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Bluegrass music has a tradition of pride in its roots that mainstream country music (aka "pop") lost years ago. But bluegrass fans unfamiliar with this band take note: The Sincere Ramblers proudly uphold the tradition. Aside from the surprisingly effective appearance of Jeff Calloway's trombone on Blue Christmas (for just a hint of New Orleans), the Ramblers keep this offering on a strictly Appalachian basis.

I quickly fell in love with Caroline Herring's unpretentiously moving vocals. From her simple lead-in on the opening cut, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, to her eloquent finale, O Holy Night, her simple, unadorned style was impressive throughout.

Yes, Virginia, the Ramblers keep the faith, offering traditional yet fresh bluegrass arrangements of traditional carols. The Little Drummer Boy, performed as an instrumental, gives each band member an opportunity to show their stuff. On this piece, Dave Woolworth's bass "drum" built a nice framework for the guitar, mandolin, and banjo breaks to shine. I must admit the highlight for me was Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, not only for Caroline Herring's voice but for Bryan Ledford's Mandolin, and Wendell Haag's haunting guitar. And I'm not going to neglect to mention that "the boys" do a very nice tribute to The Louvin Brothers and Bill Monroe on Joy to the World.

Lately, I've heard a lot of music that drips with production, but nothing this year matches the Sincere Ramblers Christmas for warmth.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2000)

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Sincere Ramblers

Christmas

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