Self-produced, along with Biff Watson and Mike Bradley, this very enjoyable CD includes standard Christmas rockers like 'Jingle Bell Rock' (Joe Beal, Jim Boothe) and 'Run Rudolph Run', the traditional 'Away in a Manger' and 'Silent Night', arranged in Aaron�s inimitable way, along with Biff Watson, and several brand-new originals sure to be future Christmas classics. 'The Year That Santa Came', my personal favourite, is a swing-type honky-tonk collaboration with wife Thea reminiscent of Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, which will get your toes tappin� and your fingers snappin�. 'He Said That He Was Jesus' really stands out with Aaron�s golden vocals and heartfelt lyrics and is one of the songs that feature Paul Franklin on pedal and lap steel guitar and an instrument I�m not familiar with � a melobro.
Jim Hoke does a great job on tenor saxophone and harmonica on the laid-back 'It�s Way Too Close to Christmas To Be This Far From You' (a collaboration with Aaron, Donny Kees and Billy Craven). Aaron�s specialty seems to be his versatility in vocalizing � he can croon softly when needed and growl like a bear on the hard-rocking tunes, and he�s excellently accompanied by Thea, whose vocals complement his perfectly.
I especially enjoyed 'Mama�s Getting Ready for Christmas' (co-written with Thea Tippen and Ricky Scruggs), which everyone can relate to when it comes to a family member who�s absolutely manic with Christmas decorations and other preparations.
Also contributing are popular session players who variously appear on brand-new CDs from Chely Wright, Reba McEntire, Gary Allan and George Jones - Steve Nathan on keys and various synthesized instruments; Mike Brignardello on electric bass; Lonnie Wilson and Eric Darken on various percussive instruments and drums; Brent Mason and Biff Watson on electric and gut string guitars; and the essential talents of Aubrey Haynie on fiddle, octave fiddle and mandolin. Wes Hightower, Melodie Crittendon and John Wesley Ryles and Lianna Manis all provide excellent background vocals.
This certainly is a memorable Christmas CD and one to please the entire family! |
