World Christmas

Various Artists - Miscellaneous - Holiday | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 15, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005H2P
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,244 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday
  • #26 in Music > World Music > Latin Music > Brazilian > Afro Brazilian
  • #44 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Afro-Cuban

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

An exceptional gathering of musicians from around the global village set a new standard for Christmas records on World 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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing, original, and celebratory Christmas music., December 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: World Christmas (Audio CD)

This is among the best Christmas music collections available-particularly for listeners who are tired of old conventional presentations. True to the World Christmas title, songs are sung in French, Spanish, African Portuguese, and English--some with exuberant West African rhythms. For example, "Navidad" by the Gypsy Kings is among the most celebratory Christmas songs I know. Other songs like "Boas Festas" and "Natal" are simply lovely and may become Christmas favorites for you. Even an overworked standard like "Twelve Days of Christmas" is presented with a novel sultry jazz sound that will exercise your subwoofer. Take a chance on this album. You will enjoy the rewards.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolute monster Christmas record!, November 19, 2000

By 

m_noland "m_noland" (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: World Christmas (Audio CD)

Tired of Christmas time schlock? This is one that you can sink your teeth into -- and besides, the money goes to a good cause (International Special Olympics). Standout cuts: John Scofield and the Wild Magnolias absolutely burning down "Go Tell it on a Mountain" and Angelique Kidjo's mountain 'o overdubs version of "O Holy Night" in which she not only sings the words but all the instrumental parts as well. Way cool.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars World Christmas(various Artists), August 8, 2005

By 

Leona E. Brown "Dakota Skye" (Charlottesville,VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: World Christmas (Audio CD)

I first heard Ave Maria(Deep Forest) a few weeks ago. Liking what I heard I searched for more on them. I was led to the World Christmas CD. When I had an opertunity to hear the entire CD I fell in love with every song there.
Most of these artists I had never heard before. Believe me they do the songs justice. I would recommend the CD to all my friends.Even though I had a hard time finding it, I kept up the search until I did. I put in my order right away for fear of the CD being sold out quickly. Now I eagerly anticipate the delivery so that I can start listening.