A New Holiday Favorite
Gregor von Kallahann | 12/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where I live in the Northeast, Leslie Ritter and Scott Petito are as close to folk music royalty as you're going to find. And deservedly so. Leslie Ritter gained national prominence as one half the folk duo Amy and Leslie in the 80s and early 90s, and while there was certainly good reason to mourn their going their separate ways in 1995, both Leslie and former musical partner Amy Fradon have continued to make wonderful and often challenging music on their own (and occasionally--still--together, and fans find that their infrequent reunion concerts are virtual musts).
Scott Petito is a multi-talented instrumentalist and virtuoso bassist. He is celebrated for his production work on his own (and Leslie's) projects, as well as on the projects of many other celebrated artists from near and far who find his Upstate New York studio a congenial work environment.
Scott's trademark production work is very much in evidence on this remarkable holiday release. There is an overarching ethereal sound quality to this CD, which most listeners will find haunting. This is not a mix-and-match, variety type holiday release. It is thoughtful and meditative throughout--without apology. Not every Christmas record needs a few novelty tracks to provide a leavening touch. While the duo did not write every track on the CD, their careful selections and inventive arrangements gives the listener the impression that they well could have.
You may not even recognize "O Christmas Tree" as the classic song you know, at least on first listen. The sentiment is the same, but the arrangement (and many of the lyrics) are new and inventive. The same might be said of some of the other traditional carols included ("The Bells of Christmas," "In the Bleak Midwinter," and the instrumental version of "We Three Kings"). They are all remarkable (re)interpretations of classic holiday fare, and just as remarkably, flow beautifully with the duos originals and other recent holiday-themed songs by artists as diverse as Vince Guaraldi, Robbie Robertson and Cyndi Lauper. They all blend perfectly with the traditional songs and Scott and Leslie's originals.
It's hard to think of a better holiday record than THIS CHRISTMAS MORNING. It's hard to think of a better musical pairing than Leslie Ritter and Scott Petito.
"
Folk Christmas
Warren Kelly | Southern Ohio | 01/12/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This Christmas album is a bit different from the other one I reviewed this past season. The vibe is more folk/acoustic than traditional -- even the traditional songs are given a slightly different feel.
There are several standout tracks on this one -- Ritter and Petito write the title track, which is outstanding. They do a wonderful rendition of "Christmas Time is Here," which every Peanuts fan will be familiar with. "We Three Kings" and "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" contribute a traditional flavor to the album, and offer an opportunity for everyone to sing along.
The album on the whole is excellent. I've never had the chance to hear Ritter and Petito before, and was impressed with Ritter's vocals. I read a review that said, "If you ever wondered what James Taylor would sound like if he were a girl, now you know," and I'd be inclined to agree. Her vocals are perfect for Christmas music. Petito's guitar work is impressive -- to say nothing of the mandolin work he contributes on "This Christmas Morning."
The only quibble I have with this album is the arrangement of "The Bells of Christmas" -- aka "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." I wasn't thrilled with the new arrangement, though anyone not familiar with the traditional music probably would enjoy the song a lot. It's one of my favorite Christmas songs, though, so I noticed. I enjoyed the arrangement of "Oh Christmas Tree" much more.
That's a minor quibble, though. This CD has earned a place in my regular Christmas rotation. It's not traditional, but it's good -- and that's important, too."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1