The Central Massachusetts scene is well-known for coming together to bring a good idea to fruition - whether it be a benefit concert for a worthy cause, Vincent buying Ralph's so we'll always be able to enjoy a burger while the world around us freezes, Wormtown Wednesday to give new acts a way of breaking into the club scene, the Green Street Music Series bringing a wide array of musicians to play together, many for the first time, and this CD, the brainchild of one Barry Dennis who at the same time he was telling us he wasn't interested in getting back in the music business and was happy serving breakfast at the Silvertone Cafe in South Grafton enlisted 19 area bands to create an XMAS present for the music lovers of Worcester, Massachusetts. And he didn't do it calmly either - he gave everyone three weeks to create an instant classic without even considering whether or not studio maestro Roger Lavallee, who mastered this baby, had the time to get the job done. But get the job done he did, and what you're holding in your hand isn't the normal toss-off collection of holiday classics holding one or two gems. Every track - a combination of tried and true favorites and written especially for this disc originals - is a proud representation of the artist who recorded it and the music scene from which they come. The variety of the songs captures just what it's like to live here at the end of December. For some, its a warm reunion with blood family and friends while others will spend the holidays with their rock 'n' roll families. And, unfortunately, others will be down and out, drunk, depressed, and thankful they can put on this CD and sing "I Hate Christmas" at the top of their lungs along with The Brainless Wonders and in doing so, get an unsuspected dose of what the real spirit of holiday season used to be like before Wal-Mart assaulted us with assembly line Christmas lights and hour-long traffic jams. Now, at least, you can throw on this CD while stuck on Routes 9 or 20, crank up the sound, open the windows, and look to the sky to see if Santa Krutov is again making his decent into the fair borough of Wormtown... - Brian Goslow (Wormtown.org/Worcester Magazine), November 2003

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Brian has it mostly right…I did give everyone three weeks and I am very happy cooking breakfast at the Silvertone Cafe. The idea for this however was not mine alone. It came about through one of many conversations about music that I have had with Steve Blake. Steve is the driving force behind the band Snakes & Ladders as well as the owner of Toad Hall Studio in Douglas Ma. He is a genuine man who has very strong beliefs and opinions and you would not be listening to this wonderful music without him. Paul Dagnello also deserves credit as well. His “It’s Your Local Music” compilation CD was a huge inspiration for this collection and when I approached him about utilizing his “IYLM” website and the “IYLM” name in general He was very quick to agree. So thanks to you Paul…I hope this wont be the last time we can combine our efforts to promote the local music that we both love.

Thanks to all of the artists who contributed to this on such short notice. Without all of you everyone would be listening to “Barry’s Mandolin Christmas” and no one wants to hear that!

Thanks to Kori Mominee for adding her sweet voice to “Do They Know Its Christmas.” Thanks to all the people behind the scenes, Duncan Arsenault for the cd design and layout, Roger Lavallee for his tireless work in the studio and Brian Goslow for his kind words. Also thanks to Vincent from Ralphs, Erick from The Lucky Dog, and Chris from Tammany for putting on the shows that bring us out week after week.

Lastly, special thanks to the people that have supported me and helped me through this project, as well as other endeavors : Darlene, Andy, Rich, Joe, Paul, Rob, Jennifer, Michael, Paul Beck, Michael Creamer, Mike Mars, Steve Mossberg, and Barry Michael for the Scotch.

- Barry Dennis, November 2003