First Noel (CD - 1996)

Personnel includes: Steve Green (vocals); Rob Mathes (choir arranger & director, background vocals); J.A.C. Redford, Conni Ellisor, Ronn Huff (orchestra arranger & conductor); Barbara Gibson (children's choir director); Gary Lowry (classical guitar); Dann Huff (acoustic, electric & gut-string guitars, mandola); Carl Gorodetzky (concert master); Sam Levin (flute); Denis Solee (saxophone); Jeff Bailey, Michael Haynes (trumpet); Chris McDonald (trombone); Phil Naish (piano, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards, programming); Leland Sklar (bass); Scott Meeder (drums, percussion); Lisa Cochran, Bonnie Keen, Michael Mellett, Donna Adelberg, Leanne Albrecht, Tammy Jensen, David Callahan, Stephanie Hall (background vocals); The Nashville String Machine.

Principally recorded at Mole End, Franklin, Tennessee.

Personnel: Dann Huff (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, gut-string guitar, mandolin); Sam Levine (flute); Denis Solee (saxophone); Jeff Bailey , Michael Haynes (trumpet); Chris McDonald (trombone); Phil Naish (piano, organ, keyboards); Scott Meeder (drums, percussion); Lisa Cochran, Rob Mathes, Michael Mellett, Bonnie Keen (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Ronnie Brookshire.

Recording information: Bennett House, Franklin, TN; Carriage House Studio, Stamford, CT; Classic Recording, Nashville, TN; Dark Horse Recording, Franklin, TN; Javelina Recording Studios, Nashville, TN; Mole End, Franklin, TN; OmniSound Studios, Nashville, TN; SOund Kitchen, Franklin, TN.

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Unknown Contributor Role: Nashville String Machine.

Arrangers: J.A.C. Redford; Rob Mathes.

First Noel is Steve Green's second Christmas album and is comprised of five traditional carols and five original songs. Boasting stylish, synthesized musical backdrops, the album is smooth and engaging, but it really catches fire on the three songs where Green is supported by a 40-piece orchestra. ~ Rodney Batdorf minimize