I received the CD, "A Holiday Celebration," by Peter, Paul & Mary in the mail today. This officially kicks off my Christmas at home this year. It was recorded live in 1988 at Lehman Center in New York City with The New York Choral Society.
What initially prompted me to get this disc is my love of the Paul Stookey original, "A Soalin'." The song introduced to me to the trio in 1979 when I saw them perform it on "A Solid Gold Christmas." It's been a sentimental favorite ever since.
Being boosted by the chorale and an orchestra the group present a festive program of favorites as well as traditional folk gems from around the world, with the birth of Christ being the focus throughout most of the disc. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is given the trademark folk harmonies while the late Mary Travers delivers a heartfelt solo on "I Wonder As I Wander." Paul and Peter Yarrow are humorous with their imitations on "The Friendly Beasts" which tells the story of Christ's birth from the perspective of the animals in the manger.
One song I didn't recognize by title was "Children Go Where I Send Thee" but knew it when hearing. The trio and chorale give a rousing performance here.
Paul flies solo on a musical rendition of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas," giving it a colorful presence.
The disc concludes with two of the trio's staples of worldwide peace, "Light One Candle" and a version of their 1963 hit, "Blowin' In The Wind," the latter is slowed down at the end allowing the chorale and audience to feel unified.
I've always had an affection for folk but admit to not playing enough of it. With this purchase, I hope to work on that.
No comments:
Post a Comment