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Not Just Another Holiday CD represents truth in advertising. This cool compilation is definitely not just another seasonal release; Garagista Music has put together a most amazing amalgam of talented artists doing largely familiar fare in new and exciting ways. Although I do not recognize the names of the performers, I do recognize great music when I hear it, and this offering exudes tremendous talent throughout. So cool!

The offering opens with a rousing Jingle Bells that immediately catches your attention with fun chord progressions, great harmonies, and a kicky lead vocalist. The album then transitions into a rock/bossa nova rendition of O Holy Night, and the third track exudes hand-clappin' gospel sentiments. The fourth track uses a strange audio track to suggest faraway, old-time memories with a finger-pickin' guitar framework, a stompin' percussive beat, and children's laughter. I could go on and on; every cut has a story to tell, and all of the stories are worth hearing. The Cajun interpretation of Good King Wenceslas is sassy-spicy, and the killer dark-rock version of God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen really smokes. Deck the Halls makes two appearances; first, it's a punker's dream (FA-FA-FA-FA-FA!), immediately followed by a relatively mild-mannered jazz combo version. Being an aficionado of a cappella music, I adored the sweetly-executed We Three Kings, and Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming is also exceptionally well sung.

I cannot recall having ever reviewed a Christmas compilation as richly diverse as Garagista Music's Not Just Another Holiday CD. Throw this generous (72 minutes!) offering on your audio system, and your guests will be endlessly entertained. There is certainly something for everyone here, and even if a particular genre is not your favorite cup of tea, the musicianship is terrific, and the holiday cheer runs strong. Special kudos go to Kathryn Raio, Lisa Lynne Mathis, and Parlor Tricks.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Doug Epstein and Scott Freiman

From the Website:

Add some cool new sounds to your holiday mix with this collection of inspired interpretations of the classics. From an alt rock "Good King Wenceslas" to a bossa-flavored "O Holy Night" to a swingin' "Jingle Bells" - not to mention the rockabilly "O Little Town of Bethlehem" -- you'll be surprised and delighted by the fresh new directions these songs take. We've also included a few new tunes destined for "holiday mainstay" status.

21 songs + 3 free downloads + a Free Booklet

This was as much fun to make as it is to hear. Over the course of five days in mid-July, dozens of musicians wandered in and out of Second Act Studio in Irvington, NY to record the tracks.

Some artists came with a song they wanted to perform. Others helped make up arrangements on the spot - grabbing the musicians who were there at the time. Some overdubs were added after the fact, but the majority of what you hear came from those original sessions. In every case, you can hear the joy in the tracks.

Various

Not Just Another Holiday CD

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Track List