| A Very Special Acoustic Christmas - Various Artists | |
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Reviewed by Jennifer Webb
Some of the biggest named stars have joined forces to a fine collection of Christmas songs called A Very Special Acoustic Christmas. With songs from Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire, Marty Stuart, Rhonda Vincent, and so many more artists, you are taken on a ride through the snow in a one horse open sleigh ("Jingle Bells") and ending up recalling fond memories in "Christmas Time at Home."
Reba McEntire has a very pleasant voice and her having the first track, "Silent Night," is a treat that will draw the listeners in to the other works contained in this collection. I know it did for me considering the tune is one of my favorites during Christmas-time.
The fun and upbeat "Frosty The Snowman," performed by Dan Tyminski, has a fun sound to it mixed in with a little bluegrass, too. Not only does Dan sing, but he also plays the bells and the mandolin while Fellow Union Station member Ron Block plays the guitar.
Willie Nelson sings a bluesy sounding tune about wanting his baby to come back so they can be together for the holidays in "Please Come Home For Christmas." "Won't you tell me that you'll never more roam and Christmas and New Year will find you home" he sings in between prominent pedal steel and acoustic bass. At the very end there is a solo of tubular bells.
"Just Put A Ribbon In Your Hair" is a heart-warming song where Alan Jackson sings about how the kids wants different toys and goodies but he only wants what he already has - the love of his life. Her standing there right beside the tree would bring him enough joy to last another year.
The ever-talented Earl Scruggs plays an acoustic/bluegrass sounding "Jingle Bells" that only he could pull off. It is most definitely a toe tapper if I have ever heard one - how could you not want to enjoy the spirit of the season as the blending of banjo, bass, acoustic guitar, fiddle, and mandolin create such a beautiful sound.
"Oh, holly in the window, fireplace burning bright. Candlelights a blowin' on Christmas Night" is how Ralph Stanley (along with a recognizable Patty Loveless on harmony vocals) begins the song, "Christmas Is Near." Written by Ralph, the song is about the cool clear water and snowflakes falling and how it means that special day has almost arrived.
Patty Loveless beautifully sings "O Come All Ye Faithful," Wynonna voice is loud and clear on "O Holy Night," and laid back and simple is the overall sound of Pat Green's version of "Winter Wonderland."
It is a shame that I have to wait until the fourteenth track to hear one of my favorite artists, Rhonda Vincent, but "Christmas Time" is worth waiting for because it sounds upbeat and cheery and as a plus was written by Rhonda, too. During the holidays being it home is a priority for almost everyone and singing about the joy and love takes everyone back to their very own special memories that hold in their hearts.
I would never think of adding Norah Jones and Tift Merritt to this acoustic collection but their two songs ("I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Peace") fit in for a unique close to A Very Special Acoustic Christmas The sixteen songs on this album are very enjoyable and the collection itself is for a great cause - to benefit the Special Olympics.
Song List:
Album cover, used with permission of Lost Highway.
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