Bronze Christmas (CD)

Release Date: 11/05/21

Bronze Christmas makes your Christmas a little bit bronze and less white ...

Another fantastic Christmas delight from Koko-Mojo Records (and the first one on their 'Black History' Series). Back in the day the term 'bronze' was used in the USA to describe African Americans. In other words, it was a synonym of negro, black, sepia, coloured etcetera. After trying all these names, the compiler of this anthology (the mighty 'Mojo' Man) decided to call it 'Bronze Christmas' because 'Black Christmas' was too obvious and has been largely used for many similar projects. Nevertheless, this compilation is all about 'Black Christmas' and black folks singing about Christmas, New Year's Eve etcetera.
The 'Mojo' Man (a.k.a. Little Victor Mac) selected some of his favourite tunes by 'bronze' artists guaranteed to make your Christmas maybe a little less white but merrier and with a whole lot of extra soul. This collection features 28 songs from the likes of the Mills Brothers (their version of 'Here Comes Santa Claus' included here inspired Elvis Presley who used their arrangements on his 1957 Christmas album), Louis Armstrong, Harry Crafton, Chuck Berry, Larry Darnell, Hank Ballard, Big Bud, Little Willie Littlefield, The Pilgrim Travellers (their version 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' was also popularized by Elvis), Huey Piano Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and a lot more.
The Africans who were brought to America from 1619 onward carried with them diverse religious traditions. About 20 to 30 percent were Muslim, some had learned of Christianity before coming to America, but many practiced African spiritual traditions. So how did black folks become Christians and start to celebrate Christmas? The extensive liner notes by the Mojo Man will put you wise. As we celebrate Christmas today, we must not forget what 'the most wonderful time' of the year was like for the millions of African Americans whose labour transformed the United States into an economic powerhouse. Enjoy these mighty fine tunes and Happy Holidays from the Mojo Man!