With the holiday season in full swing, it’s the time of year when Christmas songs start to fill our playlists from morning til night. While I’m always up for hearing a rousing version of Christmas Times A-Comin‘, it’s also nice to check out fresh lyrics and melodies each year. Quite a few bluegrass artists have new Christmas music out this year – here’s a glimpse at some of the offerings.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – The Kody Norris Show
The Kody Norris Show has put their signature enegertic bluegrass spin on this classic, guided by swingy fiddle from Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris and bouncy banjo courtesy of Hayden “Jim” Hensley. Norris is one of today’s best entertainers in the bluegrass world, and the bit of swagger he gives in all of his vocal performances makes this one a fun listen.
Angels from the Realms of Glory – Rrinaco
Corrina Rose Logston Stephens has released a traditional carol under her side project, Rrinaco, that offers a peaceful, contemplative sound for one of the busiest seasons of the year. While the bluegrass influences are evident – Kurt Stephenson’s soft banjo provides the main melody for the song – the arrangement and vocals are very much in the style of a time-honored Christmas Eve worship service.
The First Noel – Jacob Underwood
Multi-instrumentalist Underwood offers a gentle, warm take on another sacred carol, the first single from his new album Christmas Greetings from Jacob Underwood. Underwood turns in an earnest vocal performance that matches the soothing melody of the song. If you enjoy this taste of Underwood’s music, make sure to check out the whole album, on which Underwood provides all of the instrumentation and vocals, minus keys from Tim McDonald.
Christmas TIme Back Home – High Fidelity
For those looking for straightforward traditional grass, add this one to your playlist. This cover of the Country Gentlemen cut from the 1960s is a cheerful homage to the original, with the addition of twin banjos from Kurt Stephenson and Jeremy Stephens. If you’re missing the snow-covered, homey Christmases of days gone by, this one’s for you.
A Christmas Medley– Fiddle Express
If you prefer your Christmas music of the instrumental variety, check out this track from sibling trio Andrew, Eliza, and Rachael Beck. The medley includes tastes of such winter favorites as Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Deck the Halls, and You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. As would be expected from the band’s name, there’s plenty of fiddle here, but also some bluesy mandolin and smooth guitar.
Socks and Underwear – Daryl Mosley
Mosley adds a bit of humor to the Christmas season with his new original about a child’s least-desired presents on Christmas morning. He balances the narrator’s disappointment with life lessons from adults (“My mom and daddy taught me it’s the thought that really matters, and the gift is in your heart, not in your hand, but I’ve still got enough packages left over from last Christmas to outfit the Salvation Army band…”) for a fun, catchy number that you’ll be humming all day.
Bluegrass Christmas Stories – Marty Falle
Offering a bit of a different take on bluegrass Christmas music is Marty Falle’s new album, an all-original record that takes a deep dive into historical depictions of Appalachia. The songs here touch on the famous Clinchfield Railroad Santa Train, life in coal camps, and the struggles faced by tobacco farmers to help provide listeners with an image of what the Christmas season might have been like close to a century ago in eastern Kentucky. Lots of vivid imagery and heartfelt lyrics will certainly appeal to many listeners.
You can check out all the Christmas bluegrass we have covered at Bluegrass Today by following this link.
