As the holidays draw near, the seasonal Christmas music is played EVERYWHERE. It just seems that every year, the songs start playing on the radio earlier and earlier. As soon as Halloween is barely over, the songs make their debut on the airwaves. But I digress. Everyone seems to have their favorite songs sung by their favorite artists. Of course, I am no exception. There has been one album that had landed in the fore of my mind when it comes to Christmas albums: The Great Songs of Christmas on the Columbia Records label. In the coming paragraphs, I will discuss each track, and maybe give a little tidbit of the artist that record the song on this album.
Side One:
O Holy Night/Andy Williams: Jesus is the reason we celebrate this season. If the season needed a singer to be the spokesperson, it was would be Mr Andy Williams. I grew up watching the Andy Williams Christmas Specials in reruns, and I am a huge fan of Andy and his renditions of songs. This LP kicks off with Andy's excellent rendition of O Holy Night. Andy treats this selection with warmth and gentility that has become of hallmark of his style. Be sure to catch his wonderful high notes at the end.
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear/Andre Kostelanetz: Andre, a Russian-born composer who later rose to prominence as a conductor of popular music with the Big Band style of music. Here, he uses the aforementioned style and leads his orchestra through a wonderful arrangement of this timeless tune.
Caroling, Caroling/Anna Maria Alberghetti: The first of two tracks that are lead by Ms Alberghetti. Caroling Caroling is a light, bubbly number that never fails to make me smile. Anna Maria's crisp, clear enunciation shines through (she was a classically trained opera singer), especially on the "Ding Dong, Ding Dong" section of the lyrics.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas/Maurice Chevalier: This next number has always been a strange one, not because of the tune, but because of its interpretation. The lyrics tell of a child telling Santa of what each member of their family wishes for Christmas. Chevalier was a cabaret singer and actor in his native France, so to hear this tune being performed by him seems like an odd duck. His odd, and sometimes quirky performance of the lyrics and melody is not bad, just different from the rest of the songs in this collection.
Little Drummer Boy/Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra: Hungarian-born Ormandy, a well respected maestro, musician, and composer leads the Philadelphia Orchestra through this charming arrangement. The song is augmented by a children's choir and to great effect.
Star Carol/Anna Marie Alberghetti: Ms Alberghetti's second and final track on the album is a gem. Once again, she imbues the tune with her trademark diction. The beautiful, almost hallowed arrangement with its tender melody is a true highlight for the album. I ALWAYS get chills when Ms Alberghetti sings the last line of the song "And when the stars in the heavens I see, ever and always, I think of Thee."
We Three Kings of Orient Are/Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra: Ormandy once again expertly conducts this piece, and his interpretation is nothing short of fabulous. The piece starts out with a flute duet, and joined by oboe and clarinet, before the entire orchestra joins in. What I love most is that the melody is carried by the different sections of the orchestra. Bravo to Mr Ormandy for a brilliant performance!
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High/Andre Kostelantez: Russian-born and raised Kosalantez leads an orchestra through this wonderful medley. A boy's choir sings these classic holiday confections with great style and poise.
Silent Night/Maurice Chavalier: I think this song has been covered by every artist imaginable. That being said, unlike his last offering, Chavalier hits a home run with his rendering of this song. Backed by a genteel melody, Chavalier sings/speaks the lyrics in English and French, making this composition more unique than other versions of this song.
The Lord's Prayer/Richard Tucker: Rounding out side one of this album is operatic tenor Richard Tucker. Tucker expertly sings this piece with his usual zest and verve, setting the bar for other performers to achieve. Tucker just NAILS that F note in the climax of the song, leaving this writer in absolute awe as if I was there when he recorded the number. Bravo, Mr Tucker!
Side Two:
Sleigh Ride/Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme: Kicking off side two is husband and wife duo, known for their hot jazz-infused vocals. Despite being written in 1948, Steve and Eydie update the song by trading off lead vocals on the versus for this tune, and even have a a chorus behind them, droning "Sleigh Ride" over and over. Left to two less capable singers, this song could border on being hockey, but they make the material work. With Eydie's infectious laugh, and Steve's playful vocal, you could almost imagine them taking that sleigh ride and having such fun along the way!
The Twelve Days of Christmas/Dianh Shore: Dianh makes a welcomed appearance on the album, singing another one of this writer's holiday favorites. One Nitpick of this version of the song; the lyrics are messed up from the tenth day onward. Nonetheless, enjoy Ms Shore's lovely treatment.
O Little Town of Bethlehem/Richard Tucker: Richard makes a second and final appearance on the LP, once again lending his rich tenor voice to this timeless piece. What makes this track an outstanding one is that Richard keeps his vocal simple; he already demonstrated his chops on his previous effort. Sometimes, less is more.
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming/Diahann Carroll: The actress that appeared on Dynasty, yes, that Diahann Carroll. Aside from being a wonderful actress, she proves to be an excellent singer in her own right. Originally a traditional German carol, Ms Carroll sings it with such reverence, as if she was performing the tune in church.
Some Children See Him/ Diahann Carroll: Hot of the heels of previous song, Ms Carroll gets another inclusion on the album with the title track. The tune was composed by Alfred Burt and an old family friend Wilha Hutson. Much like her previous effort, Ms Carroll gives this beautiful tune the gentility it deserves. A side note regarding Diahann Carroll: Just three years years after recording these two tunes, Ms Carroll was cast in Julia, a television program that showed a black woman in a non-stereotypical role that was at the time a milestone in her career and in the television medium.
O Come, All Ye Faithful/The First Noel/Danny Kaye: Actor, singer, dancer, and comedian Danny Kaye makes his appearances on the album with this title medley. Mr Kaye, backed by a wonderful choir and orchestra, delivers a truly warm and holy interpretation of these class holiday songs. For this writer, it was always a treat to hear them whenever this album was played. A true delight is the flute solo that kicks off The First Noel. Bravo, good sir!
Silver Bells/Doris Day: By the time she recorded her vocals for the album, singer and actress Doris Day, she was considered the biggest female star in motion pictures. Ms Day first started her career as a Big Band Singer, so was a tune that was truly up her alley. Ms Day's bubbly personality shines through on this track, further making this a holiday classic.
Jingle Bells/Sammy Davis Jr: Singer, Comedian, Actor, and Rat Pack Member Sammy Davis Jr makes his own appearance with two tunes. The future Candy Man singer graces the album with his smooth vocals and truly makes the song a stand out on album. He already made a recording of Jingle Bells on a previous album Christmas with The Rat Pack, so, it's fun listening to another interpretation of this song.
It's Christmas Time All Over the World/Sammy Davis Jr: Finishing off the album is an original tune that was written specifically for the album and Mr Davis himself. Mr Davis once again imbues the track with his infectious style and personality. Backed by a children's chorus, who even sing a verse by themselves, all makes for a perfect way to rounding out the recording!
It's been my total pleasure to review this album, track by track. I had a wonderful time listening again to each tune, and giving my opinion. It's sad that these albums were never brought CD, and exist only in their original vinyl. If you want to listen to the album in it's entirety here is the link. I encourage you to listen yourself , and drop me a note telling me know which one or ones stand out to you. I hope this album becomes your favorite too, and makes your holiday playlist in the years to come!
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