Recorded and released in 1967 as her second album for Capitol Records, Ella Fitzgerald’s Christmas focused solely on traditional hymns which was quite the juxtaposition from her Swinging Christmas album on Verve earlier in the decade.Working with arrangers Robert Black and Grace Price, along with conductor Ralph Carmichael and his orchestra, Fitzgerald dives into classics including “O Holy Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Joy to the World,” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in multiple settings that range from smaller instrumental chamber groups to full choral support.While the songs are familiar to most, Ella’s artistry allows her to present them in a fresh light while keeping them rooted in their origins.
Tracks:
A1 O Holy NightA2 It Came Upon A Midnight ClearA3 Hark The Herald Angels SingA4 Away In The MangerA5 Joy To The WorldA6 The First NoelA7 Silent NightB1 O Come All Ye FaithfulB2 Sleep My Little Lord JesusB3 Angels We Have Heard On HighB4 O Little Town Of BethlehemB5 We Three KingsB6 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
