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ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
November 30, 2001
Bogguss'
crystline soprano adds a classy touch to this charming
mix of fun and spirituality, set to a swingy step. While much of it suggests the intimacy of a combo in a small club, her pairing with Delbert McClinton ("Baby It's Cold Outside") has enough
spark to rival a crackling fire. Delightful.
A-
Alanna Nash
NEW YORK TIMES
December 7, 2001
Not to be lost in the glut of country albums ("Christmas Cookies," "No Wrapping
Required" and other compilations) is this understated gem from Suzy Bogguss. At first
this album threatens to leave no impression: the songs are predictable classics, and
Ms. Bogguss delivers straight-ahead, no- frills versions. But her voice is so well
calibrated to each song and her delivery is so seemingly effortless, and the
arrangements aresuch a perfect balance of country and holiday that, in almost no time,
this CD begins to seem as comfortable as a pair of warm socks on Christmas
morning.
NEIL STRAUSS
USA TODAY
Thu, 13 Dec 2001
This engaging country collection, sold through the singer's Web site
(suzybogguss.com), features new recordings and material cut during Bogguss' 12-year
stint with Capitol Records.
-Brian Mansfield
DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Mon, 17 Dec 2001
Utterly delightful first seasonal outing from the country-folk singer brims with down
home charm. The best cuts are "Mr. Santa," a reworking of "Mr. Sandman," and
"Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree." But really, nothing here disappoints. Ms.
Bogguss will put the grumpiest Scrooge in the Christmas mood.
--Mario Tarradell
LOS ANGELES TIMES
No
vember 22, 2001
This classy country-pop singer could have replaced "merry" with "swingin'" in the title,
given the heavy Bob Wills influence, which turns out to be ideally suited to the
Christmas spirit. Delbert McClinton, Ricky Skaggs and the late Chet Atkins join her on
several tunes. (3 Stars)
COUNTRY WEEKLY
Mon, 10 Dec 2001
( Country's Top 10 Christmas CD's #3)
This swinging little album may be a little hard to find, but it's worth seeking out - a frisky, spirited collection
that features guest shots from Ricky Skaggs, Delbert McClinton and the late Chet Atkins. For the time
being, it's only available from www.suzybogguss.com and a few retail stores, although a wider release is
planned for next year.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
11/25/01
With her pure voice and understated feel for the nuances of Western swing, Bogguss
scores a modest triumph with this self-released disc (available through
www.suzybogguss.com). It includes a marvelous reinterpretation of "Mr. Sandman,"
redubbed "Mr. Santa," with the late Chet Atkins on guitar and Ricky Skaggs on
mandolin, and a duet with her randy, raspy-voiced opposite – Delbert McClinton -- on
"Baby It's Cold Outside."
BOSTON HERALD
Thu, 20 Dec 2001
In a world with too many corny country albums, new efforts by Suzy Bogguss and
Deana Carter rate as sweet finds. Bogguss' "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
offers the usual suspects done with unusual class - plus a duet with Delbert McClinton
and two of Chet Atkins' last recordings.
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
Published Dec 14, 2001
Suzy Bogguss, ''Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'' (Loyal Dutchess). She long has
had one of the prettiest female voices in Nashville. Now she has the town's most
refreshing Christmas disc, thanks to touches of bluegrass and jazz. She reworks ''Mr.
Sandman'' into ''Mr. Santa'' and gets key contributions from DelbertMcClinton, Ricky
Skaggs and Chet Atkins, who died in June. Perhaps the best solo holiday disc of this
season. (Available only online at http://www.amazon.com or
http://www.suzybogguss.com .)
--Jon Bream
The DESERET NEWS (Salt Lake City)
Friday, November 30, 2001
Suzy Bogguss has a stellar voice — crisp and clear, evocative, with exceptional range.
And she uses it well on this collection that varies from a lively, up-beat "Mr. Santa" to
a rocking "Two-step 'Round the Christmas Tree." She infuses some Western swing into
a cheery "Winter Wonderland," teams up with Delbert McClinton for a mellow "Baby It's
Cold Outside" and captures the wonder of childhood on her own "Through Your Eyes."
