Review and More

Our Review

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I received Christmas at Doobie Shea. The artwork on the jewel box didn't really give much away. But as I listened, the word that kept popping up in my mind was "Delightful." Christmas at Doobie Shea is a delightful, light-hearted acoustic nod to the season by the Tony Williamson Trio. Primarily a bluegrass and acoustic offering, the Trio also offers up occasionally jazzy and classically spirited holiday reflections as well.

This is a seminar in musical craftsmanship, but that's not all. These three pickers--Tony Williamson, Michael Thompson, and Robbie Link-- also deliver moving and spirited acoustic portraits. Some highlights for me were Thompson's sly guitar riffs on The Chipmunk Song, Link's bass line on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and Williamson's bluesy mandolin on We Three Kings.

But as much as I want to praise individual licks, it was the integration of their individual performances which made this highly-textured work a success. Impressive throughout, the Trio combined their instruments, styles and moods to greatest effect in the slightly mellow-jazzy Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the the tune that wrapped up this singular effort.

Mandolin, guitar, and bass fiddle, an eclectic mix of holiday tunes in an acoustic key, and the unity of three compelling instrumental voices. A delight to the ear.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2000)

No More

Tony Willliamson Trio

Christmas at Doobie Shea

Order from Amazon

Track List