Our Review
There is an almost melancholy intimacy in the acoustic holiday interpretations of Doc Heide and Eric Lewis's new Christmas in Door County. Its delicate bouquet is that of a fine red wine, and would perhaps be enjoyed in a dimly-lit folk venue over a glass or two. These two masters of the contemporary acoustic idiom deliver a wonderfully nuanced performance. While dobro players seemed to be a dime a dozen for awhile, I don't get a chance to hear that many mandolin players. Lewis's graceful, understated style is peaceful and soothing, while Heide's sometimes bold guitar notes add warmth and pathos. The result is minimalist, yet rich. Less is more here, and it is hard to see where anything could be added to these arrangements that could make them any better.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I liked Brooke Barnett's artwork, depicting Father Christmas carrying a Christmas tree. This is the best cover graphic I have seen in years.
I liked the Heide and Lewis's cool musicianship and warm interpretations. Christmas in Cook County is a keeper.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)
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From the liner notes:
Doc Heide: Guitar
Eric Lewis: Guitar and Mandolin
Recorded by David Alley at Utopia Soundwurks, Fish Creek, WI
Mixed by David Alley and Eric Lewis at Utopia Soundwurks
Mastered by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters, Memphis, TN
Graphic Design by Brooke Barnett
Photos by Sheila Lewis
Doc Heide and Eric Lewis
Christmas in Door County
Artist link
Label: Betsy Records
Length: 41 minutes
Genre: Acoustic
Release: 2008
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| The First Noel |
| Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence |
| Creator Of The Stars At Night |
| Here We Come A Wassailing |
| God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| Ding Dong Merrily |
| Cherry Tree Carol/The Friendly Beasts |
| Joy To The World |
| Sleep Sleep |
| We Three Kings |
| Of The Father's Love Begotten |
| What CHild Is THis |
| Unto Us A Child Is Born |
| O Come, O Come Emmanuel/In The Bleak Midwinter |
| Silent Night |