(Freeland Recording Co. FRC-CD639) 1993
This 'Christmas' album was recorded on 21st March, 4th April and 9th May 1993 at Bias Recording studio in Springfield, Va; and 10th May at Big Mo, Kensington Ma.
It is the last CMB recording to feature Curly Ray, as he retired in May 1993, although like the other Freeland releases, Art Stamper's fiddle work is more prevalent.
It is also the last studio recording as a CMB for Junior Blankenship, Ernie Thacker and Art Stamper.
Ernie Thacker's vocal work matured nicely over the time he worked with Ralph, much as Charlie Sizemore's had before him. It's a shame he didn't get to record more with the band, as like Keith Whitley, he just kept getting better.
Ralph had previously cut Bright Morning Star on Cry From The Cross and Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem on Clinch Mountain Gospel.
Tex Logan's classic Christmas Time's A Comin' and Virginia Stauffer's That's Christmas Time To Me were Bill Monroe numbers.
I think that's Nathan Stanley and his cousin on the cover... Santa probably just gave him some spoons.
Track: |
Title: |
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CD: |
(30:28) |
1 |
I'm Going Home, It's Christmas Time |
Michael R. Kelley / R. Stanley |
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2 |
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem |
Robert F. Boyce |
|
3 |
Christmas Praise |
Emma Smith |
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4 |
Jesus Christ Is Born |
Ernie Thacker / R. Stanley |
|
5 |
Christmas Time's A Comin' |
Tex Logan |
|
6 |
Don't Make Us Cry On Christmas Day |
William J. Carroll / Arthur J. Burke |
|
7 |
The Christmas Spirit |
Joe Isaacs |
|
8 |
Just A Moment Now To Pray |
William J. Carroll / Arthur J. Burke |
|
9 |
Bright Morning Star |
George Tucker |
|
10 |
Christmas Is Near |
R. Stanley |
|
11 |
That's Christmas Time To Me |
Virginia Stauffer |