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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blind Boys of Alabama, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!, December 12, 2003
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
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