A Gospel Bluegrass Christmas

A Gospel Bluegrass Christmas

ASIN: B0006866NG

Track Listings

1. Happy Birthday, Jesus

2. I Want To Tell The World

3. Oh, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

4. When They Saw The Star

5. Silent Night

6. Will There Ever Be A Silent Night?

7. In Bethlehem

8. Ordinary Man Like Me

9. Away In The Manger

10. Joy to The World

11. Do You Believe In Christmas?

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Southern Dogwood is comprised of a group of talented musicians who believe God has called them into a ministry of music to honor and glorify Him. Every note they play and every word they sing is to that end. Bluegrass Gospel at it's best!

Product Description
Heartfelt vocals and fine musicianship combine to create "A Gospel Bluegrass Christmas". This CD contains familiar carols, along with seven original songs by group member Patricia Jones. Tracks include "Silent Night", "Joy To The World", "Do You Believe In Christmas?", and "Will There Ever Be A Silent Night?".

Tracks:

An Droichead (The Bridge) - Liam O'Flynn
Sior-Uaine (Evergreen) - Phil Cunningham
Derdriu - Maire Breathnach
Airdi Cuan - Triona Ni Dhomhnaill
Sweeney's Buttermilk - Paddy Glackin
Cradle Song - William Coulter
Morning Star - Lisa Lynne
Ar Droim Na Gaothe - John Fitzpatrick
Whiter Than Snow - Nightnoise
St. Stephen's Green - W.G. Snuffy Walden
December Rain - Brian Dunning
Kitty Magennis - Patrick Cassidy
Christmas Time's A Comin' - Ricky Scaggs

Amazon.com

With contributions from Uillean piper Liam O'Flynn, Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler, former Skara Brea singer Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, harpist Patrick Cassidy, and country singer Ricky Skaggs, the fourth in Windham Hill's Celtic Christmas sampler series is a varied and somewhat austere collection of winter ballads and yuletide airs. Guitarist William Coulter turns in a lovely arrangement of J. Scott Skinner's "Cradle Song," while harp and mandolin player Lisa Lynne, backed with bouzouki and double-bass, performs the two-beat "Morning Star." W.G. Snuffy Walden's lyrical "St. Stephen's Green," with added guitar by Dean Parks, sums up the album's moody yuletide sentiment. A Christmas to reflect and relax. --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews:

Scaggs is fine, get over it!.......2006-12-12

Vol 4 is great and covers the DIVERSITY of celtic tunes. There's an obvious link to these tunes and the last track and, admittedly Windham Hills didn't do it as gracefully as the majority of folks would wish but plz folks, get over it. I enjoy reading the feedback of others because I generally learn much - I agree and thank the reviewer who pointed out 'Derdriu' - great piece of music. Glad I got 'Light of the Stable' (by Emmylou Harris) in the same shipment with this one; perfect bookend piece.

If anyone out there hasn't heard Vol I, II and III you really should but you might OD on traisping through the highlands, that's why I like Ricky.

Soul-lifting, but not your average Christmas album.......2005-12-18

This is Nightnoise at its best, although but one track bears the group's name. However it has nothing to do with standard Yuletide albums- if by that you mean the umpteenth rendition of "God Rest Ye" or "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing".

It is pervaded by a Northern Christmas atmosphere that is unmistakeable, and brings to mind the snow-covered flatlands kindled with the small distant lights that go with the image.

(Although to a Mediterranean Roman Catholic as myself, it is quite obvious that Jesus Christ was born on a cool but definitely not snow-ridden night in Palestine)

I totally disagree with previous reviews on the last two tracks. "Kitty Magennis" is a tune by Turlough O'Carolan that has nothing to do with Christmas but in this setting by Patrick Cassidy acquires a certain spirit that makes it fit for the context. And "Christmas Time's A-Comin'" is a beautifully humorous contrast with the rest of the album.

Thoroughly enjoyable, in our family it is one of the two pillars of our Christmas season, together with another album which I highly recommend: Tuck Andress's "Hymns, Carols and Songs about Snow".

Down with "Kitty" and "Ricky"!.......2005-12-12

I am in accord with most of the previous reviewers in that I also feel that "Kitty Magennis" and "Christmas Time's a' Comin'"
are the "wild cards" popping out of the pack and do NOT belong on this CD! I greatly enjoy Maire Breatnach's "Derdriu," which is almost Appalachian-sounding in my opinion. My favorite cut is the poignant "December Rain" by Brian Dunning and Jeff Johnson.

