Putumayo World Christmas
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 byMichael 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