Customer Reviews

Go Tell It on the Mountain

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Blind Boys of Alabama have been recording for more than 60 years, and only now have gotten around to recording a holiday CD. The result? A work of both comforting familiarity and startling innovation. There are genre-crossing guest appearances by Aaron Neville, George Clinton, Chrissie Hynde and Shelby Lynne (among others) --- perhaps the most brilliant is Tom Waits' contribution to the title track; the gravel-voiced singer meets gospel tradition head-on for a meld of doo-wop and gospel that's mournful magic.

I think the group is very special and unique.You all turned what could have been a bad sittuation and made into a postive experince.Their singing is really good, its really cool to find seven people which such great talent and their blind.The cd was really good and entertaining. Its fun to sing along with because each song has a meaning. Keep going, u guys r great!!!!!!

This is perhaps the best collection of Christmas-related material that I have heard in the last twenty years! I was hooked from the very first track. The Blind Boys are fantastic with or without guest vocalists, but most of the pairings work beautifully (with the exception perhaps of Chrissie Hynde - I love her, but she just doesn't mesh with the group or material here). The Mavis Staples track is particularly soulful, but even Tom Waits does a fine job on "Go Tell It On The Mountain." Buy this and "pray" for a sequel!

I would recommend this cd wholeheartedly except for a few songs, which seem out of place. I am sorry, but Tom Waites sardonic character, and raspy vocal timbre does not suit this Gospel music, neither does Chrissie Hynde's antithetical character or song delivery. It's a wonder they did not have Ozzy sing Little drummer. Well, I almost lost control of my car when 'Born in Bethlehem' played. That is one great track. I imagine they wanted crossover business for the pop crowd, but I wish they left out these wannabe's and stick to the roots. I guess that is not where the money is however.

There's only one good track on this CD with Mavis Staples. Buy it for that. The rest sucks

This is a great Gospel record. Forget that it is Christmas songs, this is positively majestic mighty music in service of devotion from deep, all the way deep in the soul. I actually can not stand Christmas music, but I felt driven to my knees the first time I heard this. There is quite a panoply of diverse guests on this that makes the ecumenical message of Christmas all the more clear and direct. This is a record for the ages.
"Last Month of the Year" resounds profoundly as the CD gets under way, and from there, the music just gets more and more awe-inspiring. Tom Waits joins the Boys for the title track, and you'll never listen to this song again without remembering this take on it. The great Solomon Burke steps away from his ministry in Philadelphia to essay "Prayer on Christmas" and the marraige of his voice with the Boys is one made in heaven itself. Chrissie Hynde delivers "Bleak Midwinter" with just the right sense of loss before redemption. Mavis Staples sweeps all before her with "Born in Bethlehem."
In one of the most unexpected pairings you'll ever hear, the Boys enlist George Clinton for "Away in the Manger" and it is absolutely the right touch. The entire album has been put together with such incredible care that you are moved by its spirituality as well as in awe of its sheer conception and power. When it all comes to a profoundly reverential close in "Silent Night", you'll feel even the Pope couldn't get his close to God.
You'll return to this disc often, and not just at Christmas. The Blind Boys of Aalabama have a vision of what Music cand be and can do. God Bless them with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What a wonderful expression of joy and celebration! The Blind Boys only Christmas CD expresses as only they can the soulful renderings of Christ's birth! The CD's first cut, Last Month of the Year will have you on your feet and clapping..their rendition of Away in a Manger will have you singing along. A long awaited triumph. You'll love it.

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

This was a major disappointment. Obviously they put the first take of every song on the disk. I've followed this group over the years, and it's obvious that they're not trying very hard any more. They even screwed up "In the Bleak Midwinter," a song that was really most appropriate for this group of men's voices. Forget the patronizing reviews of others and save your money. Want to hear some actual good singing? Try the Fairfield Four.

I'm listening to this as I type. This is great Southern Gospel type of music. These Christmas songs have been reworked to have some real oomph. The guests are good, even surprising. Aaron Neville is a pleasure on "Joy to the World," and there is something engaging about Chrissie Hynde and Richard Thompson's "In the Bleak Midwinter." Good choice for driving music. This is a CD that adds a fresh and yet old-fashioned flavor to your collection.