There are also traditional carols, including a beautiful "I Heard the Bells on Christmas
Day," a song that isn't heard nearly enough these days.
— Carma Wadley
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
December 7, 2001
Tasteful restraint is all too rare on Christmas albums. Following the "less-is-more''
ethos, Suzy Bogguss frames these chestnuts with spare arrangements and a tasty
sprinkling of Western swing.
(4 Stars)
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
Sunday, November 25, 2001
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ($16.98; 3 1/2 stars) finds sweet-voiced country
singer Suzy Bogguss in a low-key acoustic-driven set of tunes, "Sleigh Ride" and "Do
You Hear What I Hear," as well as a seasonal rewrite of "Mr. Sandman" as "Mr. Santa."
Guests include the late Chet Atkins, Ricky Skaggs on mandolin and Delbert McClinton,
who duets "Baby It's Cold Outside." A new country Christmas perennial.
CHICAGO DAILY HERALD
Fri, 07 Dec 2001
Classy country hit-maker Suzy Bogguss dresses up several Christmas originals in
swing, featuring cameos from Ricky Skaggs and the late guitar picker Chet Atkins.
DENVER POST
12/9/01
On this independent release from her own label, Bogguss gives a western-swing
treatment to several traditional songs, including "Jingle Bells," "Rudolph the Red Nosed
Reindeer" and "Sleigh Ride." Other nice touches include a duet with Delbert McClinton
on "Baby It's Cold Outside" and two light-hearted songs, "Mr. Santa" and "Two-Step
'Round the Christmas Tree."
PROVIDENCE JOURNAL
Mon, 10 Dec 2001
Suzy Bogguss's first Christmas album features Bogguss's singing and sparkling earthy
guitar work. Fans of music from the Coen Brothers' movie O Brother,Where Art Thou?
will like the heady sounds accompanying Bogguss's singing, acoustic country rock and
Western-style swing, music loaded with fiddle playing. Bogguss had previously
released three Christmas songs to radio, licensed through Capitol Records. She
prepared to reissue those three songs plus enough others to make a full album, she
says in the album's notes, but negotiations with an indie label for that album were not
completed by June, past the deadline for labels to begin marketing Christmas releases
to retailers.
Bogguss released Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas on her own Loyal Dutchess Records on the
Internet -- at www.suzybogguss.com. She plans next year to license it through an indie label for release to
stores.
COUNTRY STANDARD TIME
Mon, 10 Dec 2001
Same title as Lee Greenwood's Christmas CD, different results for Suzy Bogguss. This
grossly underappreciated talent shines like the great Northern star. Enchanting, clever
takes on "Mr. Santa" and "Sleigh Ride" highlight a talent that's yet rosy and atop a
game that seems to have all but shut her out. Nevertheless, treated to 12 wrapped
tight tunes that stretch from a swishin' swaying "Winter Wonderland" to one of the
finest renditions of "O Holy Night" to come along in many moons, Bogguss' album
makes strong the argument that her album is the year's best holiday release. Simply
powerful. Best of all, though, Bogguss bares her country roots with a
hooked-on-hoedown "Two-Step Around the Christmas Tree." Sounds hokey, and maybe
it is, but it's the best of a star-topped Christmas album from one of country's finest
voices. Somebody sign her...please.
- Tom Netherland
PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE
Tue, 11 Dec 2001
Bogguss, of "Hey Cinderella" fame, has an affinity for swing - although in her case, it's
western swing, not big-band. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Loyal Dutchess
Records) is a light, bright confection, focused tightly on Bogguss' soothing voice and
the accompanying instruments. On the title track, hearing the squeak of the strings as
the guitarist moves his hand helps build a sense of intimacy.
One of the guitarists whose work is heard on the disc is Chet Atkins, who died earlier
this year. He had recorded "Mr. Santa" with Bogguss when she was under contract with
Capitol. Three tracks on this disc - including "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree"
were done for the Capitol label, but the rest are newly recorded.
