Gifts, Vol. 2: Traditional Christmas Carols

Joemy Wilson's Traditional Christmas Carols isn't the kind of holiday album that wins one over with lots of noisy glitter. Instead, Wilson holds forth on 15 instrumental renditions of classic holiday songs. Favorites like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" join lesser-known fare including "Ding Dong, Merrily On High" and "Zither Carol." The arrangements of dulcimer, flute, guitars, and light percussion are lively without ever losing the melody of the song. In this way, Traditional Christmas Carols is similar, though not quite on the same level, as Chet Atkins' two holiday albums (they would actually make good companion pieces). Still, it would be a mistake to relegate Wilson's instrumental takes on "Silent Night" or "The First Nowell" to easy listening. Christmas Carols' spirited approach raises it above the usual Windom Hill product, while still falling under the category of "pretty" music. Wilson's album will hold up through repeated plays much better than the average holiday album, and for those who particularly enjoy dulcimer music, additional volumes are available. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr., All Music Guide