World Christmas
An exceptional gathering of musicians from around the global village set a new standard for Christmas records onWorld Christmas. The wonderful variety of songs resonate with love of the season, and there isn't a novelty tune to be heard. From Africa come Cesaria Evora, Angelique Kidjo, Papa Wemba, and Lokua Kanza, all bearing gifts of heartfelt music. The jazz world cooks up a feast, with delectable chestnuts from Joshua Redman, Marcus Miller, Dianne Reeves, Mino Cinelu, John Scofield, the Wild Magnolias, and the Caribbean Jazz Project. The Latin sound is present with Ruben Blades, Yomo Toro, Dave Valentin, the Gipsy Kings, and the gifted Cuban a cappella group Vocal Sampling. Brazil sends the angelic voices of Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Eliane Elias; and India's Zakir Hussain adds spice to "We Three Kings." There isn't a clinker in this stocking full of music--and it's for a good cause, too! Proceeds benefit the International Special Olympics.--Jeff Grubb