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World & Folk

The Albion Band currently has one of the best line-ups that it has ever had and each band member makes a unique contribution to the Christmas Album. Ken Nicol's beautifully clear acoustic guitar picking on "Tune For A Blythesome Turkey" and his searing electric guitar on "Nothing Can Turn The Tide" and "Two Thousand Years Is A Very Long Time" are highlights of the album. Kellie While's strong but sensual voice raises several of the songs to a higher level (especially the beautiful "Mistletoe, Mistletoe") while her moving rendition of "Make It This Christmas" is simply a joy to behold. Kellie's vocals are further enhanced by Joe Broughton's impressive strings arrangement on "The Star", while his virtuoso fiddle playing graces several tracks.

The final two tracks on the album are billed as "Extra Millennium Songs" as the CD was produced towards the end of 1999. The better of these two tracks is "Nothing Can Turn The Tide" which combines a somewhat depressing message with a soaring melody and the contrasting vocals of Kellie, Ken and Ashley. The other millennium track, "Two Thousand Years Is A Very Long Time" is also downbeat lyrically but the soulful message is put across through a very upbeat musical performance.

Individually, few of the tracks on this album are ever likely to become folk classics, but as an ensemble piece The Albion Band Christmas Album is a very attractive compilation. Personally I could have done without "Dad, Is There Really A Santa Claus?" or "Scrooge Blues", as I am not keen on childrens' songs or comedy blues numbers. It is hardly a Christmas party dance album but if you are a 'folkie' you will certainly want to hear this and extend that Christmas feeling throughout the year.