Sugarland Unwrap Surprises of Gold and Green
Until I saw her doing it on the Grammy nominations concert, I did not know Jennifer Nettles played the piano. So I did some looking around and found out that not only does she play, but she's very, very good. You can see for yourself in these behind-the-scenes videos of Sugarland making their Gold and Green holiday album at Southern Tracks Studios in Atlanta.
In Episode I, "Coming Home," you get about seven minutes of playing along with the thoughts and discussions that go into this particular song. Nettles admits when she first played it for Kristian Bush, she warned him, "It's really gospel-y." She adds that it gives the album some nice diversity because it isn't country or pop. Then Bush talks about how he likes how the song captures the emotion of driving back into your old driveway for the holidays. (Good or bad, you have to admit that that emotion is very real.)
In Episode II, "Maybe Baby," Sugarland surprised me again, this time by putting Bush in front of the microphone for the entire song. While I've been a longtime fan of his guitar and mandolin playing, I'm starting to think his voice may be one of his best instruments. After bantering about how it's a little bit like Dan Fogelberg's "Same Old Lang Syne," all the talk of arranging the instruments show you how much thought goes into their music.
Episode III isn't posted yet, but if was up to me, I would make it about one of the album's classic holiday tunes like "Holly Jolly Christmas" or "Winter Wonderland." I think it would be impossible to watch Sugarland working on those and not get into the spirit of the season.
NOTE: If you already have the Gold and Green CD, pop it in your computer and go here to unlock some cool bonus content, downloads and possibly, win a few prizes.
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DONNA IRWIN says:
Funny, when I heard Coming Home - I had to turn my radio OFF!!! An annoying song that did not even make me think of Christmas!!! I guess because I am traditional country, nothing Sugerland does appeals to me. Did not say they are not talented, etc. - just not my style. That particular song was about as annoying as Sugarland’s Do Do Do song.
Swilly. says:
So, she’s very very good on piano? Comparable to that guitar players mad guitar skills? Hey? I know, lets ask lisa;)
Taylor says:
Every song Sugarland makes is absolutely great! I love their song Coming Home and Maybe Baby (New Years Day)! Great year, guys!
Karen says:
I think Sugarland does thier songs very wonderful. Maybe one day they could make a song about what ever your parents do or teach you it will always be in your mind. Such as being hang on the wall with a fan belt firm a csr. Or have to watch your brothers and sister eat and you donot get to eat. My twin brother and I are at the age of 54 and that pain is always there. Our mother really hated use. My twin brother has cancer and I am disabled. So we hurt inside and out. Maybe one day we want hurt on the outside. But parent need to think about what they teach their children. I hope you can make a song on that subject. I know you would put your heart in to it. Thank you for your wonderful music.