The set opens with Reba singing a great version of Silent night. Reba previously recorded this for her first Christmas album, Merry Christmas to you, in the eighties. On that occasion, she did a spoken introduction explaining how the song came to be written but she did not repeat that on this new recording.

Dan Tyminski does a sparkling version of Frosty the snowman, on which a couple of children (James and Julia Knobloch) sing backup on the word Stop. Willie Nelson proves that he still has what it takes with a fine rendition of Please come home for Christmas. Alan Jackson is brilliant on the rarely recorded Just put a ribbon in your hair, an excellent Christmas love song. Alison Kraus deviates a little from the acoustic concept on her own song, Only you can bring me cheer, although it is a brilliant recording.

Marty Stuart is next on Even Santa Claus gets the blues, which is a great song that he wrote himself. Earl Scruggs contributes an instrumental version of Jingle bells. Ralph Stanley sings Christmas is near, a song he wrote and first recorded as one of the Stanley brothers. Patty Loveless is a classy singer who is in her element on this type of album as she proves with one of the finest renditions of O come all ye faithful that I've ever heard.

Wynonna began her career singing acoustic country as one half of the Judds and shows that she can still do that type of music with an excellent version of O holy night. Pat Green, a singer new to me, sings Winter wonderland. Sam Bush provides the second and last instrumental on this album with his version of Let it snow. Ricky Skaggs reminds us that he can still record quality music on Away in a manger. Rhonda Vincent treats us to Christmas time at home, a great bluegrass song that she wrote herself. Tift Merritt does an excellent and very distinctive version of I'll be home for Christmas. Pop-jazz singer Norah Jones sings and plays piano on the final track, Peace, without any other accompaniment.

This is an outstanding collection that will give all fans of acoustic music a lot of pleasure as well as benefiting a worthy charity.


Special Olympics shines!   June 24, 2004
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

My best friend talks about this CD almost everyday (and it's June!) and so I finally sat down and listened to it. First of all, it is amazing that all of the money goes directly to the Special Olympics. I love country music and I love Christmas music - when Christmas comes I know this will be playing in my office!

In fact - my friend listens to it when waiting on the phone! Needless to say, she has been moved to carry strong opinions about the Special Olympics since hearing it.


Just donate your money directly to the Special Olympics   June 22, 2004
 11 out of 34 found this review helpful

This CD features the worst versions I've ever heard of any of these songs. Only buy it if you're a fan of ultra-twangy country music, to the point where you even want your Christmas music to be indistinguishable from anything else by the featured artists. Don't buy this expecting it to fill you with holiday cheer. Please just send a check to the Special Olympics instead.


Buy this album for charity and the Alan Jackson cut   December 7, 2004
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

If you want an upbeat Christmas album for that holiday party your throwing, this might not be it. This is a great album for those relaxing nights next to the fire with those you love. Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, and Patty Loveless highlight this album. If anything, buy the album for Alan Jackson's cut of "Just Put a Ribbon in Your Hair." A version that is so good, could ultimately become a Christmas classic. A true gem. Radio! Play this song!!!


Great acoustic Christmas music   December 7, 2003
 10 out of 15 found this review helpful

When I saw the artists listed on "A Very Special Acoustic Christmas", I knew that I was in for a treat. Ralph Stanley with Patty Loveless as a backup singer is a special joy. I was glad to see that Patty Loveless' "O Come All Ye Faithful" does not also appear on her album "Bluegrass & White Snow". I'm not a Willie Nelson fan, but I loved his voice on "Please Come Home For Christmas". An artist that I was previously unfamiliar with, Sam Bush, played a very upbeat "Let It Snow" with guitar and mandolins that I enjoyed.

The surprise was to hear Alison Krauss with electric guitar, electric bass, and keyboards. (Not exactly acoustic!) I was surprised that I didn't love the song by Alison Krauss.

Even so, I recommend "A Very Special Acoustic Christmas". Several songs are sure to be classics.