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Paul Adams This Christmas hovers somewhere between new age and contemporary acoustic folk. This is no doubt due in part to Doug Knecht's mandolin and Adams' own guitar (which sounds suspiciously like a dobro, at times). Whereas new age has a reputation for being peaceful, meditative and sort of moody, current folk always seems to have kind of an upbeat, manly bluegrass tint. I usually don't think of the two influences so interwoven.

I mean, let's get real. Some new age guitarists remind me of that guy in the movie Animal House, the one whose performance is so insipid that Bluto takes and smashes his guitar to bits. Paul Adams, on the other hand, manages to bring a gentle masculinity to bear. In other words, his style is a shade too twangy for new age (hurray for that!) and his tempo is just shy of new folk.

Take Ave Maria, for example. It's intrinsic formality usually discourages interpretation. But while Adams has not completely left out the High Church ritual aspect, he has softened it, sped it up slightly, and made it a much more likeable song with strong guitar and mandolin tracks. And he maintains this unusual tone throughout the record.

I was pleasantly surprised by This Christmas. It's gentle folksiness should give it broad appeal.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Paul Adams: Guitars, Dulcimer, Synthesizers & Sampler, Native American Flute, Low D Irish Whistle, Vocals, Sleeve and Bubblewrap wiping

Doug Knecht: Mandolin

Gretchen McCarty: Piano

Frank Capra, Republic Pictures, Jimmie Stewart, and Philip Van Doren

Lee Kimble: front cover (Winter, Geneso Township), back cover (Winter, Whiteside County #2), tray card back panel (Winter, Whiteside County #1)

"This album came about during the time of 9/11. This album is dedicated to those professionals and non-professionals who offered their hand (and lives) in help, as well as those who seek to calm the future. A further dedication to those on all flights (and the amazing story that unfolded on #93).

"The wish for This Christmas was to create aural textures with various acoustic guitars, dulcimers, and mandolin, creating an "Elfish" rural ambience gentle in mood. I hope the overall sense is peaceful and serene. Whatever one's personal spiritual leaning, it is my wish that people listen with their heart. Where there is pain, offer aid. Offer love to children and grownups. Be kind to animals. Don't forget to grow. Don't forget to rest. Release Dogma (and Catma)."
--Paul Adams

Paul Adams

This Christmas

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Track List