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Our Review

Three years ago, I reviewed Christmas Grass, Vol. 2, a fun compilation that featured bluegrass icons such as Dolly Parton, Rhonda Vincent, and many others. Now here comes Christmas Grass, Vol. 3, which has the same bluegrass enthusiasm, but differs in two important respects. First, this is not a true compilation of "various artists," although many fine folks do appear; the core of this production is 3 Fox Drive, and the three Fox siblings (Kim, Barb, and Joel) deliver nicely-executed harmonies throughout. The second difference is that this album contains all vocals; the previous volume included several fine instrumentals.

As one might expect, Christmas Grass is all about bluegrass, and the vocals are delivered with a distinct country twang. For me, the album's star tracks are all about stars; the opening New Star Shining (featuring Sonya Isaacs) and One Bright Star (with 16-year-old Sarah Jarosz) are both brightly delivered, with sweet sincerity and clean clarity. Since I'm a sucker for great harmonies, I also favor 3 Fox Drive's handling of White Christmas and I'll Be Home for Christmas. As the album comes to a close, get ready to stand and wave your flag for Watching over the Soldiers at Christmas, which even includes the rich voice of Charlie Daniels somberly reading the pledge of allegiance.

Country/bluegrass music fanatics will surely want to collect Vol. 3 and any and all upcoming volumes of Christmas Grass. Anyone who enjoys acoustic music and strong vocals with a country slant will find much to like here.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

This collection of newly recorded Christmas standards encompasses the artistry of an array of incredible musicians, anchored by the family harmonies of Kim, Barb and Joel Fox, 3 Fox Drive, this project heralds some of the greatest musical talent of our time. The International Bluegrass Music Association's Male Vocalist of the Year, Larry Sparks soars on his rendition of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Bluegrass/newgrass favorite John Cowan lends his incredible vocals to "Please Come Home for Christmas," as does IIIrd Tyme Out's lead vocalist Russell Moore on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Sonya Isaacs bestows her angelic vocals in a duet with Kim Fox on "New Star Shining," and 16-year-old newcomer Sarah Jarosz embellishes "One Bright Star," originally recorded by Nicolette Larson. The newly penned song "Watching Over the Soldiers at Christmas" is sure to become a Christmas classic, not only for its heartfelt sentiment about American soldiers defending our country in harm's way and the strength they find in the American flag, but for the chilling recitation of our nation's pledge by the one and only Charlie Daniels. Merry Christmas to all, and may God bless us everyone.
--The Christmas Grass Family

Produced by Greg Cole, Chuck Rhodes and 3 Fox Drive

Musicians:
Bass: Darrin Vincent, Byron House
Acoustic guitar: Bryan Sutton, Cody Kilby
Mandolin: Adam Steffey
Fiddle: Aubrey Hanie, Joe Caverlee
Dobro: Rob Ickes
Banjo: Joel Fox
Percussion: Eric Darken
Vocals: Kim Fox, Barb Fox, Joel Fox



From the Website:

Soaring, powerful bluegrass harmonies; compelling, well-crafted original songs; supple, exciting instrumental virtuosity--3 Fox Drive has all these, and in rare abundance.

Born in upstate New York's Adirondack Mountains, the Fox siblings (Kim, Barb and Joel) were introduced to bluegrass as youngsters by their parents. By the late 1980s, they had established themselves on the northeastern bluegrass circuit. Their intricate, exciting vocals and Kim Fox's increasingly mature songwriting eventually earned her Merle Fest's prestigious "Chris Austin Songwriting Competition Award". Throughout the first half of the 1990s, the group continued to build its reputation by signing with California's Sierra Records. The label released Follow My Lead and followed it shortly thereafter with When It Comes To Blues, consisting almost entirely of Kim's songs, one of which, "The Dream", reached #1 on Bluegrass Unlimited''s single airplay chart. At the same time, the band began receiving recognition from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and National music critics....

As the new century dawned, the Foxes began shaping a new approach to bluegrass and acoustic music. The band 3 Fox Drive became the outgrowth of that vision. The band performed three times on the Grand Ole Opry, including a performance at the historic Ryman Theatre. Awards are beginning to pile up at their feet.... October 2007 marks the release of Koch Records, "Christmas Grass 3, Featuring 3 Fox Drive and Friends" With members of 3 Fox Drive involved in each cut, this project combines outstanding vocalists (Russell Moore, Sonya Isaacs, Larry Sparks, John Cowan and Sarah Jarosz) with amazing musicians like Aubrey Haynie, Adam Steffey, Brian Sutton, Byron House, Rob Ickes and more.

Whether it's the elegant fiddle, the fierce banjo, the fluid mandolin, or the funky rhythms of the bass, 3 Fox Drive's music is full of perfect, insightful, yet emotionally compelling touches--and the same is true for their heartfelt singing. Grass, country, and a fiery show you have to see to believe, 3 Fox Drive blends it all into a unique, deeply satisfying experience.

3 Fox Drive

Christmas Grass,
Vol. 3

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Track List