Laura Nyro – Christmas & The Beads Of Sweat

Originally released in 1970, 'Christmas & The Beads Of Sweat' is the fourth studio album from Laura Nyro & one of the defining records of her remarkable early career. Blending soul, R&B, jazz, gospel & singer-songwriter influences, it captures Nyro at the height of her powers as a songwriter, pianist & vocalist. The album's two sides have distinct musical identities. The first five tracks feature the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, bringing a deep Southern soul feel to songs including Brown Earth, Been On A Train & Nyro's soulful interpretation of Gerry Goffin & Carole King's Up On The Roof. The second side moves into more expansive & spiritual territory, with Alice Coltrane on harp & an all-star cast that includes Duane Allman, Cornell Dupree, Chuck Rainey & Ralph MacDonald. Produced by Arif Mardin & Felix Cavaliere, 'Christmas & The Beads Of Sweat' followed the acclaimed 'Eli & The Thirteenth Confession' & 'New York Tendaberry', completing a remarkable run of albums that established Nyro as one of the most distinctive & adventurous American songwriters of her generation. From the driving Brown Earth & Beads Of Sweat to the expansive Map To The Treasure & the deeply personal Christmas In My Soul, this is a rich & emotionally charged album that remains a cornerstone of Laura Nyro's catalogue.

1. Brown Earth (04:11)
2. When I Was a Freeport ;
3. You Were the Main Drag (02:46)
4. Blackpatch (03:35)
5. Been on a Train (05:52)
6. Up on the Roof (03:15)
7. Upstairs By a Chinese Lamp (05:34)
8. Map to the Treasure (08:09)
9. Beads of Sweat (04:44)
10. Christmas in My Soul (07:04)

Label: Madfish Records Imp

Catalog: 5182241

Genre: Rock