Review and More

Our Review

An alternative rock group that is abundantly eclectic and accomplished, Sister Hazel has produced my favorite holiday release of the season (so far). Although I expected to enjoy Sister Hazel's excellent Santa's Playlist, I had no idea just how much until it exploded to life on my sound system. WOW! This holiday release absolutely, positively rocks!

The opening licks of Merry Christmas Baby immediately drew me in, and I was helpless to leave my chair until the hypnotically-fine album ended. That first track had me rollin' in my chair (tough on the furniture), thoroughly enjoying the fierce electric guitar interludes and the wonderfully raspy vocals. The next selection was a complete change-around, sweeping me to a most gentle, acoustics-laden spot; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas has a tender soul and outrageously splendid vocals. Little Drummer Boy has a sly Southern rock feel, colored by a bit o' blues. For me , the showstopper is Sister Hazel's outstanding version of River with its achingly beautiful harmonies and transplanted White Christmas segments sewn in the middle.

From their rockin' reggae version of White Christmas to their hillbilly-country Dreidel Song, there is a sweet surprise around every corner, and the overall effect is a fun and funky musical offering that combines first-rate professionalism with high-art entertainment. Sister Hazel splendidly covers the waterfront with diverse musical stylings that masterfully fit into one sensational holiday puzzle. A masterpiece!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

More

From the liner notes:

Sister Hazel is:
Ken Block: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Drew Copeland: Rythm Electric Guitar, Background Vocals, Lead Vocals (4,8,13)
Ryan Newell: Lead Electric Guitar, Background Vocals, Banjo, Mandolin, Dobro, Organ, Programming
Jeff Beres: Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, Piano
Mark Trojanowski: Drums

Additional Musicians:
Jimmy De Martini: Fiddle
Erik Herbst: Guitar
Darwin Martin: B3 Organ and Piano
Dave Richards: Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Carl Murr: Trombone, Bass Trombone
Brad Danhoe: Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

Sister Hazel

Santa's Playlist

Order from Amazon

Track List