The album is being sold online at Bogguss' site and Amazon.com. Bogguss reportedly
expects to re-release it next year after completing a deal with an independent label in
Nashville.
In addition to two songs Atkins worked on, a highlight of the disc is Bogguss' teasing
duet with Delbert McClinton on "Baby It's Cold Outside." Another track, the lullaby-like
"Through Your Eyes," was written by Bogguss and her husband, Doug Crider, for their
son.
(4 1/2 Stars)
HIGH BIAS
Mon, 17 Dec 2001
Nashville country star Suzy Bogguss and jazz vocal vet Nancy Wilson offer the records
most likely not to cause your grandmother to arch an eyebrow. Bogguss realizes a
long-held dream with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, released on her own
label. The album is easily the most traditional of the bunch, with straightforward
readings of songs like "Winter Wonderland," "O Holy Night" and "Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer." She contributes a couple of originals, including the frisky "Two
Step 'Round the Christmas Tree" and the sincerely sappy "Through Your Eyes," and
duets with Delbert McClinton on the R&B chestnut "Baby It's Cold Outside." Guests
Ricky Skaggs and the late Chet Atkins contribute licks as well. While there's little here
you haven't heard before, Bogguss has a nice voice and a heart full of holiday spirit.
With this album's goal of comfortable amiability, that's enough.
BATON ROUGE ADVOCATE
Tue, 18 Dec 2001
Country songstress Suzy Bogguss realizes a longtime dream with her first Christmas
collection. Featuring guests Chet Atkins, Delbert McClinton and Ricky Skaggs, the disc
is available at selected retail outlets and from http://www.suzybogguss.com,
http://www.Amazon.com and other on-line retailers. Tracks include "Mr. Santa,"
"Two-Step Around the Christmas Tree" and "Baby It's Cold Outside."
NASHVILLE CITY PAPER
Thu, 20 Dec 2001
Produced by Bogguss and Doug Crider, this disc offers 10 holiday favorites like "Do You
Hear What I Hear?" and "Winter Wonderland," but manages to make them fresh and
light. One of the more hip tracks is "Mr. Santa," a rewrite of "Mr. Sandman," featuring
some beautiful guitar work from Chet Atkins before he passed this year. Atkins also
lends his talents to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and Delbert McClinton spices
things up with the duet "Baby It's Cold Outside." Although most of the CD is arranged
in a pop-jazz format, Bogguss adds a self-penned country number "Two-Step 'Round
the Christmas Tree" for good measure. This is a solid holiday effort from Bogguss.
— Drew Walen
DAYTONA NEWS JOURNAL
Wed, 02 Jan 2002
-- Suzy Bogguss, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Loyal Dutchess Records).
The country singer gets toes tappin' with the peppy "Mr. Santa," a swinging remake of
"Mr. Sandman." The track features fancy picking from the late guitar great Chet Atkins
and mandolin hot-shot Ricky Skaggs.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Fri, 14 Dec 2001
Producing herself, Bogguss has a good time with country-flavored standards and a
great track called "Mr. Santa," sung to the tune of "Mr. Sandman."
(3 stars)
CREATIVE LOAFING (CHARLOTTE)
12/08/02
Long ousted from the ranks of the major country labels, Suzy Bogguss goes indie with
her own Loyal Dutchess label and turns in what is probably the best release of her
career. How can a mediocre, squeaky clean, fashion plate such as Bogguss come back
with such a gem? Hard to say. But one cold speculation is that the pressure to produce
hits on a major label caused her to turn in made-by-committee volumes that didn't
represent her true talents. Such seems to be the case here, with the first surprise
being that Bogguss can really sing and she does so with a supple finesse that makes
this record beguiling. Sure, it's packed full of the usual suspects, from the title track to
"Rudolph" and "Jingle Bells." But, for the first time, Bogguss proves to be the piper in
charge, putting an unexpected lift into "Two-Step 'Round The Christmas Tree" with a
smile here and a dab of her own stylistic magic in just the right place. And, of course,
the duet with country blues belter Delbert McClinton on "Baby It's Cold Outside" don't
hurt none neither.
