Search - Emmylou Harris :: Roses in the Snow

Emmylou At Her Loveliest

08/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up on Emmylou Harris' music. I have this album on vinyl, and it is the one record I always took extra special care of, because the music on it is among the most gorgeous ever put on record. Along w/ The Whites, she makes S&G's "The Boxer" her own sad story to tell, and her version of "Wayfaring Stranger" is chill-inducing. Dolly and Linda join her on the Carter Family song "Gold Watch and Chain," and while it's not the best of their work together, it's great just the same. The musicianship on this album is fabulous, and Emmylou's voice sits extremely well in bluegrass and acoustic music (not that that's a real newsflash to anyone). This is a fine recording. Grab this cd today!"

Emmylou Harris' First Masterwork

Matt Coker | Davis, CA, USA | 09/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Emmylou Harris has had several masterpieces before and after this gorgeous album; but ROSES IN THE SNOW is the first of three masterworks (ROSES IN THE SNOW, THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE, and WRECKING BALL). The album exemplifies her daring aristry. Acoustic bluegrass, on the mainstream outs since the 1950s; was not the best way to sell records in 1979 and 1980. Bill Monroe was currently the only major bluegrass artist on a large label. Emmylou Harris had decided to record a complete album, much to the chargin of Warner Bros. It was also recorded without the complete Hot Band. Stellar support came from Hot Band guitarist Albert Lee (on mandolin), Tony Rice (on acoustic guitar), and assisting on a large portion of the project is music prodigy Ricky Skaggs (on fiddle, acoustic guiatr, and lead and harmony vocals). Hot Band bassist Emory Gordy Jr. is present on several tracks. Harris and her gorgeous voice remains the star. With flawless arrangements and brilliant song selection ROSES IN THE SNOW is a music treat that is a guaranteed delight. The title track is marvelous, it's opening fiddle is a keynote address. I consider the title track to be my favorite from this extraordinary album. "Wayfaring Stranger" a #7 single, is a chill-inducing spiritual. "Green Pastures" is a marvelous duet with Ricky Skaggs with harmony work by Dolly Parton. Harris would record two versions of this spiritual; I prefer the version of 1998's SPYBOY, but this one is the classic. Paul Simon's "The Boxer" was the only contemporary pop song on the album, and a #13 single. Sung in sensational harmony with the Whites it's a beautiful three minutes of music. Skaggs sings lead on the final verse of "Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn", and the song is a lovely duet. "I'll Go Stepping Too" is fantastic, a brilliant country performance. "You're Learning", written by the Louvin Brothers, is a majestic duet between Harris and Skaggs. Next to "Roses In The Snow", this song is my favorite on the album. "Jordan" is the final spiritual on the album, with stunning harmonies from Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, and Johnny Cash. "Miss The Mississippi And You" (or "Miss The Mississippi" depending on which format you own) is a breath-taking version of this country classic. Speaking of Country classics, the album concludes with "Gold, Watch, And Chain", a magnifiscent song with harmony vocals from Linda Ronstadt, and a lead from Ricky Skaggs. Non-bluegrass songs "How High The Moon" and "Millworker" were issued on her excellent album EVANGELINE, which unfortunately has yet to be issued on CD. ROSES IN THE SNOW became Harris' fastest selling album to earn a gold record. It lost to COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER for the best album Grammy; but did win Harris the "Female Vocalist of the Year". ROSES IN THE SNOW is an exceptional album, with some of the most beautiful country music ever recorded within it's groves."

All other Emmylou Harris Albums(CDs) pale by comparison

Alfred | Illinois | 08/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this album in 1980 just because I liked Emmylou Harris. Did I get a surprise! Wow!!! What a gorgeously done CD. Back then an album. I bought a cut master recording, but not as nice as my new CD. I hear the naunce, the hauntingly elusiveness of Emmylou's voice on "Wayfairing Stranger." She sends cold chills up one's spine with Ricky Skaggs" accompanyment on Ralph Stanley's, "Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn." Johnny Cash is heard in his gravel thoated best in accompanyment on "Jordan." Dolly Parton, Linda Rodriguez(Ronstadt), Willie Nelson, The Whites, Jerry Douglas, Albert Lee, Emory Gordy, Brian Ahern, John Ware, Billy Nelson, the llist of her Hot Band goes on and on. Not a single album before or since shows the true voice and class this artist is capable of. It is too bad she can not bring herself out of the quagmire she has molded around herself and bring back the only producer to ever bring out the real Emmylou Harris. Brian Ahern(her then husband) and I believe she needs to assemble this group again with Ralph Stanley and cut another Classic CD. This album was nominated as "Album of the Decade" by one of the trade publications back in the late 80s. It is my opinion, this album is one of the all time classic albums by anyone, anytime, anywhere----LISTEN. Get the Enactron Truck fired up and record Emmylou again with all the people who helped her on this album and the world will have another CLASSIC!!!"