"Dan Crary is one of the finest flat-pick acoustic guitarists in the U.S. There are definite bluegrass/country roots in his music but he has gone beyond specific catagories into his own style, with a more melodic approach than most bluegrass. His playing and arrangements are at the same high level as David Grisman, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck, etc. Holiday Guitar is pure, clean acoustic guitar at its finest, playing familiar tunes in a way that preserves the melody but adds an individual creative flavor. I've played guitar for more than 30 years, and Dan Crary is one of those uncommon musicians who seems to play as well as a song could be played..."
Enough to Soften the Grinch
applewood | everywhere and nowhere | 01/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't usually like Christmas music....but when I opened this one as a gift and noticed it was produced by Sugar Hill I knew I was in for a treat! Now I think I'll be listening to it year round and checking out Crary's other recordings right now. The playing and interpretation is so good I often forget these are mostly familiar Christmas songs. I like the blues original the most, but even the tradtionals are fresh and beautifully played (varying through flatpicked old English, classical, bluegrass, and blues styles). Nice backup musicianship as well when Crary is not doing an excellent job playing his solo Taylor guitar."
A Superior Artist!
Bob Prater | Concord, CA United States | 01/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I didn't get this CD until after Christmas, it is a CD that you'll want to listen to at any time of the year. Dan Crary's excellent guitar technique, style and presentation ranks him at the very top of my listening list.If you're a fan of acoustic guitar music, his mastery of both the 6 and 12 string will truly amaze you. The excellent tonation of the guitars he plays and done on Taylor guitars. A star in their own name."
Fine Christmas instrumentals
Charles Seelig | Providence, RI | 12/03/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent interpretations of traditional music and some originals mixed in for a fine guitar based album. The CD is good enough for me to want take a look at Crary's other works."