A Traditional Christmas (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Joe Nichols (vocals); David Hungate (double bass, upright bass); Shannon Forest, Shannon Forrest (drums); Lisa Cochran (background vocals); Brent Rowan (guitar, electric guitar, keyboards); Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar); Jim Hoke (autoharp, tin whistle, harmonica, accordion, recorder, clarinet, soprano saxophone); Gordon Mote (piano, organ, synthesizer); Wes Hightower (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Gary Paczosa.

Recording information: Cartee Day Studios, Nashville, TN; EMI Studios, Nashville, TN.

Photographer: Kristin Barlowe.

Arranger: Brent Rowan.

It may be a little early in Nichols' career for a Christmas album, yet this alto-baritone delivers a simple one. But simple's a good thing when it comes to holiday albums. The ten-track collection covers all the favorites, so there's no room for anything new. Nichols' take on such traditional fare as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Silver Bells" and "O Holy Night" is pure country, steady and strong. The Alan Jackson sound-alike makes you wish for Christmas more than once a year. ~ Maria Konicki Dinoia minimize