"Light of the Stable" was first released as a 10-track album in 1979, and then re-released as an expanded 13-track CD in 2004 (with an intervening remaster of the original record in 1992). I have the 2004 CD in my collection, and happily so, as it has "The Cherry Tree Carol" as an added song, one of my favorite Christmas carols.
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| "Light of the Stable" 2004 CD Release |
Where to start with "Light of the Stable"? The 'session' musicians, that include Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, and Glen D. Hardin? That Willie Nelson joins as a backup singer? That Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Neil Young are all backup singers on the title track? Dolly, Linda, and Neil? You gotta be kiddin' me!!!
The supporting cast is a start, but it's the beautiful arrangements and Emmylou's amazing, haunting, sexy (there, I said it), angelic voice that makes this album essential for every Christmas music collection. The songs include standards such as "Little Drummer Boy" and the a capella "The First Noel", and songs by some of the best songwriters in the business - "Angel Eyes" (Rodney Crowell), "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" (Arthur L. Phipps), and "Man is an Island" (McGarrigle sisters).
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| "Light of the Stable" 1979 Album |
The (2004) album kicks off with a rousing "Christmas Time's A-Coming", followed by "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Away in a Manger". After eight more gorgeous songs, Emmylou & friends close the album with "Light of the Stable", penned by Steven and Elizabeth Rhymer.
The music is tinged with the sounds of the country/roots/folk/Americana genre, but really it's simply beautiful Christmas music through and through. Emmylou Harris is an American musical treasure who, in my opinion, even with all her success, is still underappreciated. If you add "Light of the Stable" to your collection, you'll soon learn to not only appreciate but love her and her contribution to Christmas music.
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