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Christmas Grass, vol. 2 embodies a terrific assortment of contemporary bluegrass holiday numbers. A great compilation is like solid gold; after all, if a listener is somewhat fond of bluegrass, but does not know the individual artists all that well, a CD like this can deliver tremendous value and pleasure for the holiday season. And so it is with Christmas Grass.

For me, bluegrass is the hybrid child of country and folk. Generally speaking, the folk side is the music's softer, gentler aspect, and the country cousin sparks the livelier component. Christmas Grass has it all.

Of the 13 cuts, three are sparkling instrumentals, and these are among my favorite numbers on the disc--welcoming, yet exquisite! Dolly Parton herself opens the CD, all raucous country excitement. Her "Christmas Time's A Comin'" is a joyous romp, and Parton's histrionics pump up the energy level. This opening number, however, is not truly representative of the album. Some numbers are tender: Ronnie Bowman's gentle "Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho," Rhonda Vincent's emotional "Tennessee Christmas," and Sonya Isaacs' splendid "Mary Did You Know?" fall in this category. Most tracks are just pure bluegrass--spirited country/folk blends that are cheerful endearments of the season. Charlie Daniels does contribute a brief scripture reading (Luke 2) over a light guitar accompaniment.

So kick back on the Christmas Grass, vol. 2 and relax! The holiday season is looking better and better...

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Greg Cole and Chuck Rhodes

Tracks 1, 2, 5 & 8: produced by Darrin Vincent

Vocals: Dolly Parton, Darrin Vincent, Jamie Dailey, Ronnie Bowman, Sharon White Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Barry Scott, Doyle Lawson, Russell Moore, Tina Larkin, Shaunna Larkin, Lowell Larkin, Bobby Osborne, Charlie Daniels, Sonya Isaacs, Ben Isaacs
Guitar: Bryan Sutton, Charlie Daniels
Bass: Darrin Vincent, Barry Scott
Mandolin: Adam Steffey, Doyle Lawson, Bobby Osborne
Fiddle: Stuart Duncan, J.W. Stockman
Banjo: Jim Mills, Charlie Cushman, Terry Baucom
Dobro: Randy Kohrs

Various Artists

Christmas Grass,
Vol. 2

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Track List