Our Review
Rick Pickren is one talented fellow. Familiar on the Chicago music scene, Pickren is an accomplished folk singer/songwriter, in addition to being an actor and voiceover artist. And he is a direct descendent of Buffalo Bill Cody, to boot!
On Light in the Sky, Pickren's slightly rough, but exquisitely rich, voice is exactly the right instrument to provide a minimalist, traditional American folk presentation of seven holiday favorites and three Pickren originals. This album is all about Pickren. The man sings and plays all the instruments (except for Bill Shafer's assistance on drums); he handled the songwriting (for the originals) and all the the arrangements; he produced; he recorded; and he designed. The guy must be superhuman.
For the most part, Light in the Sky presents subdued, contemplative music that moves the listener in warm and wonderful ways. Of the well-worn Christmas favorites, I particularly enjoyed Pickren's faithful rendition of The Wexford Carol, which shines in its simplicity. As for Pickren's fine originals, the most meaningful was The Master's Hands; the lyrics spoke directly to me, graphically describing the comforts that faith can provide.
Nice job, Rick Pickren. Buffalo Bill Cody would be mighty proud!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Rick Pickren: Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Bass Melodica, Harmonica, Percussion & Keyboards
Drums: Bill Shafer
All Songs & Arrangements by Rick Pickren
Produced, Recorded and Designed by Rick Pickren
Rick Pickren
Light in the Sky
Artist link
Label: Big Strike Music
Length: 34 minutes
Genre: Folk
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| Christmas Time Is Here |
| The Wexford Carol |
| It Came Upon a Midnight Clear |
| What Child Is This? |
| Go Tell It on the Mountain |
| Silent Night |
| The First Nöel |
| The Master's Hands |
| Light in the Sky |