Description

Carols at Christmas is another Christmas release from Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band and this time it’s a live Christmas album. Having been formed for a BBC radio 2 Christmas special, which was very popular, Maddy and the Band recorded an album for Saydisc records called “Tapestry of carols” in 1987. That was a big hit too and they followed up with two more Christmas albums “Carols and Capers” and “Hang up sorrow and care”.

This release,” Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band in Concert carols at Christmas” is the next Christmas release in line. It is also a sort of a compendium of some of the best of the previous mentioned albums. It’s a sort of greatest hits and it’s recorded live. The live element gives the album originality and the atmosphere is excellent. The selection of music is first class and the performance is both warm and exciting. The whole album gives us a bright and inviting Christmas feeling.

The Carnival Band performs popular medieval, renaissance and traditional music. They cover folk, early music, classical and contempory music.
In their performance The Carnival Band give us lots of energy and fun.
Maddy Prior is at her best on this recording with her wonderful vocals. She sings with passion and serenity, her vocals are harmonious and enthusiastic. It is a perfect performance from someone who is a champion of traditional music.

Track Listing

1 This Is The Truth / Sing, Sing All Earth
2 Dancing Day
3 Coventry Carol
4 Monsieur Charpentier’s Christmas Stomp
5 Ding Dong Merrily On High
6 Let An Anthem Of Praise
7 Angels From The Realms Of Glory
8 Watts Cradle Song
9 Gallery Carol
10 Boar’s Head Carol
11 Away In A Manger
12 In Dulci Jubilo
13 Sans Day Carol
14 Monsieur Charpentier’s Christmas Swing
15 I Saw 3 Ships
16 Poor Little Jesus
17 Personent Hodie