John Metzger

Geez. The biggest gripe of this review seems to be that the arrangements and performances are too "conservative"? Bah...humbug :-D

I've been listening to the recording for a few days now, and I find it superb listening, including some bluegrbutt, some country-type arrangements, a few with a little Celtic-type of flair and instrumentation, one or two with "orchestral" backup, and a really cool swing tune featuring Buck's lead singing. It's Christmas music of diverse styles and arrangements but all well & tastefully played and *beautifully* sung. I particularly love the crystal clear, fresh and young voices of Molly Skaggs and Rachel White. I find myself repeating tracks 3 (What Child Is This), 7 (Christmas Time Is Here), and in particular 13 (Do You Hear What I Hear) over and over.

Another set of typically bluegrbutt arrangemeents of 13 holiday songs would have been, dare I say it, *boring*. And I don't think it would have been a good fit for the ladies' voices. As it is, IMHO this recording falls well-short of any type of "regal reverence". The arrangements are lively and appropriate.

But that's just me...

-- Steve Kranz Homebrewer extraordinaire, banjo player mediocaire Visit the Midnight Homebrewers' League on the web at: