(Columbia, LP & CD, 1983)
Are you having some friends over during the holidays for a low-key party, perhaps a dinner and general fellowship? I have the album you want for your background music right here, my friends. It’s one that most people will find it hard to dislike. It’s not a high-volume, crank-it-up sort of listen, but it’s some of the best lightweight Christmas music you will ever come across. And if you do feel inclined to turn it up, well, it just sounds that much better. At least, most of the songs will.
Here is a master of the guitar picking his way through 12 mostly classic Christmas songs, accompanied in different spots by various background singers and instrumentation. I will grant that it’s a but maudlin in spots, especially when a children’s chorus joins in, but that just nitpicking. On the whole this is a most enjoyable listen.
I will mention that many critics didn’t care for this album on its release in 1983, pontificating that it was too slick, too schmaltzy with its use of background strings and vocals. Fie upon them, say I! Accept it for what it is. His version of “Jingle Bell Rock” is an upbeat but smooth lead-in to the album, catching your attention with the signature Atkins pickin’. And there are a number of other good renditions of Christmas classics. The version of “Let It Snow” is an easy-listening treat, and though it may not rank as much of a classic as the other tunes here, the title cut is a favorite of mine.
Again, not a stellar hi-fi show-off album or impressive audio masterpiece. Just a fine treatment of Christmas classics by one of the great guitar masters.