An Austin Rhythm And Blues Christmas

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An Austin Rhythm And Blues Christmas album cover
Album Information

Total Tracks: 12   Total Length: 37:01

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John Morthland

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John Morthland has been writing about music since the days of electronically rechanneled stereo and duophonic sound. His name has darkened the mastheads of Roll...more »

11.29.10
Various Artists, An Austin Rhythm and Blues Christmas
2001 | Label: Epic/Legacy

First released in 1983, this album catches the Austin blues boom in its early days, when the music was marked by an infectious sense of discovery. The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ “Winter Wonderland” shows just how much can be done with even the most innocuous material, with harpman Kim Wilson and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan both rising to the occasion. If Angela Strehli’s shouting, shimmying “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” is a celebration by itself, the revelation of the set is Sarah Brown, best known for her bass playing, singing her original “My Christmas Tree Is Hung with Tears.”

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The Best

Khyerbanogg2

This album is good enough to listen to in July. If you're fed up with sappy, syrupy holiday songs get this entire CD. You won't be disappointed.

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They Say All Music Guide

Originally issued on the Austin label in 1983, this rockin’ release was reissued with a new cover on Epic in 1986. Standouts include The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ spirited instrumental “Rockin’ Winter Wonderland” and vocalist Kim Wilson pouring his harp and soul into Hop Wilson’s “Merry Christmas, Darling.” Two of Austin’s finest blues divas, Angela Strehli and Lou Ann Barton, turn in smokey and sultry covers of yule classics, but it is bassist/vocalist Sarah Brown who sizzles with her original “My Christmas Is Hung with Tears.” – Dennis MacDonald