NEW HAVEN REGISTER
Fri, 14 Dec 2001
One of the better Christmas albums this year (and see Sunday's Gift Guide for the
rundown on holiday discs) is Suzy Bogguss' "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
The country star offers up, in strong voice, a figurative cookie tin full of goodies: "Baby
It's Cold Outside" (a duet with Delbert McClinton); the quiet "Do You Hear of What I
Hear," "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree" the bouncy "Sleigh Ride" and "Mr. Santa,"
a Texas swing version of "Mr. Sandman" with Ricky Skaggs on harmony and late giant
Chet Atkins on guitar.
SPRINGFIELD UNION NEWS
Fri, 14 Dec 2001
She's wanted to make her own country Christmas album for years and Suzy Bogguss
makes the most of her chance on this new release. It features songs such as "Sleigh
Ride," "Jingle Bells," and a duet with Delbert McClinton on "Baby It's Cold Outside."
While available through some traditional record retailers, it's primarily being sold
through the singer's Internet site, www.suzybogguss.com.
COUNTRY COMPASS
(Best of 2001)
Fri, 14 Dec 2001
Warm, inviting, and relaxed, Suzy Bogguss' Christmas record might not make many top
ten lists because it is, after all, a seasonal album, but it's worth a place there. The
country award winner is at the top of her game with swing (Two Step Round the
Christmas Tree), holiday favorites (the title track), and a lovely understated take on
the traditional carol O Holy Night. [check rootsmusicbusiness.com article archives for
an interview with Suzy Boggus about this CD] Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
may be ordered through http://www.suzybogguss.com
ITHACA JOURNAL
Week of Thursday, December 13, 2001
Suzy Bogguss, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Loyal Dutchess). One of the
sweetest singers in country music, Bogguss has been long due to make a holiday
album. Here she tackles traditional favorites such as the title tune, "Jingle Bells,"
"Rudolph," "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "O Holy Night," plus a couple of originals
she co-wrote with Doug Crider. Guests include the late Chet Atkins and Ricky Skaggs
on "Mr. Santa," a play on the popular "Mr. Sandman." Another highlight is a duet with
Delbert McClinton on Frank Loesser's "Baby It's Cold Outside." Available at
www.suzybogguss.com.
By JIM CATALANO
SACRAMENTO BEE
Wed, 12 Dec 2001
The dozen songs on this collection are mostly familiar: "Sleigh Ride," "O Holy Night,"
"Jingle Bells" (with a new arrangement) and "Winter Wonderland," among them. The
real gifts are the gentle "Through Your Eyes," about seeing the childhood innocence of
Christmas, and the lively "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree." Bogguss co-wrote
both songs with her husband and album co-producer, Doug Crider. Bogguss' sweet
voice, made famous on country radio with "Aces" and "Hey, Cinderella," emits barely a
twang until she hits upon "Two-Step." So even for folks who don't cotton much to
country,this has the makings of a mainstream Christmas classic. (Dixie Reid)
BILLBOARD
November 10, 2001
Having a Merry Christmas: Suzy Bogguss has finally realized her longtime dream of
giving her fans a holiday album with the Nov. 1 release of Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas on her own Loyal Duchess Records label. Making guest appearances on the
album are Delbert McClinton, Ricky Skaggs, and the late Chet Atkins.
Bogguss recorded for Capitol and sister label Liberty from 1989 to 1998, and her
credits there include four gold albums and six top 10 singles. After a brief stint at
Platinum Records, she is now close to finalizing a deal with another Nashville indie
label and plans to eventually license the new Christmas album to that label for
rerelease next year.
Meanwhile, she's going it solo. Bogguss says starting Loyal Duchess Records has been
"quite an education." The label previously released a Bogguss live album last summer
so that she would have something new to sell at her shows and on her Web site.
"The Internet has been such a tool for us," she says, "such a great vehicle -- especially
for those of us who have had some notoriety around the country."
While she was recording for Capitol, Bogguss says she never had time to focus on such
extra-curricular projects as a holiday album. She did, however, record five Christmas
songs over the years that were sent to radio as holiday singles. For the new album,
Bogguss licensed three of those tracks back from Capitol. The rest of the songs are
newly recorded.
