Inspiration for songwriters comes in many forms. This collection was apparently inspired by country legend Willie Nelson no less.
Texan Rhodes had been threatening to release a collection of festive songs for years and finally, its realized. As a gift to her fans, she releases Miracles On Christmas Day, having collaborated with Gabe Rhodes to bring those stored arsenal of songs to life.
It has to be said from the get-go, this 12 tracker isnt your normal all-singing-all-dancing Crimbo fodder, instead it provides us with a more sedate and contemplative mood. There isnt a radio hit in sight, nevertheless, this album of mostly laidback ballads restores some sanity into what has become a mass commercial affair. Its the kind of album to chill-out to with yer mince pies and mulled wine.
Titles include words like white, bells, star, angel, Mary so the traditional themes are more than evident all rolled up into cozy, warm and reassuring musical templates with the absence of celestial choirs.
In effect, this is a country lady trying her hand at festive songs while keeping her indigenous touchstones intact and shes succeeded. It must be a tough call retaining your roots without selling out.
Carol Of The Bells is probably the most commercial attempt (understated bells), though she keeps the normal country instruments in place such as pedal steel on One More White Christmas and The Christmas Star. There are times when her voice sounds unsure, but she excels on the latter.
The perkiest song of all is the accordion-based Wake Up Sleepy Town which lifts the slumbering mood considerably.
The outstanding song is The Toymakers Hands which has a wonderfully descriptive narrative and the use of instruments to recreate the noises in the workshop, while Patty Griffins Mary has a more understated Scottish template and is beautifully handled.
The verdict Warm, and very welcomed.
Radio Hear tracks on the run-in to Christmas on Ellys show THE PLUG at www.calonfm.com Mondays 2-4PM UK time.