Skagged!.......2002-09-13

I greatly enjoyed this CD except for the last two cuts, "Kitty Magennis" and "Christmas Time's A'Comin'."
"Kitty Magennis" seemed too bland and didn't have anything to recommend it. The presence of the Ricky Skaggs song felt like an attempt to make the CD more "Christmassy." Its inclusion in the collection felt like an afterthought or a "throwaway" cut.

My wedding music.......2001-03-05

I, like so may others, picked this CD up at Christmas time 3 years ago. I love it so much, that I am using it for my wedding ceremony to be held outside in July if that tells you anything. PS- All brides looking for Celtic renditions of "Here Comes the Bride", forget it... it is not out there!

Average customer rating:

Great bluegrass holiday tunes

Christmas in the Mountains
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rebel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Christmas Time with Ralph Stanley
Bluegrass Christmas Collection: Christmas Time's a Comin
Bluegrass & White Snow: A Mountain Christmas

ASIN: B0000D8IOR
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Christmas In Caroline - The Wildwood Valley Boys
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem - Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys
The Christmas Letter - Tommy Edwards
Emmanuel - Paul Williams & The Victory Trio
Christmas Time - The Wildwood Valley Boys
Blue Christmas - Larry Sparks
Christmas Time Back Home - The Country Gentlemen
Slowly Fall The Snowflakes - Bill Carroll
I Can't Go Home This Christmas - Paul Williams & The Victory Trio
Christmas In Virginia - Lost & Found
Mary, Merry Christmas - Ralph Stanley II
Christmas Time's A-Comin' - Larry Sparks
Silent Night - The Country Gentlemen
When It's Snowin' In The Mountains - The Wildwood Valley Boys

Customer Reviews:

Great bluegrass holiday tunes.......2003-12-19

A rough-hewn, soulful set of bluegrass yuletide, with tracks dating back to Rebel's early '60s origins. The Country Gentlemen, Larry Sparks, Dr. Ralph Stanley and others add their holiday cheer... High marks go to Paul Williams and his Victory Trio, who are (naturally) quite well suited to the genre. Highly recommended!

Sugar Plums - Holiday Treats From Sugar Hill

Average customer rating:

A Real Plum!
A mellow acoustic Christmas collection
Excellent Christmas CD
My favorite Christmas album
Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums - Holiday Treats From Sugar Hill
Peter Rowan , Tim and Mollie O'Brien , Seldom Scene , Doc Watson , and Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Tinsel Tunes
Bluegrass Christmas Collection: Christmas Time's a Comin
O Christmas Tree
Live at the Cellar Door
Christmas on the Mountain: A Bluegrass Christmas

ASIN: B000000F20
Release Date: 1996-11-24

Tracks:

Making Plans - Tim O'Brien
Christmas Time's A-Coming - Peter Rowan
The First Noel/It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/Joy To The World - Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Christmas Lullaby - Doc Watson
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem - John Starling
Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Ranch Romance
What Child Is This - Dan Crary
Christ Was Born In Bethlehem - Tim & Mollie O'Brien
Silent Night - The Seldom Scene
Nothing But A Child - Robin & Linda Williams
The Carpenter Shop - The Bluegrass Cardinals
Away In A Manager - Jerry Douglas
That White Christmas Song - Red Knuckles & The Trailblazers

Customer Reviews:

A Real Plum!.......2004-12-11

I ordered this CD without having heard any of the cuts on it because of John Starling's (formerly of the Seldom Scene) singing of "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," one of my favorite Christmas songs. (While his version is fine, nobody can touch Emmy Lou Harris on that one, however.) My favorite song here has to be Doc Watson's beautifully plaintive version of "Christmas Lullaby." In addition to these two great bluegrass singers, there are selections by Peter Rowan, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Tim and Mollie O'Brien, The Seldom Scene, Robin and Linda Williams, The Bluegrass Cardinals et al. Other great cuts are the a capella arrangement of "The First Novel/It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Joy To the World" by Doyle Lawsosn and Quicksilver, "Christ Was Born in Bethlehem" by Tim and Mollie O'Brien, "Silent Night" by The Seldom Scene and "The Carpenter Shop" by The Bluegrass Cardinals with their eerily beautiful close harmony. I should point out that-- unlike many collections-- ten of the thirteen cuts here are released for the first time so you get for the most part an all new CD. My only gripe, and it's certainly a minor one, is that with the exception of The Bluegrass Cardinals' song, there's not a banjo within five hundred miles. I don't understand the omission of this beautiful instrument.

