound that people have come to appreciate as the "Fernando resonance."

After discussing film editing, classical composers, hymns, and music, Fernando packed his brown, leather bag and left.

Turning to me he states, "I can't wait to get home to see Ruby."

Ah, the joy of a new life!

Fernando's recent album, Christmas Songs, is released on Curb Records and is available at local music stores or over the Internet.

Brian Nixon is a pastor, writer, musician, and family man. He currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.