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Our Review

Duane Ingalls and Artful Touch made my day with their artful and, at times, touching tribute to the season, For the Holidays. Spare, but not minimalist, For the Holidays features striking instrumental performances by this acoustic trio, wringing all the bluesy angst out of a mixed set of traditional and modern Christmas favorites. Not quite a crooner and not really a road-worn, world-weary singer-songwriter, Ingalls vocal performance is earthy and stylized. Instrumentals run the gamut, from acoustic folk to light jazz. Liberal use of the melodica lend many of these arrangements a wistfulness characteristic of a Charlie Brown Christmas. And yet, they exude a warmth of spirit that overcomes despair.

I haven't really been in the mood to listen to a lot of holiday music, but Artful Touch and Duane Ingalls For the Holidays compelled me to listen all the way to the end.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Duane Ingalls - All vocals and harmonies, acoustic guitar, harmonica, melodica, percussion

Art Lindemanis - Electric, acoustic and bass guitars, percussion

Rafi Hopkins - Drums and glockenspiel

Artful Touch and Duane Ingalls

For the Holidays

Artist link

Track List