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Our Review

One mark of quality is longevity (at least, at my age I'd like to think so!). Christopher Shaw and Bridget Ball, married since 1984, have been making excellent folk music together for many years, and their prowess shines on Mountain Snow and Mistletoe, an album released 17 years ago and still going strong.

The album is all about two voices, two guitars, and the most basic pleasures of Christmas. These two artists remind me of Pete Seeger and his unique brand of independent Americana. The music is sparse, well-executed, and heartfelt. Gather 'round the fireplace and listen to the homespun sound of holiday harmonies extraordinaire; you'll feel the warm welcome the moment the music starts.

Mountain Snow and Mistletoe appropriately opens with an a cappella rendering of Angels We Have Heard on High; husband and wife blend seamlessly in a classical presentation. Ball's voice is a lilting soprano, clean and clear, and Shaw possesses the folksier, textured instrument. Together, the couple naturally mesh, and the synergy exceeds the sum of the two parts. Gordon Lightfoot's Song for a Winter's Night is a special highlight; Shaw's melancholy melody line is richly rewarding, making it perhaps my favorite version of this lovely piece. Shaw's original Ten Dollar Christmas, is also a gem; it is the true story of an impoverished man penalized for cutting down a Christmas tree on state land during the Depression, and the clever way in which the conservation offer resolved the dilemma, enforcing the law while still permitting the poor family its cash reserves and dignity.

If you are up for excellent folk singing with rustic stylings, you will enthusiastically embrace this recording in its entirety. Mountain Snow and Mistletoe celebrates the old-fashioned Christmas spirit that most of us have never really experienced firsthand, but have often imagined in our dreams. Simple, loving, exquisite.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

If your house is anything like ours, Christmas begins to tumble in the door almost immediately after the Thanksgiving turkey's wishbone has been wished on.

Probably the first indication that Christmas is here in our house--before the decorations go up... before we go to the sheep farm up the road to chop down a tree... before we join in the holiday shopping madness--we start playing Christmas music. Whether that music comes from the stereo, or our guitars as we sit and "doodle," Christmas music is one of the sweetest sounds we know.

The spirit behind the recordiing of this album was to capture what an evening of yuletide music sounds like right here at home. So, we got together with our friend Ron Bach and recorded these songs. Ron moved his equipment right into our house. We recorded digitally direct to hard disc. The absolute cutting edge of contemporary technology... yet the music was made in the comfort and relaxed atmosphere of home. Just the two of us, with Ron at the computer, and an occasional visit from friends like Randy and Martha. Just a couple of dining room chairs in the middle of the living room, both of us in front of the microphones, playing our guitars and singing. Simple. Natural. Fun. Lots of fun.

So, close your eyes with us. Imagine a brisk December twilight, standing on our porch, ringing our brand new doorbell (but that's another story)...

C'mon in! How about a fresh baked Christmas cookie? A glass of wine? Or some sweet, hot cider? Did you bring your guitar? No? No problem. We have extras.

Let's make some homemade music. Let's sing songs we all learned during a time in each of our lives when Christmas was perfect. Back when Christmas was a veritable caricature of family, love, and giving. Maybe this year Christmas will be perfect again...


From the Website:

About Christopher Shaw:

As a descendant of steamboat pilots, "pathfinders," and other rustic archetypes of the Adirondack region of New York State, Christopher Shaw is steeped in the lore of the American Northeast. Chris has done some steamboat piloting of his own, but it is in his professional role as a recording artist/performer that he carries forward the tradition of the great troubadour/storytellers who have enlivened parlors, taverns, and roadsides since America's colonial times.

About Bridget Ball:

Strong words. Strong melodies. Strong performances. These are what have put Bridget Ball in front of audiences from the Smithsonian to concert halls and festivals, to radios in living rooms and dashboards across the country.

Bridget was born and raised in central New York State, where the foothills of the Adirondacks melt into the rolling hills of New England and the Midwest begins to weave its love affair with the horizon. Her music was born and raised there too, in the tap rooms and taverns, hardware stores and kitchens of a people living and dying, laughing and loving in the crossroads of America.

Bridget Ball & Christopher Shaw

Mountain Snow and Mistletoe

Artist link

Track List