The Skaggs Family – ASkaggs Family Christmas, Volume 2
2011, Skaggs Family Records
Ricky Skaggs is a known talent. His 14 GRAMMY Awards and 11 IBMA Awards are atestament to long-term excellence. Thetalent doesn’t stop with Skaggs, alone, however. The Skaggs Family as a whole is extremelytalented, blending country, bluegrass and old-school southern gospel stylesinto a mélange that is musical comfort food. Their latest effort, A SkaggsFamily Christmas, Volume 2, is due on September 27, 2011.2011, Skaggs Family Records
The album plays like an old-time gospel radio show withbluegrass style in its roots. The instrumentalwork on A Skaggs Family Christmas, Volume2, is exquisitely crafted; the vocals are down-home, yet pristine. The Skaggs get things started with “ChristmasTimes A Coming”, a folksy, bluegrass Christmas anthem that gets everythinggoing on a traditionalist slant that’s appealing. “Light Of The Stable” is a musicalcelebration of the birth of Jesus in pure southern gospel style. “The First Noel” is offered up in a gorgeous,acappella arrangement with full harmonies. “What Songs Were Sung” is absolutely inspired, a simple-yet-powerfulanthem about the first Christmas
“Silent Night” is offered in classic mixolydian style; anarrangement not dissimilar the classic hymn style used in churches for years. The Skaggs family breaks into an impressiveinstrumental on “Flight To Egypt”, reminding listeners that it’s not necessaryto rely on repetitive forms in order to speak through your instrument. “Reunion Song” is a revivalist tune, amusical coming together centered on Christmas Day and the birth of Jesus. The traditional spiritual “Children Go” isfull of life, mixing southern gospel and country styles quiteconvincingly. The album closes with acontemplative and simple, yet gorgeous arrangement of “Oh Come, Oh ComeEmmanuel”, followed by an orchestral take on “Joy To The World”.
You know when you see the Skaggs name on something musicalit’s going to be good. Whether it’s hissolo albums, work with Kentucky Thunder, The Skaggs family as a whole, or evensome of the peripheral projects of individual family members such as Songs OfWater. A Skaggs Family Christmas, Volume 2 is worth spending some timewith. The album is well-produced, themusic sounding as perfect for a concert hall stage or the back porch as afamily holiday party. The 16-song DVDthat accompanies the package is also a gem, a full concert featuring songs onthe CD and additional tracks that couldn’t be included. The entire affair is a breath of freshholiday air.Rating: 4 Stars(Out of 5)
Learn more about the Skaggs Family at www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com. ASkaggs Family Christmas, Volume 2 is available for pre-order at the abovewebsite. The album is also available forpre-order through Amazon.com as a CDor Download.