The Majestic "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

[Stvimpe]

Ralph Gallant was the stage name of Larrie Londin, if I'm not mistaken. Right? An American drummer and session musician, who replaced Ronnie Tutt in the TCB Band for a short time in 1976-1977. But with all due respect, Doc, I haven't got a clue what you're getting at with your question whether I'm a Ralph Gallant fan. If you would be so kind to explain, I'll give you an honest reply. Thanks in advance.

[drjohncarpenter]

Ralph Gallant was the stage name of Larrie Londin, if I'm not mistaken. Right? An American drummer and session musician, who replaced Ronnie Tutt in the TCB Band for a short time in 1976-1977. But with all due respect, Doc, I haven't got a clue what you're getting at with your question whether I'm a Ralph Gallant fan. If you would be so kind to explain, I'll give you an honest reply. Thanks in advance.

I thought you just thanked "the other posters" on this topic for "sharing additional information" that "helped you understand the song." But it seems you wrote that without reading all the posts, or you would have totally understood my comment.

http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90964&p=1445421#p1445421

[Stvimpe]

Ralph Gallant was the stage name of Larrie Londin, if I'm not mistaken. Right? An American drummer and session musician, who replaced Ronnie Tutt in the TCB Band for a short time in 1976-1977. But with all due respect, Doc, I haven't got a clue what you're getting at with your question whether I'm a Ralph Gallant fan. If you would be so kind to explain, I'll give you an honest reply. Thanks in advance.

I thought you just thanked "the other posters" on this topic for "sharing additional information" that "helped you understand the song." But it seems you wrote that without reading all the posts, or you would have totally understood my comment.

http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90964&p=1445421#p1445421

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I noticed you mentioned that Ralph Gallant was responsible for the overdubbed percussion on O Come. Like I said, I'm not familiar with that song. So, I'd have to compare different outtakes (undubbed vs overdubbed) in order to know whether I'm a Ralph Gallant fan. But you're right: I should have written that I wish to thank all posters for sharing additional information that "will help me understand the song in a proper manner". Nonetheless, my thanks to all posters is sincere. Best wishes.

[drjohncarpenter]

Ralph Gallant was the stage name of Larrie Londin, if I'm not mistaken. Right? An American drummer and session musician, who replaced Ronnie Tutt in the TCB Band for a short time in 1976-1977. But with all due respect, Doc, I haven't got a clue what you're getting at with your question whether I'm a Ralph Gallant fan. If you would be so kind to explain, I'll give you an honest reply. Thanks in advance.

I thought you just thanked "the other posters" on this topic for "sharing additional information" that "helped you understand the song." But it seems you wrote that without reading all the posts, or you would have totally understood my comment.

http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90964&p=1445421#p1445421

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I noticed you mentioned that Ralph Gallant was responsible for the overdubbed percussion on O Come. Like I said, I'm not familiar with that song. So, I'd have to compare different outtakes (undubbed vs overdubbed) in order to know whether I'm a Ralph Gallant fan. But you're right: I should have written that I wish to thank all posters for sharing additional information that "will help me understand the song in a proper manner". Nonetheless, my thanks to all posters is sincere. Best wishes.

You did write that.

How about Millie?

[Stvimpe]

Millie Kirkham's overdubbing gives the song - IMO - a suble yet wonderful 'angelic' extra. By 'subtle' I mean that it's not too intrusive or overwhelming, not too overpowering, but really sweet and nice. It fits the song and Elvis' voice nicely, I think. Though, like I said, I'd have to compare the different outtakes to sort out which rendition I'd personally prefer.

[Juan Luis]

For some reason, this comes to mind...

[drjohncarpenter]

Millie Kirkham's overdubbing gives the song - IMO - a suble yet wonderful 'angelic' extra. By 'subtle' I mean that it's not too intrusive or overwhelming, not too overpowering, but really sweet and nice. It fits the song and Elvis' voice nicely, I think. Though, like I said, I'd have to compare the different outtakes to sort out which rendition I'd personally prefer.

