Track Listing

1. Away In A Manger
2. Silent Night
3. Joy To The World Duet with Jon Randall
4. Carol Of The Bells
5. The First Noel
6. Little Drummer Boy Duet with Rebecca Lynn Howard
7. Silver Bells
8. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
9. Christmas Time's A Comin'
10. Santa Train
11. Christmas Day At My House
12. Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem
13. Bluegrass, White Snow

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6031 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2002-10-29
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
O Santa, where art thou? Patty Loveless's big voice almost upstages such stately hymns here as "Away in a Manager" and "Silent Night." That said, this is one of 2002's most satisfying Christmas albums regardless of genre. Rich with harmony vocals and deft acoustic instrumentation, the CD shines bright with unexpected arrangements ("Little Drummer Boy" sounds like an old-time country tune transplanted to Ireland), while words cannot describe the simply beautiful sounds of "Carol of the Bells" and "Silver Bells," rendered with fiddles, Dobro, strumming guitars, and spirited singing. Spread the joy and buy a couple extra for the in-laws and neighbors. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews

SUPERB bluegrass/Christmas music
From Patty Loveless' first soaring, twanging notes on "Away in a Manger," you know you are in for a dual bluegrass/Christmas treat with "Bluegrass & White Snow." The instrumental arrangements are nothing short of superb, and Loveless is in fine, clear voice here. "Away in a Manger" has suitably quiet backing instruments, all the better to showcase Loveless' gorgeous Kentucky voice.

From this opening traditional tune, things only get better. "Silent Night" begins with hammer dulcimer and violin (and has Trisha Yearwood contributing background vocals to great effect!). "Joy to the World"--a duet with Jon Randall--features rich, gorgeous harmonies and the unlikely but strikingly effective combination of bells and banjo. An instrumental version of "Carol of the Bells" is absolutely lovely, using as it does mandolin, mandola, mandocello, chimes, and even wine glasses. I don't know when I've heard a prettier version of this classic. Other traditional tunes include "Silver Bells," "Little Drummer Boy," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

"Christmas Time's A Comin'" is a catchy and beautifully harmonious modern Christmas tune by Tex Logan, and Loveless gives it everything she's worth. On "Santa Train"--co-written by Loveless and her producer Emory Gordy, Jr.--articulates the childlike eagerness even adults have for Christmas, and has some terrific train sound effects from the propulsive rhythmic beat of the song itself to the "oo, oo" background vocals that suggest a train's horn. "Christmas Day at My House" is a fond look back at long-ago childhood Christmases--this tune was also written by Loveless and Gordy, as is the final cut, "Bluegrass, White Snow" is a wonderful way to end the album, with Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs contributing searingly beautiful background vocals to Loveless' sturdy singing. I can't recommend this highly enough!

It's a winner all the way! A new holiday classic.
If you're thinking that you'll like this, then get it because you will love it. All of the songs are flawlessly done. The first half of the album is more on the traditional side (but bluegrass, of course), while the last half is a little more raucous (three of which are new originals by Patty and husband/producer Emory Gordy Jr). There are shimmering harmonies throughout; but like in the great "Mountain Soul", my favorites are when Patty and her sister, Carmella Ramsey, sing harmony together. They really have something special together. Their harmonies on the new "Christmas Day At My House" is a particular standout. Another standout is the title track, which features Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs in the background.



Don't miss it! You'll love breaking this one out every year.

Won't Leave You Feelin' Blue
As it's title suggests, Loveless' collection offers Christmas from a bluegrass perspective. The first eight tracks are comprised primarily of hymns. Tight harmonies abound, with Trisha Yearwood ("The First Noel"), Jon Randall ("Joy To The World"), and Rebecca Lynn Howard ("Little Drummer Boy") among the well-chosen collaborators. The final tracks are made up of bluegrass staples "Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem" and "Christmas Time's A Comin'" as well as three sprightly compositions (including the title track) by Loveless and hubby Emory Gordy Jr. that are destined for stapledom. While not musically diverse, this acoustic album can't be topped for purity of sound.