This CD, however, really is a plum and will quickly become one of your favorites of the season.

A mellow acoustic Christmas collection.......2003-11-03

This is a very mellow album - even Christmas time's a coming, the bluegrass standard covered here by Peter Rowan, is performed in a comparatively relaxed manner. That's not a criticism, but it is important to know what you are buying. This is definitely not party music but it is great to listen to during quieter moments.

Aside from Peter Rowan, many of Sugar Hill's finest are contributors, including Tim and Mollie O'Brien, Doyle Lawson, Doc Watson, John Starling, Ranch Romance (who do an excellent cover of Santa bring my baby back to me, previously recorded by Elvis Presley), Dan Crary, the Seldom Scene, Robin and Linda Williams, the Bluegrass Cardinals and Jerry Douglas. The songs are an excellent mix of covers (including Steve Earle's Nothing but a child, performed here by Robin and Linda Williams) and originals. The final track is titled That white Christmas song is actually a blend of different standards, but the one about chestnuts roasting on an open fire gets the biggest share. Red Knuckles and the trailblazers do it superbly.

This is an excellent collection of acoustic music that will never sell in huge quantities but will please those who enjoy such music. If you are familiar with the artists that recorded for the Sugar Hill record label during the eighties and nineties and you enjoy their music, you will love this album. If you are new to these artists but you enjoy acoustic folk-country music, this is a good way of getting to know them.

Excellent Christmas CD.......2003-01-29

This is heartfelt but also a lot of fun. A fairly diverse group of artists without straying too far from the bluegrass/traditional vein. On my Christmas favorites list, right up there with Elvis' Christmas Album (the 1st one) which also has the great Santa Bring My Baby (Back To Me), The Ventures' Christmas Album, The Chieftains' Bells of Dublin, and Chris Stamey & Friends' Christmas Time.

My favorite Christmas album.......2002-02-13

A really good Christmas album. This is the first one that comes off the shelf the day after thanksgiving at my house. Communicates the miracle of Christ's birth and the significance of the incarnation in a down-to-earth, thoroughly enjoyable and moving compilation. All that and it is still a load of fun! I love "That White Christmas Song." What a hoot! Everything is tasty and well-executed. Normally I don't go for compilations but this one is a real gem. I think the Bluegrass Cardinals tune is not one of their better efforts, but is still ok.

Sugar Plums.......2000-06-20

This is the best bluegrass Christmas album I have listened to. If you like bluegrass and would are looking for something to put you in the holiday mood this is the CD for you. There is a good mixture of artists and a good mixture of musical styles to make up a very enjoyable CD.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Music!!!
The Way in A Manger
Makes you remember the TRUE meaning of "Christ"mas
Thought-provoking, meaningful, original Christmas songs.

The Way in a Manger: Country Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002NI0
Release Date: 1997-10-07

Tracks:

What A Wonderful Beginning - Lisa Brokop
Our Savior Is Born - Steve Warnier
Who Is This Baby - The Judds
The Way In A Manger - Paul Brandt Union Station
Light Of The Stable - Emmylou Harris
Mary Did You Know - Billy Dean
Part Of Heaven - Gary Chapman/ Allison Krauss
It Wasn't His Child - Skip Ewing
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman - Randy Travis
What Made The Baby Cry - Toby Keith
Nothing But A Child - Kathy Mattea
Strange Way To Save The World - B.J. Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Music!!!.......2002-10-05

I have this album on cassette and just ordered it on CD. As a christian I love that so many wonderful songs can be found on one album. All the artists did a great job on each song. Part of Heaven was my favorite. .

The Way in A Manger.......1999-12-07

This is the most thought-provoking, energizing, and spiritual CD I have ever listened to during the Holiday Season... Many of the songs place you at the point in time of the savior's birth and you get to experience the thoughts, emotions, decisions, & questions faced by Mary and Joseph related to their precious son... A wonderful CD for parents everywhere, regardless of religious preference... I'm ordering CD's for my best friends and family.

Makes you remember the TRUE meaning of "Christ"mas.......1999-11-22

Great songs -- great artists -- We were looking for music that reminded us of the season -- This was our favorite last year.

Thought-provoking, meaningful, original Christmas songs........1998-11-05

The mix of country artists and heart-warming Christain Christmas songs add significantly to the Christmas spirit. From Alison Krauss and Emmy Lou Harris to Billy Dean and Toby Keith, the songs are sung with emotion and truth. Stresses the Real meaning of Christmas.

