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A Skaggs Family Christmas is a great album to play while sipping hot chocolate and eating gingerbread cookies in front of the Christmas tree.  It hearkens to the joyful, family memories many listeners have at the holiday season.  This new holiday offering is brought to us by fantastic bluegrass-musician Ricky Skaggs and his family.  Also joining in the festivities are The White family, led by patriarch Buck White.

The album has a surprising diversity of style and sound, without losing the singular focus of family Christmas time.  While the majority of songs have a country or bluegrass bent, "What Child is This" introduces Celtic flavor.  Several tracks also have a classic, Christmas standard sound that would be at home on any Christmas album from Amy Grant or Andy Williams.  The production is extremely clear and crisp, without any overly nasal vocal tones or other distractions you may associate with the bluegrass genre.

"Mary, Did You Know" is fast becoming the Christmas version of the many overplayed worship choruses, seemingly appearing on every new album coming out.  However, credit must go to Cheryl White for turning in one of the better vocal takes on the song that I have heard.  Her simple, direct delivery of the song allows the listener to focus and meditate on the message of the modern-day standard for perhaps the first time in many listens.  Her father, Buck, delivers two diverse and enjoyable lead performances on a fun-time "Hangin' Round the Mistletoe," and a more somber recitation of "The Christmas Guest."

The Skaggs family has as many highlights, with Molly's fine vocals highlighting a slightly less-jazzy take on Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here."  Ricky leads a great instrumental version of "Deck the Halls" sure to delight the many bluegrass lovers that make up his fan base.  He also sings a quiet, hymn-like "Go Thee Down," an invitation to the shepherds of the field to be the first to see the newborn king.  This song, and much of this disc, keep the focus on the birth of Jesus.

A nice surprise, this project has enough diversity to keep the listeners' ear, while never sacrificing cohesiveness.  The vocals are never overwrought, allowing the listener to focus on the message of the Christmas season.  Or, it allows for soothing background music to your family's Christmas gatherings.  Either way, the Skaggs and White families have delivered a CD that will be played for many Christmases to come.

By Jonathan Nelson 
11-6-05