Fingerstyle guitarist Pete Huttlinger has crafted a first-class instrumental holiday album. First Light presents 12 well-loved favorites and two winning Huttlinger originals, including the title track. The music is low-key and lovely; this is the perfect album to play while you (and your friends/family) enjoy roast goose or sip eggnog around the fire.
The recording nicely captures Huttlinger's incredible precision and soulful artistry. Every interaction is cleanly presented, putting the listener in the room with Huttlinger, who performs flawlessly.
Everything is excellent here, although I especially loved Angels We Have Heard on High, a spirited rendition with a bluesy twang and a "drumming" foundation. The layers of guitar magic on My Favorite Things were also sweet, and his dynamic Christmas Song had me "dancing" in my chair. Best of all is the smokey, exotic God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, which is deservedly the album's longest track. It shows many faces during its run, all beautiful.
Pete Huttlinger's First Light is an outstanding acoustic instrumental album for the holidays. Of the many Christmas releases featuring solo guitar, this one is definitely a top contender.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)