Laura Nyro - Christmas & The Beads Of Sweat Laura Nyro
Single LP pressed on clear vinyl.
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.
Single LP pressed on clear vinyl.
Track List
A1 - Brown Earth (04:11)
A2 - When I Was A Freeport & You Were The Main Drag (02:46)
A3 - Blackpatch (03:35)
A4 - Been On A Train (05:52)
A5 - Up On The Roof (03:15)
B1 - Upstairs By A Chinese Lamp (05:34)
B2 - Map To The Treasure (08:09)
B3 - Beads Of Sweat (04:44)
B4 - Christmas In My Soul (07:04)