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Putumayo World Christmas
Various Artists
Putumayo World Christmas
Genres: International Music, Special Interest, Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

Most nations that celebrate Christmas have never seen a snowstorm and their tropical climates would give a Eurocentric Santa Claus galloping prickly heat. The merriment of the season is universal, but each group observes t...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Various Artists
Title: Putumayo World Christmas
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 1
Label: Putumayo World Music
Original Release Date: 10/10/2000
Release Date: 10/10/2000
Genres: International Music, Special Interest, Pop, Classical
Styles: Caribbean & Cuba, South & Central America, Europe, Continental Europe, Holiday & Wedding, Opera & Classical Vocal
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 790248018126

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Most nations that celebrate Christmas have never seen a snowstorm and their tropical climates would give a Eurocentric Santa Claus galloping prickly heat. The merriment of the season is universal, but each group observes the nativity in a manner that has relevance to their culture and environment. Most of the selections on this CD were gathered from warm-weather areas, with a few token Northerners tossed in. Old favorites appear in new guises; "We Three Kings" is given a chugging Cajun treatment by Michael Doucet, and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is warmed up by a steel drum orchestra. Carols turn up in a variety of forms, but there are also toasts to the past and coming year, appeals for national pride and unity, and greetings to friends and family. The detailed liner notes complement and embellish the experience. This educational garland of holiday songs will make an ideal stocking stuffer and enliven any holiday gathering. --Christina Roden

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CD Reviews

Silent Night, Mellow Night
C. Morehouse | Shepherdstown, WV United States | 12/16/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"While I enjoyed this, I also felt that (1) it seemed likely to be more fully appreciated by a fan of world music than a novice; and (2) for world music, it seemed pretty subdued overall. First, only 3 of the 11 pieces will likely be familiar to many American listeners. Some of the songs are traditional holiday songs in their cultures--one of these is the lovely "Nadal de Luintra," from Galicia, Spain, where the language is a version of Portuguese and the culture is Celtic (!). Other songs are original compositions, like Ivan Lins' "Noite para Festejar." While wonderfully Brazilian, this song might as well be an homage to Yemaya as to Papae Noel. Another _World Christmas_ from 1996 (the compilation benefits Special Olympics and features Cesaria Evora, Angelique Kidjo, Papa Wemba, the Gipsy Kings, Ruben Blades, Dianne Reeves, & others) has almost the reverse proportion of familiar to unfamiliar holiday songs, and would likely appeal more to a world music novice. Also, with its Latin & Afropop rhythms, that compilation was much more lively overall than this one. This one does have a thumping Cajun piece from Michel Doucet, but other pieces are very soothing. Even one of the Latin pieces on this one, the vallenato "Diciembre" from Colombia, seemed very gentle. The steel drums seemed very plodding (compare with their use on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" on the other compilation). The Hawaiian instrumental was lovely and very, *very* mellow. The choices are interesting, too: there are *2* from Galicia, but nothing from Africa (unless you count the diaspora cultures of Jamaica, Barbados, & Brazil). Maybe on Putumayo's next holiday release, we'll hear more from Africa. (Why not Asia, as well? True, much of Asia does not observe the holiday, but most Filipinos and some Koreans do). Putumayo's liner notes are excellent and are an aid in appreciating the music. I am looking forward to a sequel!"