Recorded and released in 1967 as her second album for Capitol Records, Ella Fitzgerald 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.
