Search - Blind Boys of Alabama :: Go Tell It on the Mountain

Perhaps This Year's Most Original Christmas Disc

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 11/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every year I try and find a new Christmas music collection that is unlike any other collection I own. This year I have found it. THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA'S recording GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN has a bluesy/gospel feel to it. Most of the tracks are standard Christmas fare, with the exception of I Pray on Christmas." The arrangements are far from standard, and have a simplicity that is appropriate for Christmas music, but a musical style that is addictive. The group also has great musical guests for most tracks. Guests include Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples, and George Clinton and Chrissie Hynde of Pretenders fame. I know I will enjoy this disc for years to come and plan to give copies of it to friends for Christmas."

Blind Boys of Alabama, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

prisrob | New EnglandUSA | 12/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We've all heard the Blind Boys of Alabama, however, you have not heard them until you've listened to this CD. "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is one of the best rousing new Christmas CD's.The Blind Boys of Alabama started their singing group in 1939 at the Alabama Institute of the Negro Blind. They had sung for 35 years before they became known outside of the South. In the 1990's one of their gospel songs caught on and from then on they have been on the cutting edge of gospel. Now,most of the Blind Boys are in their 70's and singing strong and loud with Praise from the Lord. Hallelujah!!This CD is #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart, and it is no surprise. Most of the songs are well known except for "I Pray On Christmas" Solomon Burke is the guest soloist on this song, and will have you bopping in the aisle. The mix of his fabulous voice with the Blind Boys marks the tune.The Best is, of course, "Go Tell It On The Mountain" with soloist, Tom Waits. Tom Waits is a favorite of mine, and he and the Blind Boys 'get it on down'. My head is bopping and fingers snapping as I listen to it and scribe these words.Michael Franti sings "Little Drummer Boy" with the best dum, dum dum,dum,da, da ,da, dum I can remember. The Blind Boys fill in with supreme tenderness."In The Bleak Midwinter" with Chrissie Hynde and Richard Thompson
brings back memories of Olde England. Great voice that Chrissie.Aaron Neville sings the joy right into "Joy To The World" as only Aaron can. A superb rendition of the South."The Christmas Song" with Shelby Lynne and Clarence Fountain is as good as the original. A unique arrangement that has me singing with them.George Clinton and Robert Randolph's rendition of "Away In A Manger" IS the absolute best I have heard. A little jazz mixed in with the gospel will have you stompin' your feet.Les McCannn and Me'shell Ndegeocello bring it on home with
"Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "White Christmas". So very fine.The Blind Boys of Alabama, (Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter, George Scott, Joey Williams, Ricky McKinnie, Bobby Butler, and Tracy Pierce) sing the finale with "Silent Night". I must recommend this CD- it is one of the most original Christms CD's- I absolutely love it- reminds us of what Christmas is all about without all of the glitz. If you are into rhythm and blues with gospel and a little country all thrown in together, this CD is for you.The Blind Boys of Alabama will be featured in a PBS special singing from this Christms CD with many of the soloists as their guests. Prepare for it by listening to this CD over and over.
Hallelujah, Brothers and Sisters! prisrob"

Go Tell It On The Mountain

prisrob | 11/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An extraordinary accomplishment and one of the best albums of the year. Does for Christmas music what the Buena Vista Social Club did for Cuban music and the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtack did for traditional American mountain music.. Souful and authentic with an amazing roster of guest stars who give uniformly great performances but never overpower the Blind Boys. Choice cuts: The Little Drummer Boy with Michael Franti (never would have guessed that song could be so moving!) and a rockin' version of Away In the Manger (isn't that an oxymoron?) featuring George Clinton and Robert Randolph. The love, care and passion the went into making this record is obvious in every note. A masterpiece from a true American treasure."