Search - Peter Rowan, Tim and Mollie O'Brien, Seldom Scene :: Sugar Plums - Holiday Treats From Sugar Hill

A mellow acoustic Christmas collection

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 11/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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

Peter Durward Harris | 01/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Sugar Plums

Peter Durward Harris | 06/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."