Customer Reviews

Home for Christmas: Voices From the Heartland

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One of the first entries into the Holiday album sweepstakes this year is this various artists sampler from Rounder. While the album title and cover art may lead you to think this is an all-country/bluegrass affair (after all, that's the bulk of Rounder's roster), this collection also makes stops at blues and soul as well.

Of course, cowboy crooners Riders In the Sky start things off with a heartfelt rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and the reigning queen of bluegrass Rhonda Vincent does a lively version of "Let it Snow." However, highlights include Charles Brown's soulful performance of "Please Come Home for Christmas" and the a cappella quartet The Persuasions make "You're All I Want for Christmas" a religious experience. RECOMMENDED

Playing Time - 41:46 -- Record labels take great joy in giving us holiday presents that also serve as highly playable samplers of their many great signed artists. A favorite label among acoustic music lovers, Rounder Records' "Home for Christmas" also illustrates just how eclectic the label's offerings have become over the years. The juxtaposition of popular Christmas carols sung a cappella by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and selections from Roomful of Blues and Charles Brown doesn't bother this listener who enjoys many varieties of music. Later in the set, a soulful presentation of The Persuasions' "You're All I Want for Christmas" demonstrates a different kind of a cappella arrangement. Some listeners might find the set to be so varied that they'll feel a little uneasy, but I found it to be a satisfying experience. Whether blues, bluegrass, western swing, R&B or light jazz, Rounder's seasonal sounds are perfect for family gatherings where some mostly easy listening entertainment is needed to create that yuletide mood. You might even be moved to dancing with your second cousin when Wilson Pickett's rocking rendition of "Jingle Bells" or Shirley Alston's funky "Winter Wonderland" cue up. How can you resist tapping your toes to Sam Moore's holiday soul?

While the songs are standard covers for Christmas albums, the diverse offerings are very well-arranged and inspirational. As a sampler, it's wonderful. A notable rendering of "The Christmas Song" by Deanna Carter, for example, also gets one curious about her entire album of holiday music (Father Christmas - Rounder 11661-0496-2). And if one's never heard Leon Redbone's "Christmas Island" album, then "Blue Christmas" is a savory tasting from that. A better choice to sample from that project, however, might have been his "Frosty the Snowman" duet with Dr. John. All in all, I predict that Rounder's little gift to us will even cause the Grinch and Mr. Scrooge to smile. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)