7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A different kind of Christmas record..., November 11, 2004
This review is from: Winter's Eve: Acoustic Music (Audio CD)
If you're like me, the grotesque instrumentation (MORE jingling bells?) and naggingly sing-song refrains of typical holiday music drive you to overload on the eggnog, steal a snowplow, point it torwards the Mexican border, and floor it. Well, thankfully, the existence of this little gem confirms I'm not the only one who feels like this. A Winter's Eve is smart, subtle stuff that conveys the warm humanity of the season with grace and dignity. Mostly instrumental, it comes from a place where jazz, bluegrass, folk, and rootsy pop (what the magazines now call "Americana") are really one in the same. And really, what better way to convey the joy and unity of the season? If jazz fans and bluegrasss fans can come together, maybe there's hope for the rest of us. Alison Brown's delicately jazzy banjo playing is a big highlight, and this is the first place I ever heard the great singing fiddler Andrea Zonn (well, I heard her on other people's records, but never solo until now). Pierce Pettis remains a pillar of the contemporary folk scene, and if you ain't heard John R. Burr yet, hit the "Buy It Now" button. And for heaven's sake, replace your copy of Manheim Steamroller and/or Alvin and the Chipmunks with this. PLEASE.
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