Average customer rating:

Christmas music to warm your heart and soul

A Gospel Bluegrass Christmas
Southern Dogwood
Manufacturer: Lamon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0006866NG
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Happy Birthday, Jesus
I Want To Tell The World
Oh, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
When They Saw The Star
Silent Night
Will There Ever Be A Silent Night?
In Bethlehem
Ordinary Man Like Me
Away In The Manger
Joy to The World
Do You Believe In Christmas?

Album Description

Heartfelt vocals and fine musicianship combine to create "A Gospel Bluegrass Christmas". This CD contains familiar carols, along with seven original songs by group member Patricia Jones. Tracks include "Silent Night", "Joy To The World", "Do You Believe In Christmas?", and "Will There Ever Be A Silent Night?".

Customer Reviews:

Christmas music to warm your heart and soul.......2004-11-14

Bluegrass and Christmas can make strange bedfellows. Witness 2002's "Christmas on the Mountain," a star-studded stinkaroo that sounded for all the world like the caterwauling of hillbillies whose Christmas spirit came out of a jug marked XXX. There's nothing artificial about Southern Dogwood's spirit, however - sincerity rings out clarion-clear from every cut on the Carrollton, GA-based quintet's reverent Christmas CD. A cute a cappella birthday serenade to Jesus (courtesy of band member Adam Teal's niece) sets the homespun tone, leading into the foot-stomping "Happy Birthday, Jesus," one of seven original songs composed for the album by fiddler/vocalist Pat Jones. Ms. Jones clearly knows the Reason for the Season and displays a genuine talent for expressing her faith - and for encapsulating the renewing power of Christmas - in such catchy tunes as the soul-stirring "Will There Ever Be a Silent Night?" and "In Bethlehem," an infectious old country church clap-along that features some of the album's best picking and sawing. The album crests with "When They Saw the Star," Ms. Jones' imaginative minor-key retelling of the Nativity. The song's haunting melody and uplifting message is a welcome antidote to the crass commercialism that can ruin Christmas, if you let it. Lively renditions of four Christmas mainstays - "Oh, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," "Away in a Manger," "Joy to the World" - round out this worthy effort.

Average customer rating:

Merry Mountain Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Cmh Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B0000010SP
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Carol Of The Bells - Pat Milliken/Lorenzo Martinez/David West
My Favorite Things - Joe Craven/David West
O Christmas Tree - James Edwards/Joe Craven/David West
Wassail Song - Kate Price/Joe Craven/David West
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - James Edwards/Joe Craven/David West
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Joe Craven/David West
The Holly And The Ivy - Kate Price/John O'Connor/David West
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing - Pat Milliken/David West
Christ Child Lullaby - Mike Mullins
Ave Maria - James Edwards/John O'Connor/David West
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Joe Craven/David West
In Christ There Is No East Or West/Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - David West

Product Description

Tracks:

I'm Going Home, It's Christmas Time
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem
Christmas Praise
Jesus Christ Is Born
Christmas Time's A Comin'
Don't Make Us Cry On Christmas Day
The Christmas Spirit
Just A Moment Now To Pray
Bright Morning Star
Christmas Is Near
That's Christmas Time To Me

Customer Reviews:

What do you mean? This is Ralph at his Best!.......2005-12-15

Just to clear things up, YES, this whole cd is Ralph Stanley. He does have a lead singer (Ernie Thacker on this one) who sings many of the songs with Ralph doing the tenor. But like all other "Ralph" albums, the lead singer does most of the singing and Ralph sings tenor, with the exception of two or three songs, which are sung completely by Ralph.
This album was recorded in 1993, and if you like Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, this album will be perfect for your holiday season! Enjoy.

Alex, 16.

Not what it seems..........2005-12-13

I purchased this CD for my father a week or so ago. I was soooo excited to find Ralph Stanley Christmas music on CD that I had to give it to him before Christmas. I wanted to save him the trouble of dragging the record player upstairs and playing his old scratched 33's. I didn't notice until I so proudly gave it to him that only 2 or 3 of the songs on this CD are by Ralph Stanley. BOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't pay your $16.00 unless your looking for a Bluegrass compilation CD.

