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Steve Terwilliger is a guitar master, and A Christmas in the Sierras is a masterful instrumental compilation of classic holiday numbers. Talented Terwilliger is omnipresent here; he plays all the instruments (various guitars, viola bass, and keyboards) and does all the arrangements. The song selection is truly lovely--the 11 tracks include the best of religious holiday fare ("Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring," "Carol of the Bells"), as well as some excellent secular choices ("White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"). The album also boasts one winning Terwilliger original, "Snowy Winter Night," and two radically different versions of "Angels We Have Heard on High."

Stylistically, Terwilliger is definitely not stuck in a rut. He moves fluidly from classical intonations ("Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring," the first "Angels We Have Heard on High") to synth excitement ("Lo How Er' Rose Tis Bloomin'")(featuring an E-Bow electronic device that synthetically vibrates guitar strings) to solid rock ("I Wonder as I Wander") to rhythmic swing (reprise of "Angels We Have Heard on High") to stark acoustic simplicity ("Silent Night," "White Christmas"). These widely disparate styles co-exist very nicely on A Christmas in the Sierras. As a result, this guitar album is much more diverse and compelling than many releases of this sort, providing a most refreshing perspective.

If you have always wanted breathtaking mountain views for the holidays, spending A Christmas in the Sierras may be just the change of scenery you desire. The musicianship is first rate, and Steve Terwilliger's talents will impress.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

All instruments and arrangements by Steve Terwilliger, using: Ovation Custom Balladeer, Epiphone Chet Atkins Classic/Electric, Gibson Les Paul, Fender Strat, Fender Strat. HH, Viola Bass, Ebow Guitar, Roland Keyboards.

Steve Terwilliger

A Christmas in the Sierras

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Track List