Customer Reviews

Carols For Christmas Eve

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Those looking for a wonderful Christmas album to enjoy during the holiday season need look no further than this 1960 recording from Eileen Farrell and Luther Henderson. From Wagner to Ellington, Farrell's voice is always wonderful. Here she takes a lovely and gentle approach to the music, and in both style and tone, she finds a place halfway between her jazz and her classical singing. Well-known carols are interspersed with less known works; the seldom heard "Sleep Holy Babe" is especially welcome. The arrangements are a little dated but still charming, and Henderson contributes a light touch. Unlike most of the vocal Christmas recordings on the market, this is not an opera star woefully over singing the music, or a pop star destroying any reverence with rock stylings and over production; this is simply lovely singing that suits its material perfectly.

Eileen Farrell was one of the few classically-trained singers to make a successful crossover into popular music -- particularly jazz -- due in no small part to her early radio experiences (which she details with humor in her autobiography).

Consequently, it should not surprise anyone that her singing on this album of Christmas carols and songs, originally issued in the early '60's, is direct and honest -- rather as if she were in her own home singing along with the radio.

Farrell's voice has always had something motherly about it (not to be confused with matronly!), enfolding the listener in its warmth. That characteristic is very effective in Christmas carols, particularly the introspective lullabies. As would be expected from her years of exemplary singing, her diction and musicianship on this recording are impeccable.

The choice of carols is balanced between the well-known ("Deck the Halls", "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", "Joy to the World") and the less well-known ("Sleep, Holy Babe", "The Coventry Carol", "Lullay My Liking" and "Snow in the Street").

The simple orchestrations give firm support to Farrell's ample voice. The chorus harmonies and sound have a distinct '60's aura, which does not, however, detract from the overall impression of this lovely concert.

Heard Eileen Farrell on radio, and bought the Carols for Christmas Eve album on Amazon. It is traditional and quite lovely--every song!! Her voice is so melodious, and the orchestra is top-notch. I don't know where she is from, but you can hear a little accent in her voice which lends itself to the words, and the songs are heartfelt in every way. Highly recommended for anyone who loves the traditional Christmas songs!

Columbia originally released this album in 1960, when I was one year old. It was rereleased on CD in 1998. I remember hearing "Snow in the Street" and "Sleep Holy Babe" on an album my mother had. This goes back to the 60s. I remember my aunt mentioning Eileen Farrell, and when I saw this CD in the store, I grabbed it, brought it home (yes I paid for it) and played it for her. She loved it.

My aunt has since passed away. This CD is somewhere in my apartment. I plan to find it and give it a listen to. Eileen has a trained classical voice, so her delivery on all the songs is practically flawless. She does the songs with reverence, but manages to put her own distiction on each without overdoing it, like Mariah Carey. 16 songs, all good. It may be hard to find this CD, but if you like your songs done traditionally and with revenence, get this CD.