🎶 "Celebrate the King"—the new holiday release from artist and producer Larry Karpenko—is a vibrant fusion of faith, family, and musical innovation. Recorded at Kreation Records Studio in Loma Linda, California, the album reimagines beloved Christmas classics and introduces original works that balance reverence with joy.
Standout tracks like the exuberant title song “Celebrate the King,” the tender “Lullaby for a King,” and the soulful “Jesus, You’re Christmas” showcase Karpenko’s gift for blending jazz, gospel, cinematic ballads, and contemporary worship. Collaborators including Ben Phipatanakul, Shawn Scott, and Earnest Kim infused each track with rich texture and emotion, while influences from Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Diana Krall, and Jon Bellion shaped the album’s modern yet timeless sound.
Two reinterpretations push the creative envelope:
• 🎻 “One Small Child” channels the cinematic intensity of a James Bond scene—driving beats, dramatic melodies, and a gypsy violin—echoing the emotional depth of David Meece’s original while adding a bold, orchestral flair.
• 🎧 “Mary, Did You Know?” draws inspiration from Jon Bellion’s 2023 collaboration with Switchfoot on their reimagining of “Meant to Live.” Karpenko brings a modern edge to Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene’s classic, using focused instrumentation and a fresh, dynamic arrangement that bridges sacred tradition with contemporary urgency.
“The process was both creative and sacred,” Karpenko shares. “Each session began with prayer and a sense of purpose—we wanted every note to carry heart and hope.”
Following the release, Karpenko is preparing for the 2026 premiere of his original brass and cello composition, "Call to The Helper." With "Celebrate the King," he offers listeners a joyful, spiritually resonant soundtrack to the season—one that bridges generations through the shared language of music.
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
to add lyrics if not listed.
