Harry Belafonte - "To Wish You A Merry Christmas" (1962) - RCA Victor
Hello Friends,
Originally released by RCA records in 1958 and then re-issued with Harry's incredibly photogenic face gracing the cover along with a slightly different B-Side in 1962, this album was a staple in homes of many a baby boomer.
There's gospel ("A Star in the East", "The Son of Mary") , calypso ("Mary's Boy Child"), folk ("Jehova The Lord Will Provide"), jazz ("Where the Little Jesus Sleeps"), and even a hint of country (the Johnny Cash-penned, "The Gifts They Gave"). What a talent this Belafonte cat is! Pretty much the only stinker on the album is "The Twelve Days of Christmas" because that song sucks anyways.
The arrangements are, for the most part, quiet and reserved, the star of the record being Belafonte's familiar baritone. Listening to this on vinyl, where you can really hear the quiver and intricacies of Belafonte's voice, is pretty much the only way to listen to this album!
Again, not the best record for your Space Age Holiday soiree, but a perfect record to put when you come home from one. Tired and buzzed, enjoying one last nightcap in the basking glow of your Christmas tree.
RATING: 4 in thy dark streets shineth out of 5
There's gospel ("A Star in the East", "The Son of Mary") , calypso ("Mary's Boy Child"), folk ("Jehova The Lord Will Provide"), jazz ("Where the Little Jesus Sleeps"), and even a hint of country (the Johnny Cash-penned, "The Gifts They Gave"). What a talent this Belafonte cat is! Pretty much the only stinker on the album is "The Twelve Days of Christmas" because that song sucks anyways.
The arrangements are, for the most part, quiet and reserved, the star of the record being Belafonte's familiar baritone. Listening to this on vinyl, where you can really hear the quiver and intricacies of Belafonte's voice, is pretty much the only way to listen to this album!
Again, not the best record for your Space Age Holiday soiree, but a perfect record to put when you come home from one. Tired and buzzed, enjoying one last nightcap in the basking glow of your Christmas tree.
RATING: 4 in thy dark streets shineth out of 5
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