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Loose Ties (Phil Round, Ted Wells, Ben Winship, and Derrik Hufsmith) was a splendid little bluegrass ensemble that entertained audiences in the 1980s and 1990s; Yule Ties is the group's cheery holiday recording. Originally issued in 1988, Yule Ties was re-released a decade later, complete with digital remastering and extra tracks (Christmas for Cowboys, The Christmas Song, and a few moments of kids cooing We Wish You a Merry Christmas at the close).

Yule Ties is a tight bluegrass delight; it is playful and well-executed. The album artfully blends banjo and mandolin-strummin' instrumentals with fine vocals, including some memorable harmonies. The First Noel makes two appearances; in its first incarnation, the song is an a cappella vocal treat, and in the album's final moments, the piece reappears as a splendid instrumental exuding changing tempos and moods. I also enjoyed Gordon Lightfoot's fine Song for a Winter's Night; Phil Round's pleasing, rich vocals do the trick. The song selection has something for everyone, nicely spanning traditional and modern carols, but in the end, the tracks unsurprisingly favor a warm Western welcome (I'll Be There with Bells On, Christmas for Cowboys, and the irrepressible Christmastime's a Comin').

Although the Loose Ties ensemble disbanded long ago, its Yule Ties release stands as a fine holiday legacy. Slap on your cowboy hat, pardner; this bluegrass beauty is bound to tickle your fancy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Phil Round: lead vocals, guitar, bass (11,12)
Ted Wells: harmony vocals, banjo
Ben Winship: harmony vocals, mandolin, mandola (3)
Derrik Hufsmith: harmony vocals, bass, lead vocal (9)

With:
John Lowell: guitar (11,12), lead vocal (11)

And special guests:
Owen Winship, Sam Winship, Amelia Hufsmith, Wilden McIntosh-Round and Hannah Wren Wells on We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Produced by Loose Ties
Engineered by Jeff McDonald

From the Website:

Ben Winship...
Plays mandolin, writes songs, and sings with Brother Mule, an acoustic power trio with Brian Wicklund and Eric Thorin, as well as with the Growling Old Men, a roots-based folk duo with John Lowell.
Founding member of the popular neo-bluegrass band Loose Ties which toured and recorded between 1986-1996.
Established Snake River Records, an independent record label selling and distributing bluegrass and acoustic music, including the Loose Ties catalog...

Loose Ties

Yule Ties

Artist link

Track List