My Favorite Gifts, various artists (Ramseur)

This is a charity compilation produced by Bob Crawford of the Avett Brothers to raise money for the Vickie Honeycutt Foundation, a cancer-fighting organization. Bob's daughter Hallie is being treated for leukemia at St Jude's, which no doubt led to this benefit disc. It's a fairly mellow affair, featuring mostly covers like Nick and the Babes' "Christmas Time Is Here," Paleface's "Fairytale of New York" and the Wood Brothers' take on "Rebel Jesus." The Brothers themselves do "I Thank God," from a Sam Cooke album of spirituals but not a particularly holiday-oriented tune, and Jessica Lea Mayfield takes on Roger Miller's "Little Toy Trains." David Mayfield does John Hartford's "On Christmas Eve" and David Wax Museum (great band name) offers the traditional "La Rama." Originals include "Rambling Door to Door" by the Overmountain Men, Jim Avett's "The Brightest Star," and Mark Crozer's "Next Christmas." A nice array of Americana acts, though the whole project is more country than rock.