The licensed songs include "Two-Step Around the Christmas Tree," which Bogguss
wrote with her husband, Doug Crider. The album's other Bogguss/Crider composition is
the beautiful lullaby "Christmas Through Your Eyes," written for their son, Ben. Taking
their writing partnership one step further, Bogguss and Crider co-produced Have
Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It is available at Bogguss' Web site, at Amazon.com
and other online retailers, and at selected bricks-and-mortar retail stores.
"The one thing that I always wanted to do was get the vibe I feel when it's
Christmastime on the record, and I finally had the opportunity to do that," Bogguss
says. "I was trying to get the warmth of the old-timey records and keep a really small,
acoustic-band feel to it. It's kind of reminiscent of the '40s. In my mind I pulled off
what I was trying to do."
Among the album's highlights is a duet with McClinton on "Baby It's Cold Outside."
Bogguss says, "I just knew Delbert would slay it like that. That was all [the song]
needed -- just that spice from him. He has that sexy, naughty-boy thing about him."
Bogguss will make a series of live appearances during the Christmas season to support
the record. Meanwhile, she is set to collaborate with Asleep at the Wheel for several
songs for her next studio project, a Western swing album due next spring.
By Phyllis Stark
MUSICDISH MAGAZINE
2001-11-13
I have never been a big fan of mainstream country music. I must say that I was very
impressed and moved by this collection of Christmas songs by Suzy Bogguss. "Have
Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is one of the best seasonal albums I have ever
heard, and one that I am sure I will play every year Xmas rolls around. Suzy surrounds
her self with many recognizable artists (I have provided a list of credits) including the
late great Chet Atkins, who sits in on 'Mr. Sandman' and 'I Heard The Bells On
Christmas Day.'
I was really touched by 'Through Your Eyes.' I could easily relate to that song, as I was
able to overcome my yearly depression thanks to my two beautiful children. I learned,
and very recently, how to live Christmas through their eyes. It's a gift from God, and
one that I am deeply grateful for. If you don't have children you have no idea the joy
and love that you are missing all through the year. 'Baby It's Cold Outside' is a
memorable duet with Dilbert McClinton. I remember listening to that song as a child,
my parents had a 'Best Of The Fifties' LP that covered all of the songs that they
remembered and could relate to. I also remember really enjoying all of that music, just
as I had enjoyed my brother's rock and roll records. This entire CD is an absolute joy
for the whole family to participate in. I put the speakers on in the room my children
were in and they enjoyed it as much as my wife and I did. This isn't some halfhearted
pop album to fulfill an album contract folks; this is the original talent of Suzy Bogguss
and her friends at their very best. If you don't enjoy this you had better look into the
mirror to see if you look like the Grinch. Give this CD a spin and have yourself an
intimate and heartwarming merry little Christmas.
COUNTRY_COMPASS.COM
Sat Nov 17 2001
Suzy Bogguss has long had the idea of making a Christmas record, and a song she and
her husband Doug Crider composed, Two Step Round the Christmas Tree, is a favorite
from Michael Martin Murphey's holiday record, Cowboy Christmas. But Bogguss found it
hard to squeeze time from her successful country career to do the project she had in
mind. It was worth the wait. Focusing on her warm and inviting voice, the subtle
arrangements on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and guest turns byDelbert
McClinton, Ricky Skaggs and the late Chet Atkins add to the relaxed feeling of the
cuts, which range from Two Step to O Holy Night and Jingle Bells. Bogguss adds a dash
of swing, a hint of country, and enough polish to appeal to mainstream fans on a disc
that's worth hearing again and again.
G21 POWERSOUND
Tue, 20 Nov 2001
Just because jazz reviews fill this space on most weeks doesn't mean that the writer
thereof isn't keeping ears attuned to good stuff in other categories. For instance, my
first few paragraphs today are devoted to a fine new Christmas album from the
delightful country warbler Suzy Bogguss. The jazz fans that stop by every week may be
only vaguely aware of Ms. Bogguss, whose talent seems worth much more space in
music magazines and at the local store, even those which specialize on the sounds of
the South.
