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Our Review

Every person on the planet has been affected by cancer, and the time is now to wipe out this ubiquitous disease that has taken millions from us. Holiday Blues in Greens is a nifty seasonal release of guitar instrumentals performed by doctors who care for cancer patients in Lubbock, Texas. Their passion and professionalism spill from the hospital into this album, and 100% of all sales proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

In the interest of full and fair disclosure, the music here does not emphasize the blues; the instrumentals present a broad array of music genres, including classical, folk, and rock. Although guitars dominate the music, a smattering of numbers include bass and drum support. The album is bookended by two distinctly different renditions of Silent Night. The opener is warm and folksy; the cool unlisted fourteenth "bonus track," on the other hand, is Silent Night on acid. Everything hangs together nicely here; I especially enjoyed Dr. Rosen's subtle blues treatment of Amazing Grace. The overall tone is understated and comforting, yet fun.

These talented physicians know their way around their instruments, and I'm not talking surgical instruments here (although I have no doubt that these guys are quite proficient with scalpels!). Even more than their fine playing, these doctors have heart, and this album showcases what the holiday season should be all about--generosity and compassion. Did I mention that 100% of all sales proceeds to to the American Cancer Society? Enough said.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Richie Rosen MD, FACS (board certified General Surgeon)
Guy Hirsch, MD (physician and radiologist)
Lowry P. Schaub, MD (anesthesiologist)
Jeff Paxton, MD (Assoc. Prof. & Director of Sports Medicine)
Tom Windisch, MD (interventional neuroradiologist)
Brad Snodgrass, MD (internal medicine)
Corey Haggard, MD (anesthesiologist)

Doctors & Their Guitars

Holiday Blues in Greens

Artist link

Track List