From THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM
David Foster released his celebrated seasonal cd, The Christmas Album, in 1993. This cd was a gorgeous collection that immediately became a holiday staple. The multiple Grammy-winning Canadian super-producer “fosterized” a number of yuletide classics including “Carol Of The Bells,” “O Holy Night,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” and “White Christmas.” Foster gathered some of his superstar friends such as Celine Dion, Tom Jones, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis and Wynonna to sing the meticulously crafted material.
The top-notch level of the project was maximized by the collaboration of superlative arrangers and musicians including Jeremy Lubbock, Johnny Mandel, Jerry Hey and Greg Phillinganes. Stylistically, the cd belonged in the traditional refined pop/adult contemporary field. Yet, this cd delivered a wide palette of musical colors with touches of gospel, R&B, country and contemporary jazz. The magnitude of Foster’s work on The Christmas Album was also acknowledged by the fact that most of his renditions were included on a number of important Christmas recordings. Bebe & Cece Winans, Michael Crawford, Dion, Mathis and Vanessa Williams took the opportunity to have some Foster seasonal magic on their Christmas albums.
This week, the spotlight is on Vanessa Williams’ beautiful, gospel-tinged rendition of the medley “Go Tell It On The Mountain/Mary Had A Baby.” After the delicate intro of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by a soulful choir, the acclaimed singer/actress and a child choir are heard giving a soft, slow rendition of “Mary Had A Baby.” With an arrangement conceived by Foster with Lubbock and Randy Waldman, the choirs and Ms. Williams explode with great energy on a reprisal of “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Very soon, listeners are taken right to church with a hand clapping, foot stomping beat, great musicianship and Ms. Williams delivering a noteworthy vocal performance backed up by the rousing choir. It must be mentioned that the amazing choir arrangement on “Go Tell It On The Mountain” was provided by the late giant of gospel music, Andraé Crouch. Foster’s deluxe production also benefited from a great job in the control room by two world-class engineers, Humberto Gatica and Dave Reitzas. Ms. Williams went on to included this song on her 1997 Grammy-nominated Star Bright cd.
Take a listen to “Go Tell It On The Mountain/Mary Had A Baby” and get in the Christmas spirit. Rediscover all the magic to be found on Foster’s The Christmas Album, a true work of art and a perennial favorite among fans worldwide.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/go_tell_it_on_the_mountain.mp3|titles=Go Tell It On The Mountain|artists=Vanessa Williams]
Lead Vocals: Vanessa Williams
Acoustic Piano: Randy Waldman
Keyboards: David Foster
Bass: Neil Stubenhaus
Arranged by David Foster, Jeremy Lubbock, Randy Waldman & Vanessa Williams
Choir & Orchestra Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock
Choir on Go Tell It On The Mountain Arranged by Andraè Crouch
Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
Mary had a baby, oh Lord
Mary had a baby, oh my Lord
Mary had a baby, oh Lord
People keep a comin’ and the train done gone
Laid him in a manger, oh Lord
Laid him in a manger, oh my Lord
Laid him in a manger, oh Lord
People keep a comin’ and the train done gone
Shepherds came to see him, oh Lord
Shepherds came to see him, oh my Lord
Shepherds came to see him, oh Lord
People keep a comin’ and the train done gone
Named him King Jesus, oh Lord
Named him King Jesus, oh my Lord
Named him King Jesus, oh Lord
People keep a comin’ and the train done gone
When I was a seeker
I sought both night and day
And I asked the Lord to help me
And he showed me the way
Oh, go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
He made me a watchman
Upon the city wall
And if I am a Christian
I am the least of all, yeah, yeah
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born