1999 was a good year for holiday releases-Jimi Hendrix's "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to name just one-and this CD can be included within the fraternity.
Four Cain originals (three co-written with Rita McHann) appear along with two takes of the same cover and a unique arrangement of the traditional "Little Drummer Boy" that is called "The Little Drummer Boy Meets B.B." The James W. Alexander/Ben Raleigh's "Christmas Will Really Be Christmas" is included twice, take one and take 2.
Cain plays all instruments (guitar, bass, Hammond B3 organ, Korg M1 piano and grand piano) on the CD with the exception of drums, which are handled by Jim Baum. "Christmas Cain-Blues for the Holidays" is a nice collection of seasonal tunes that will sit comfortably next to the Hendrix CD and await next year's celebration.
Web: www.chriscain.bluesguitar.com
P.O. Box 1271, Santa Cruz, Calif. 95061
(408) 793-5122
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.