The cover of the new Bogguss CD (released on her new record label, Loyal Dutchess
Music) shows the winsome redhead looking dazzling, although she's a veteran of the
Nashville sound, having spent 12 years on the Capitol label. "Have Yourself a Merry
Little Christmas" contains a dozen songs of the season, both old favorites and a
couple of new ones that should please most tastes.
Bogguss sings with complete sincerity. Her voice might be called serviceable, since she
hits all the notes required, but she never attempts to show off. This is a confident
young lady who sings each tune on the CD as if it were brand new. There are times
during the album's 38 minutes and 40 seconds when the listener may be tempted to
hit the replay button before proceeding to the end of the disc.
As the publicity notes point out, the album contains the country aspects of slight,
reserved twang or the fiddles and Dobros heard on a couple of songs which drift into
the western swing category. There's little argument to be made over the fact that
Bogguss , like Shelby Lynn, could easily step over to the pop side of the street. And
there's a time or two when she sounds comfortable in a light jazz proceeding.
The album opens with the title song, done with a more lively tempo that one expects
to hear. The second track, "Mr. Santa" attaches new lyrics to the old song from that
awful group called The Chordettes that once sang on the Arthur Godfrey Show (and
who's old enough to remember him?) Helping are the late Chet Atkins and the
bluegrass specialist Ricky Skaggs.
The Bogguss version of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" may make you forget all
about Gene Autry, whose version has been the top seller of the song over the decades
There are two originals, co-written by Bogguss and Doug Crider. "Two-Step 'Round the
Christmas Tree" and "Through Your Eyes." The first will make you smile and tap along,
while the second just might steal your tears.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" ranks as the most entertaining Christmas
album to come this way in years. And Suzy Bogguss deserves the attention and
respect of the industry. She's a winner.
ABOUT.COM
Thu, 06 Dec 2001
It is a pleasant surprise to be able to grab Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and
pop it into the player and be able to hear Suzy's all-too-familiar voice singing her heart
out in the spirit of the holiday season. Could you think of a better person to sing these
twelve songs, than her?
This lady has been around since way back in 1992, when her string of popular songs
began hitting the airwaves. Some of those songs include, "Drive South," "Someday
Soon," "Hey Cinderella," "Nobody Love, Nobody Gets Hurt," and "Goodnight."
Suzy sings a cute and upbeat holiday version of the widely popular, "Mr. Sandman,"
entitled "Mr. Santa," a song that has to be one of the cutest Christmas tunes out there
on the market right now. One of my favorite parts is when the line, "Mr. Santa, promise
me please. Give all the reindeer a hug and a squeeze" is said because it really
captures the innocence that little children have.
"I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is such a beautiful song to begin with, you would
not think you could improve on it in any way - but boy did Suzy ever prove me wrong.
Her voice is so pure and crystal clear that anyone hearing this on the radio would want
to stop dead in his or her tracks to take a listen as the guitar in the background simply
compliments the whole arrangement.
"Two-Step 'Round The Christmas Tree" is all-out Country with its background music and
is about how the girl does not want a "Silent Night," she wants to move the tree so
she can dance around the room and enjoy the celebration.
Delbert McClinton joins in the fun on, "Baby It's Cold Outside," a tune where the girl
really feels she should leave but the man convinces her to stay with him by the fire as
they drink something "with no cares to be had." Both of their excuses for staying and
wanting her to stay are that of the weather outdoors.
"Jingle Bells" opens with only Suzy singing with the bells sounding in the background
but then the whole song turns into something with a little "Swing" to it and shows all
of us that there is not any type of Country this girl will not try at least once.
When you sit back and listen to a Suzy Bogguss song or complete album, you really
have to wonder why she is not one of the mega-huge stars in this day in time; after
all, she has the voice and the entertaining ability. Maybe after this release she will get
a little more recognition only to aid in igniting the spark of stardom when she releases
her next album.
Reviewed by Jennifer Webb
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