Putumayo World Christmas

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 10, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Putumayo World Music
• ASIN: B00004WJJI
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,776 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Nadal De Luintra (Spain) - Berroguetto

2. Here We Come A-Wassailing (Celtic/USA) - Steve Schuch & The Night Heron Consort

3. Noite Para Festajar (Brazil) - Ivan Lins

4. Aguinaldo Jibaro (Puerto Rico) - Pepe Castillo

5. Diciembre (Colombia) - Los Embajadores Vallenatos

6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barbados) - Banks Soundtech Steel Orchestra

7. All I Want For Christmas (Jamaica) - Ini Kimoze

8. O Cometido (Spain) - Chouteira

9. We Three Kings (Cajun/USA) - Michael Doucet

10. Fireside Ki Ho'alu (Hawaii/USA) - George Kuo

11. Kling No Klokka (Norway) - Asne Valland Nordli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Silent Night, Mellow Night, December 15, 2000

By 

C. Morehouse "(admirer of African culture & b... (Shepherdstown, WV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Putumayo World Christmas (Audio CD)

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!

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A really rich collection of seasonal favorites, November 10, 2000

By 

Guardian of the Zen Sea "Indigo" (Looking after the sun and surf) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Putumayo World Christmas (Audio CD)

You'll get a really wide range of music on this CD from quiet tunes from the Night Heron Orchestra to Michael Doucet (of Beausoleil) doing a cajon-infuenced romp. All-in-all it is an interesting collection, but the difference in the tunes makes it feel a bit fragmented. However, if you don't already have a copy of John Gorka's Christmas Bells, then that song alone is worth the price of the CD. Also, a great party CD.