I believe in Father Christmas

Greg Lake: bass, guitars, vocals
recorded at Advision Studios London
released 11/10/1975 in UK on Manticore K 13511 and in US on Atlantic 45-3305




This song was completed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Godfrey Salmon) and the King Singers choir. The instrumental riff between the verses comes from the "Troika" portion of Sergei Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kije Suite", written for a 1934 film.

On the B-side of the single there is 'Humbug', a delightful and jazzy piece. The Scrooge-esque title is not indicative of how much fun this track is.

Beside this single release there is another version, which originally appeared on ELP's 1977 album "Works Vol 2." Although credited to the band, it sounded like a remix of the original Greg Lake single with the choir and orchestration removed. This more low-key mix was the first album appearance of the song, and many people enjoyed it more. And if it is not enough, interesting to hear, an early version was released on the 2007 'In The Beginning' box-set.




This single was re-released 1992 in the UK. The cover art 'Peace At Night' was designed by Catherine Brightly for Shelter. Shelter works on behalf of homeless and badly-housed people across Britain. A sum was donated for the use of this work.





top of this page