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Our Review

Bridget Ball and Christopher Shaw, a long-married musical couple, blend their voices and talents on this folk-driven bouquet of holiday wishes. Mountain Snow and MistleTWO, not surprisingly, is their second holiday release in a series. Earlier this season, I reviewed the original Mountain Snow and Mistletoe (here), and the later offering certainly follows closely in the first album's footsteps. This is a slightly shorter, but equally bright and winning, version; it shines with warm simplicity and a rough-hewn sweetness. As a fun aside, the couple recorded this album during August 1994, while Bridget Ball was pregnant with their first child.

Among the well-loved Christmas chestnuts are three fine newly-penned pieces. Ball's two contributions (At Our House on Christmas and Hush Now, with Mark Rabin) bookend the album; the former is a rousing celebration of the frantic, family-crammed chaos associated with a traditional Christmas, and the latter is an ode to a young mother's love. Shaw's own Thought for the Deed is a thoughtful, moving piece about what is truly important. As for the familiar fare, I particularly liked Ball's poignant Cherry Tree Carol, and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen is also a treat--the two artists sing separate verses, then join in a round to conclude the ancient carol.

Mountain Snow and MistleTWO is a fitting, folksy companion to Mountain Snow and Mistletoe. The music is sincere and straight-from-the-heart, and the album places you squarely in the living room of these fine artists. And, when December rolls around, you'll find that that's an extremely hospitable and entertaining place to be!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

If your house is anything like ours, Christmas begins to tumble in the door almost immediately after the Thanksgiving turkey's wishbone has been wished on.

Probably the first indication that Christmas is here in our house--before the decorations go up... before we go to the sheep farm up the road to chop down a tree... before we join in the holiday shopping madness--we start playing Christmas music. Whether that music comes from the stereo, or our guitars as we sit and "doodle," Christmas music is one of the sweetest sounds we know.

The spirit behind the recordiing of this album was to capture what an evening of yuletide music sounds like right here at home. So, we got together with our friend Ron Bach and recorded these songs. Ron moved his equipment right into our house. We recorded digitally direct to hard disc. The absolute cutting edge of contemporary technology... yet the music was made in the comfort and relaxed atmosphere of home. Just the two of us, with Ron at the computer, and an occasional visit from friends like Randy and Martha. Just a couple of dining room chairs in the middle of the living room, both of us in front of the microphones, playing our guitars and singing. Simple. Natural. Fun. Lots of fun.

So, close your eyes with us. Imagine a brisk December twilight, standing on our porch, ringing our brand new doorbell (but that's another story)...

C'mon in! How about a fresh baked Christmas cookie? A glass of wine? Or some sweet, hot cider? Did you bring your guitar? No? No problem. We have extras.

Let's make some homemade music. Let's sing songs we all learned during a time in each of our lives when Christmas was perfect. Back when Christmas was a veritable caricature of family, love, and giving. Maybe this year Christmas will be perfect again...


From the Website:

About Christopher Shaw:

As a descendant of steamboat pilots, "pathfinders," and other rustic archetypes of the Adirondack region of New York State, Christopher Shaw is steeped in the lore of the American Northeast. Chris has done some steamboat piloting of his own, but it is in his professional role as a recording artist/performer that he carries forward the tradition of the great troubadour/storytellers who have enlivened parlors, taverns, and roadsides since America's colonial times.

About Bridget Ball:

Strong words. Strong melodies. Strong performances. These are what have put Bridget Ball in front of audiences from the Smithsonian to concert halls and festivals, to radios in living rooms and dashboards across the country.

Bridget was born and raised in central New York State, where the foothills of the Adirondacks melt into the rolling hills of New England and the Midwest begins to weave its love affair with the horizon. Her music was born and raised there too, in the tap rooms and taverns, hardware stores and kitchens of a people living and dying, laughing and loving in the crossroads of America.

Bridget Ball & Christopher Shaw

Mountain Snow and MistleTWO

Artist link

Track List