One of country music's classic Christmas albums, LIGHT OF THE STABLE offers a satisfying mix of seasonal favorites and new compositions, all served up by the most compelling guardian of country music tradition, Emmylou Harris. On this 1979 release, Harris is joined by Ricky Skaggs, Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell, James Burton, and Willie Nelson. Needless to say, they provide the stellar support typical of all of Harris' efforts.
On LIGHT OF THE STABLE, Harris somehow manages to put a new twist on Christmas standards like "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Away in a Manger," and "The First Noel," imbuing them with the sweet sadness of her quavering vocals and spare acoustic settings. Among newer material, Rodney Crowell's "Angel Eyes" stands out, as does the title track (which features backing vocals by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Neil Young). Best of all, however, is the opener, a faithful cover of Tex Logan's bluegrass classic "Christmas Time's A-Coming." Because the record fits so seamlessly into the rest of Harris' recorded work of the era, LIGHT is one of those rare Christmas albums that sounds great all year round.
Remastered W/3 New Tracks.
Audio Mixers: Brian Ahern; Donivan Cowart; Doug Beal; Stuart Taylor.
Liner Note Author: Rick Clark.
Recording information: Easter Island Surround, Nashville, TN; Enactron Truck.
Photographer: Rick Clark.
Arrangers: Brian Ahern; Nancy Ahern; Jonathan E. Spillman; Kate McGarrigle; Anna McGarrigle.
Personnel includes: Emmylou Harris (vocals, acoustic guitar); Ricky Skaggs (banjo, mandolin); Albert Lee (mandolin); Emory Gordy, Jr. (bass); Willie Nelson (background vocals).
Personnel: Emmylou Harris (acoustic guitar); Emmylou Harris (vocals); Brian Ahern (guitar, acoustic guitar, gut-string guitar, banjo, autoharp, acoustic bass guitar, 6-string bass, percussion); Kate McGarrigle (acoustic guitar, banjo); Hank DeVito (pedal steel guitar); Ricky Skaggs (banjo, mandolin, violin, fiddle, background vocals); Albert Lee (mandolin); Anna McGarrigle (accordion, keyboards); Tony Brown (Clavinet); Emory Gordy, Mike Bowden (bass instrument); Cheryl White, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Sharon White, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt (background vocals); Nancy Ahern (vocals); Rodney Crowell (guitar, acoustic guitar); Frank Reckard (electric guitar); Brian Bowers (autoharp); Glen D. Hardin (piano, keyboards); John Ware (drums).
Dirty Linen (p.65) - "As Harris likes to joke with some truth, it has been one of those best-kept-secret sort of albums..."
Great music- but cracked CD case LIGHT OF THE STABLE is a finely crafted CD with beautiful bluegrass influenced arrangements of traditional (and a few non-traditional) Christmas songs. My only complaint is that the CD arrived with a cracked CD case. But the music itself is rich and resonate. Submitted by tomparm (Euless, TX, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
A Meaningful Christmas CD This is the kind of Christmas CD that reiterates the true Christmas message. It is performed and produced with self evident care and love. Emmylou's voice is crystal clear, and I would recommend this CD to anyone, not just as a Seasonal CD. The other artistes involved ensure that their contribution enhances an already excellent product. Submitted by bellt (Liverpool, England) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Three Previously Unavailable Tracks Tracks 8, 9, and 12 on this apparently remastered Christmas album are, as far as I can tell, previously unreleased; although I seem to remember "There's a Light" from somewhere. The sound is very fine, production, as always, nearly perfect, and selection just wonderful. Nobody does spiritually oriented American music better than Emmylou Harris, and this is right up there with the very best I've heard. Submitted by w_mcphee (San Leandro, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
That voice! That soul! Absolutely beautiful Thank you Ms. Harris for a Christmas album for all generations. Submitted by Monica (California) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
wonderful a must buy for christmas! Submitted by james (west texas usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Great music- but cracked CD case
That voice! That soul! Absolutely beautiful
Share this Product