Average customer rating:

Hope of All the Earth
Jami Smith
Manufacturer: Jami Smith
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CA8THE
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Average customer rating:

Celebrate the traditions, excitement & magic of winter -- this CD's a perfect companion to a crackling fire & a glass of eggnog

The Season of My Heart
Rick Lang & Friends
Manufacturer: Haley Anna Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAG2FK
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Customer Reviews:

Celebrate the traditions, excitement & magic of winter -- this CD's a perfect companion to a crackling fire & a glass of eggnog.......2005-11-25

Playing Time - 38:06
SONGS - 1. The Season of My Heart (2:15),2.Heavenly Peace (3:46),3.Decorate The Tree With Love (3:56),4.Sleigh Bells (2:04),5.Waltz Of The Falling Snowflakes (2:55),6.I Dreamed That I Was There (3:48),7.The Tree They All Passed By (2:32),8.Christmas Every Day Of The Year (3:35),9.There's A Song In The Air (2:16),10.Sleigh Full Of Toys (2:58),11.Follow The Star (3:27),12.A Season's Greeting (1:31),13.Lift Up Your Hearts (2:51)

If not available at this site, you might check at [...] Rick Lang has a long-standing love of the winter season. He lives in New Hampshire, a state where dreaming of a white Christmas is often a reality. "The Season of my Heart," a project with thirteen originals written or co-written by Lang, celebrates the traditions, excitement and magic of winter. His inspiration stems from such images as the baby Jesus asleep in His mother's arms, the Christmas tree, an evening sleigh ride, the falling snow, the star of the east, and the sound of angelic voices. An 8-page CD insert includes all lyrics. Songwriter Lang sings two of his compositions ("There's a Song in the Air" and "A Season's Greeting"), and he plays rhythm guitar on "Decorate the Tree with Love." While his singing isn't the strongest, it is nice to hear the songwriter present at least a few of his numbers in his pleasant, relaxed voicing. Some harmony could have enhanced "There's a Song in the Air," with its words from a poem written by Josiah G. Holland in 1872.

Lead vocals for most of the songs are ably sung by Karen Lincoln Wilbur, although bassist Bob Dick does well on "I Dreamed that I was There" and "Sleigh Bells" while Valerie Crockett is the lead vocalist for the bluesy "Sleigh Full of Toys." Other assisting musicians include Dave Dick, Roger Williams, Walter Crockett, Rob Huffman, Mark Manueal, Fran McConville, Lincoln Meyers, and Ken Taylor. Karen, Bob and Dave are well-known from their work with Waystation, Northern Lights, Front Range, Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band, and other bands.

The album's instrumentation is acoustic with primarily guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro, and piano. Huffman's whistles even appear on two tracks. While some bluegrass fans might be slightly disappointed by the lack of fiddle or the appearance of Dave Dick's banjo only on "Sleigh Bells" and "The Tree They All Passed By," this album has plenty to enthuse a bluegrass afficinado. Roger Williams' dobro is one exceptional item that immediately comes to mind. Bob Dick's bass is solid. And Frank McConville's mandolin on "Sleigh Full of Toys" is also very tastfully rendered. The title cut from the album is receiving some good airplay as a result of being featured as the lead off number on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, Volume 66, although I think it wouldn't have hurt to include some banjo and harmony vocals in the mix for that song.

Rick Lang is an excellent songwriter, and you can hear his material on records from such bluegrass groups as Lonesome River Band, IIIrd Tyme Out, Front Range, Paul Adkins & The Borderline Band, and Southern Rail. Lang's other albums include "Out Where the Wildflowers Grow" in 1991, "A Tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Boston Marathon" in 1996, and "First Night" in 1997. Now, his latest release celebrating winter, is one that is comfortably warm and would make a good companion to a crackling fire and a glass of eggnog. Each sparkling, happy song is like a musical holiday card that brightens the day. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Average customer rating:

Great bluegrass Christmas album!

Christmas Time Back Home
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rebel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

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Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00000024V
Release Date: 1994-08-25

Tracks:

Christmas Time Back Home - The Country Gentlemen
Christmas Time's A-Coming - Larry Sparks
Slowly Fall The Snowflakes - Bill Carroll
Blue Christmas - Larry Sparks
Jingle Bells - The Country Gentlemen
If You Are To Sin Inclined - Bill Carroll
Christmas Is Not Far Away - Red Ellis & The Huron Valley Boys
It's Christmas Time - Larry Sparks
Home For Christmas - Red Ellis & The Huron Valley Boys
Silent Night - The Country Gentlemen
Christmas Is Near - Larry Sparks
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem - Ralph Stanley

Customer Reviews:

Great bluegrass Christmas album!.......1999-10-07

I have had this album on vinyl for many years and was excited to see that it is now available on CD. The album offers a nice variety of artists, and a nice mix of traditional and more eclectic material. Even the traditional material receives unique bluegrass treatments.

Album Review:

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