African Christmas - Christmas favorites with an African beat

Track Listings:

1. Oh Come All Ye Faithful - Traditional
2. Away in a Manger - Traditional
3. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Wesley, Charles
4. Joy to the World - Händel, Georg Fried
5. Little Drummer Boy - Davis, Katherine
6. When a Child Is Born - Zacar
7. Silent Night - Gruber, Franz Xaver
8. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - Traditional
9. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer - Marks, John D.
10. Jingle Bell Rock - Beal, Joseph
11. The Sun Shines Down (On a Christmas Day) - Solomon, Niel
12. White Christmas - Berlin, Irving
13. Jingle Bells - Traditional
14. African Christmas (Accapella) - Jordan, Ed

African music is all about percussion and rhythm, and African Christmas is chockablock with both. The vocalists are unknown to American audiences, but many are popular stars in South Africa, and they all are dynamite here. Gentler carols such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger do receive a more subdued treatment, but even these convey the overall attitude of infectious optimism and bottomless spirit. My favorite tracks include the killer opener Oh Come All Ye Faithful and the oh-so-cool vocal percussion and sweet harmonies on Little Drummer Boy. For me, the album's best moments are those that truly deviate from our normal conceptions of traditional Christmas music; I love the African fluorishes that bring holiday chestnuts to vibrant life. The closing presentation of the title track is a dramatic stunner.

This album is wonderfully well executed, and the musicianship is top-notch. If you crave familiar holiday carols framed in an unfamiliar way, consider embracing the Zulu approach in African Christmas. It's a rewarding trip!

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