Well, I guess you can tell that I have a broad love of music, huh? I think if you are a TRUE music lover, like I would consider myself, then you have an appreciation for all different styles. Sharing this love for all kinds of music is what I’m setting out to do right here on Focus on the 615–a site devoted to truly great music and entertainment coming out of Nashville aka the 615!
This new Christmas album from Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, & Family entitled ‘A Skaggs Family Christmas: Volume 2’ would be a poignant and beautiful addition to anyone’s holiday collection. Have I mentioned that my favorite instrument is the mandolin and who plays that instrument better than Ricky Skaggs himself?
The album starts with a fun, playful bluegrass tune “Christmas Time’s A Coming”. I have to admit my foot was a-tapping (yes, I said it!) and there was a time that I would’ve complained it was a little too twangy for my taste, but I loved it! It puts me right in mind of being at the Grand Ole Opry when the cloggers come on stage–always my favorite part at the Opry! Followed by “Light Of The Stable”, a beautiful, light and airy tribute of praise to the reason for the season. (Let’s not forget what Christmas is all about and it DOES bother me that it seems that more & more the word “Christmas” is taken out and replaced by “holidays” as to not offend people. Ummm…no. For me, it will always be Christmas, that’s how I was raised, and I will always remember why I celebrate this holiday. So, wish me a “merry Christmas”, please, or you’ll offend me! :))
Then, there’s the Christmas classic “The First Noel” — a beautiful, a cappella version recorded live that gave me chills. “What Songs Were Sung” is a hauntingly-poignant, piano-driven ballad. I, also, thoroughly enjoyed the instrumental version of “Flight To Egypt”. Such musicianship! I was reminded of some other masterfully-skilled musicians listening to this–Bering Strait. If you haven’t heard of them, they are the classically-trained country group out of Russia that hit the music scene a few years back. Sadly, they never really took off despite being nominated for a Grammy for their instrumental song. I wasn’t that crazy about “Reunion Song”. I guess by this point, I just didn’t want to hear more religious songs. A little goes a long way with me. “Children Go” was definitely a tune that would appeal to your Bluegrass-traditionalist. It started to get a little too twangy for me at this point, though. Just being honest. I can only take so much twang! haha Not a knock against this album or Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, that’s just me! I respect them for the mastery of their craft. I’m just not a full convert to bluegrass, but I do appreciate it and good music. Next on the album was “Joy To The World”, which I believe had to have been done with a symphony because of the big sound created with all the extra strings added that ONLY a full symphony accompaniment would provide. It was beautiful, instrumental only, and a holiday classic that I would not expect to find on a Christmas album by bluegrass artists. The final song on the album is “Oh Come, Oh come, Emmanuel”, which as a melancholy ballad that was a beautiful ending to the album.
If you want a well-crafted album with wonderful musicianship, then look no further than this album filled with beautiful music to make your holidays just that much sweeter to your ears! This is an album filled with traditional bluegrass and Christmas classics done in a classical style that will sooth the mind & touch the heart.
Rated 4 stars out of 5.