You probably won't hear Millie on any of those. The soprano overdub was done for the chosen master take.

However, since you read all of the replies in this topic it is surprising to learn of your desire "to compare the different outtakes to sort out which rendition I'd personally prefer." As is clear on page 1, only two takes were made of "O Come, All Ye Faithful."

[Juan Luis]

There's two takes plus one composite plus undubbed. At least four versions. I know what Stvimpe meant. Stvimpe just committed the "error" of not acknowledging the most "important" post of all. Geez!

[Stvimpe]

Millie Kirkham's overdubbing gives the song - IMO - a suble yet wonderful 'angelic' extra. By 'subtle' I mean that it's not too intrusive or overwhelming, not too overpowering, but really sweet and nice. It fits the song and Elvis' voice nicely, I think. Though, like I said, I'd have to compare the different outtakes to sort out which rendition I'd personally prefer.

You probably won't hear Millie on any of those. The soprano overdub was done for the chosen master take.

However, since you read all of the replies in this topic it is surprising to learn of your desire "to compare the different outtakes to sort out which rendition I'd personally prefer." As is clear on page 1, only two takes were made of "O Come, All Ye Faithful."

Dear Doc, like I said before, I'm not that familiar with that track. I listened to the master take and I enjoyed Millie's overdubs, as described above. Thanks for letting me know that I won't hear Millie on the outtakes.

Two takes are still different takes. Plus there's a composite and an undubbed take, if I'm not mistaken. That makes four different takes I have to compare in order to know which would be my favourite. But sure, you're right. I should have written that I was keen to listening to "the two takes of O Come, the composite and the undubbed." I hope you're satisfied now. But rest assured: I have read all replies, including yours. But is it that surprising that I need some time to 'digest' the information? Nonetheless, thanks for your feedback.

[Stvimpe]

Juan Luis: "There's two takes plus one composite plus undubbed. At least four versions. I know what Stvimpe meant."

Thanks, Juan Luis.

[goldbelt]

The magnificent instrumentation combined with the beautiful high voice of Millie give the track an additional dramatic, epic sound.

Having listened many times now, I have to choose the extended edit version above the others.

The original master is great but is almost over before it gets going and really benefits from the extra length gained by the edit - Elvis' high note ending coupled with Millie's high voice and the epic instrumentation ending of the original master - just great !

Thanks very much for this topic Juan Luis.

[Juan Luis]

The magnificent instrumentation combined with the beautiful high voice of Millie give the track an additional dramatic, epic sound.

Having listened many times now, I have to choose the extended edit version above the others.

The original master is great but is almost over before it gets going and really benefits from the extra length gained by the edit - Elvis' high note ending coupled with Millie's high voice and the epic instrumentation ending of the original master - just great !

Thanks very much for this topic Juan Luis.

You're very welcome!

[goldbelt]

As Christmas approaches it's worth highlighting, once again, the wonderful extended edit of O Come, All Ye Faithful.

..

Was surprised to hear Elvis singing the song with high note ending. Loved it! Later learned it was the edit of both takes one and two. Great job. A highlight of Joan Deary's produced "Memories of Christmas", posthumous album released in 1982. I also find the mix as if had further choir overdubs, orchestra. Probably not, but seems to me as if instruments, voices, were brought up that were previously buried. My perception. I love it!

[stevelecher]

I always skip this mournful sounding funeral dirge.

[r&b]

Its a great version, except for Elvis. He sounds distanced, tired, and not into this all. The First Noel is even worse. I prefer Darin's version much more.

[TINML]

Its a great version, except for Elvis. He sounds distanced, tired, and not into this all. The First Noel is even worse. I prefer Darin's version much more.

Yup

[elvis-fan]

I actually don't mind the duet version with ONJ.
Her voice seems to suit Elvis' and she doesn't try to overpower his voice with hers... like some of the other duets.

