Our Review
I had long heard the legend of the group of street singers who carolled throughout New York City during the seventies. It was only later, when it was brought to my attention by Ryo Kawasaki in an e-mail last year, that the group was the Carolling Carollers. I knew of the legend because I have been a fan of the Roches--three sevenths of the Carollers-- for several years (particularly the exquisite Terri Roche). (And anyone who has surfed this site knows I think the Roches We Three Kings is the greatest Christmas CD you can buy.)
I have now heard the legendary Carolling Carollers!
The three NYC sisters, along with their Carolling Caroller cohorts Ilana Iguana (the Caroller's founder), Margaret Dorn, Bonnie Mann, and Libby Mclaren, reprise their street gigging nights on this Ryo Kawasaki production, Christmas Songs. On this quite complete collection of sacred and seasonal songs are many beautiful arrangements of these four soprano and three alto voices. This wonderful blending of seven beautiful women's voices is a rare treat.
In addition to performing many traditional and modern classics, the Carollers present three of their own holiday offerings. Ms. Dorn and Ms. Mann have given back to Christmas The Boy, a spirited gospel/soul tune that I just can't get enough of. Mr. Kawasaki and Ms. Iguana offer up the ethereal Carol Aye, with the flavor of a latin chant and aroma of the far east. Terre Roche's Star of Wonder is one of the most inspirational and evocative songs I have ever heard. The story of a shepherd's internal dialogue--whether to stay with her flock or follow the star to the Christ child--isn't this really the inner conflict of every believer? With lyrics as spare as haiku, Ms. Roche has crafted a masterful vignette from the first Christmas Eve.
This is a lovely, unpretentious, traditional Christmas record.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 1999)
No More
Carolling Carollers
Christmas Songs
Artist link
Label: Ryo Kawasaki
Length: 53 minutes
Genre: Choral
Release: 1997
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Joy to the World |
| The First Nöel |
| God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen |
| Sleigh Ride |
| White Christmas |
| Little Drummer Boy |
| Star of Wonder |
| Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabelle |
| Deck the Halls |
| The Boy |
| Frosty the Snowman |
| Silent Night |
| Carol Aye |
| O Holy Night |
| Angels We Have Heard on High |
| Jingle Bells |
| Good King Wenceslas |
| Hark How the Bells |
| Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer |
| O Come All Ye Faithful |
| Here We Come A Caroling |
| It Came Upon a Midnight Clear |
| Do You Hear What I Hear |
| Children, Go Where I Send Thee |
| We Wish You a Merry Christmas |