Customer Reviews

Putumayo World Christmas

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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!

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.