..

[goldbelt]

I actually don't mind the duet version with ONJ.
Her voice seems to suit Elvis' and she doesn't try to overpower his voice with hers... like some of the other duets.

..

I never bothered to check out the Elvis Christmas Duets CD, and as much as I like Olivia, I'm not keen at all on that 'duet'.

[Juan Luis]

As Christmas approaches it's worth highlighting, once again, the wonderful extended edit of O Come, All Ye Faithful.

..

Was surprised to hear Elvis singing the song with high note ending. Loved it! Later learned it was the edit of both takes one and two. Great job. A highlight of Joan Deary's produced "Memories of Christmas", posthumous album released in 1982. I also find the mix as if had further choir overdubs, orchestra. Probably not, but seems to me as if instruments, voices, were brought up that were previously buried. My perception. I love it!

I still love it! Thanks. Merry Christmas!

[rlj4ep]

The extended version is my favorite of this holiday classic.

rlj

[poormadpeter2]

The 1971 recordings were a strange mix. There are songs such as this, I'm Leavin', and some of the new Christmas material where obvious care and attention was paid to arrangements and phrasings etc, and then there were other tracks where seemingly no-one could be bothered at all, whether it be Elvis, the musicians, or the producer.

Elvis isn't in great voice here, but the arrangement is really quite unique when it comes to Elvis recordings - quite unlike anything else he ever recorded. It is carefully put together, and it all builds brilliantly as the second verse reaches its climax. It's a great start to the 2nd Christmas album, but sadly was followed by one of the worst non-soundtrack recordings ever made, The First Noel. 45 years on, and knowing everything we do, how one session could reach such highs and lows is still a little mystifying.

[Steve Morse]

The extended version is my favorite of this holiday classic.

rlj

Mine, too. It was quite a thrill to hear it first time ("Memories of Christmas") when he repeated that first verse almost solo, and then went for the surprise ending. I was rather annoyed when it was omitted from the "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" collection.

[rlj4ep]

The extended version is my favorite of this holiday classic.

rlj

Mine, too. It was quite a thrill to hear it first time ("Memories of Christmas") when he repeated that first verse almost solo, and then went for the surprise ending. I was rather annoyed when it was omitted from the "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" collection.

I agree Steve. When I first purchased the "Memories of Christmas" album I heard "O Come..." and then I replayed it several times. That "solo" part you speak of is good and then the dramatic ending is so good. When the Imperials and the band come back in leading to the ending it makes one feel the song is building to a very special ending. To my ears at least, Elvis sounds like he is giving the song a great deal of reverence as he delivers it.

rlj

[drjohncarpenter]

I always skip this mournful sounding funeral dirge.

Its a great version, except for Elvis. He sounds distanced, tired, and not into this all. The First Noel is even worse. I prefer Darin's version much more.

Well, it kicks off Side 1, which sets a somewhat overblown tone from the start with the "kitchen-sink" post-production. Despite the soaring soprano part from Millie Kirkham, all the strings and percussion added to the basic master set a ... languid pace for the next five songs. It's kind of telling that Elvis apparently gave this one just two takes before moving on.

The best of the remaining Side 1 batch is perhaps "It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You)." And I actually love the silliness given to "Winter Wonderland," right down to the blues vamp ending, an "Elvis speciality" as far back as his 1955 performances of "I Got A Woman." The group ran down ten takes, so effort was involved in making this one a reality.

The use of a splice of takes 1 and 2 to create that "new" version on 1982's Memories of Christmas was interesting, but the extended ending sounded contrived, the singer trying too hard on the finale. It's overblowing an already over-the-top creation.

Side 2 of the 1971 holiday album is a different story, and basically saves the day.

[Juan Luis]

If there is one number that deserves the big production (arranged Glen Spreen), is this one. Soaring choir and Larry Londin percussion included! The sound of a huge Cathedral. I love It!


http://www5.zippyshare.com/v/rghAtVYU/file.html