From the back cover of this album:"What happier way to celebrate Christmas? The Festive Sounds of Yuletide have never been captured with greater warmth or charm in this novel album. "Guitars At Christmas" combines the talents of five of America's most distinguished guitarists with the very special, tinsel-like sounds of Christmas: chimes, bells, celeste, music boxes, and many other memory stirring delights.
"The sixteen very popular melodies in this album are given soft but stirring interpretations by the many rich "voices" of guitarists Al Hendrickson, Howard Roberts, Bobby Gibbons, Tommy Tedesco, and Bill Pitman. The sound they develop is distinctive enough to stimulate even the most jaded of ears, adding zest and a bubbly newness to the most familiar of melodies.
"No small part of the liveli- and loveliness heard here can be attributed to the refreshing accents flowing from the "light as a Winter's night," clear as crystal, musical sounds of Christmas. These sounds, specially imported from Santa's wonderland, combine with the rich, distinctive tones of Guitars Inc. to provide a wonderful background for your Christmas, one that will make your Season's Greetings much the merrier. What happier way to celebrate Christmas?"
Indeed!
By clicking on the links above, you'll find out that these five men selected to play on this album weren't just your average, run-of-the-mill pickers. These were the best sidemen in the business at that time! Since there isn't a producer listed anywhere on the album sleeve, I tip my hat to the genius who came up with this concept at Warner Brothers back in 1959 when this album was cut.
The whole album is so well produced, so well orchestrated, and so well played by the guitarists that it's hard to imagine what this would sound like if you took one of those elements out of the equation. It's a perfect blend. Favorites include "Jingle Bells", "Deck The Halls", "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", and "White Christmas".
The standout tracks, however, are "Winter Wonderland" and "Sleigh Ride". "Wonderland" is just so crafty because of its tempo changes and the excellent guitar licks. "Sleigh Ride's" arrangement is vintage Three Suns - almost sounds like their version too! The guitars provide all the excitement on this track... it's classic.
It would have been thrilling to hear this album in STEREO... oh, that would be too much!
If you think I'm overexaggerating any of this, then visit BongoBells and download it for yourself! Bongo, thank you for finding this excellent album and giving it new life!
On to the next new Christmas CD in my collection...
Capt
