Austin Rhythm and Blues Christmas (CD - 1989)

Personnel includes: Denny Freedman (guitar, piano); Kaz Kazanoff, Joe Sublett (saxophone); Gary Vajgrt (trumpet); Steve Pentecost (piano); Nick Connolly (organ); Sarah Brown (bass, glockenspiel); Alex Napier, Jack Moore (bass); Gary "Mudcat" Smith, George Rains, Wes Starr (drums); Kim Wilson (glockenspiel, bells); Paul Ray, Frank Christina (bells).

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Personnel: Charlie Sexton (vocals, guitar); Denny Freeman (guitar, piano); Gary Smith (guitar); Joe Sublett, Kaz Kazanoff, Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff (saxophone); Gary Vajgrt (trumpet); Steve Pentecost (piano); Nick Connolly (organ); Kim Wilson (glockenspiel, bells); Sarah Brown (glockenspiel); Wes Starr, George Rains (drums); Paul Ray (bells).

Recording information: Austin's Riverside Sound.

Illustrator: Jack Davis .

Unknown Contributor Roles: Jimmie Vaughan; Keith Ferguson.

Arranger: Kaz Kazanoff.

Originally issued on the Austin label in 1983, this rockin' release was reissued with a new cover on Epic in 1986. Standouts include The Fabulous Thunderbirds' spirited instrumental "Rockin' Winter Wonderland" and vocalist Kim Wilson pouring his harp and soul into Hop Wilson's "Merry Christmas, Darling." Two of Austin's finest blues divas, Angela Strehli and Lou Ann Barton, turn in smokey and sultry covers of yule classics, but it is bassist/vocalist Sarah Brown who sizzles with her original "My Christmas Is Hung with Tears." ~ Dennis MacDonald minimize