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The world is full of Christmas music; in fact, some may complain that we are drowning in the saccharine stuff. It doesn't help that lots of holiday music is repetitive and boring, and precious little of it falls in the category of hard-core rock 'n roll. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that Jeff Scheetz is filling that niche with his Christmas... at last. "At last" is right! Here's a drum-bangin', guitar-wailin' rock 'n rollin' gut-buster of an album that remains true to the essence of well-loved holiday favorites while breaking free from ho-hum shopping mall music. Jeff Scheetz literally rocks!

I love the opening. The album floats a recording of the most traditional intro to Sleigh Ride imaginable--so traditional, in fact, that it's pretty clear that something is about to break loose, and it does. The song rapidly morphs into high-squealin' guitar licks with a pounding drum foundation. Fast, fun, and frenetic!

Even the reverent numbers get no mercy. O Holy Night, for example, opens with an outrageous acid trip, but does celebrate a peaceful interlude or two on its strange and wonderful journey. The celebratory Asian vibe on Little Drummer Boy is an excellent twist; this creativity pushes the track near the top of my "favorites" list. Even nicer, though, is the outstanding Native American version of The Holly and the Ivy, a contemplative arrangement that opens with a haunting flute. The track was totally unexpected on a rock album, but the eclectic choice somehow makes sense.

As Christmas... at last winds to a close, Jeff Scheetz's undoubtedly adorable young niece sings an a cappella verse of Silent Night. It's a sweet end to an intensely cool ride. Rock on, Jeff Scheetz, rock on!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Played by:
Jeff Scheetz: All guitars, bass on tracks 4 & 5, Native American Flute
Jim Riley: Drums and percussion on tracks 1,3,5,9 & 10 ("Special" vocal appearance)
Rod Lincoln: Drums and percussion on tracks 2,4,7 & 8
Mike Anderson: Drums on track 6
Eddie Pruitt: Bass on tracks 2,6,7,9 & 10
Monty Colvin: Bass on track 1
Mike Doss: Bass on track 3
Ted Gardner: Keyboards
La Shay: Jeff's niece (sings "Silent Night")


From the artist's Website:

Jeff Scheetz - As a guitarist and songwriter, Jeff has been known internationally for his many instrumental CDs. However, when he started to play the guitar, his first love was blues and blues rock and the early "jam" bands. So he has always had that element in his playing, and now with his latest band he has brought that to the forefront - full circle. Featuring very hooky songs with aggressive guitar playing and soulful vocals, this material should please fans of both great bluesy rock songs and outright guitar nuts!

Jeff Scheetz

Christmas... at last

Artist link

Track List