Dale Watson - Christmas Time In Texas

Right from the get-go, Dale Watson lets you know what kind of Christmas he wants - a honky tonk Christmas. Except for two old classics (The Christmas song, Silver bells), all the songs on Christmas Time In Texas are originals - and very good they are too. The style is hardcore country though the prominent upright piano (played by Earl Poole Ball) on several tracks softens it slightly.

Christmas Love is a superb duet with the brilliant Danni Leigh. Christmas time in Texas is a lovely, slow song that paints a wonderful picture. Santa bring me back has a bluesy edge and sounds like something Elvis could have recorded - I guess that this track was influenced by The King.

Christmas without an angel is a typical country song - reflective and slightly sad. To stop you getting down, the next track, Christmas with you, is a rousing, upbeat song. Hot Texas Christmas day, Santa and my semi, Christmas in Vegas and You can call me Nick are all joyful songs of varying styles that will lift the spirits.

This is an excellent Christmas album to be treasured by traditional country fans everywhere ~ PD Harris

• Honky Tonk Christmas
• Christmas Love
• Christmas Time In Texas
• Santa Bring Her Back
• Christmas Without An Angel
• Christmas With You
• The Christmas Song
• Hot Texas Christmas Day
• Santa And My Semi
• Christmas In Vegas
• Silver Bells
• You Can Call Me Nick