Latin Christmas (Putumayo)
Various Artists
Released in 2016
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m2twcsNLF25jIaEdm7XnThGAYfOnYlcok
Spotify:
About:
While American icons such as Santa’s sleigh, evergreen Christmas trees and chestnuts roasting on an open fire are foreign concepts in most parts of Latin America, Christmas celebrations throughout the Americas share the same spirit of joy, gratitude and generosity. Each country in Latin America has its Christmas traditions, whether it be Puerto Rico’s aguinaldos (carols), Argentina’s Misa Criolla (Creole Mass) or the pan-Latin American El Dia de los Reyes (Three King’s Day).
Latin Americans celebrate Christmas in many different ways but one thing that is common everywhere is the importance of music. The songs sung together each year get everyone into the Christmas spirit. While many countries have local Christmas songs, there are also standards that have become known throughout the world, including many of the songs featured on this album. The album also includes a cocktail recipe for Coquito, or Puerto Rican egg nog.
Track Listing:
1. Joy to the World feat. Nossa Bossa Nova 02:40
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town feat. Bobby Rodriguez 02:58
3. Blanca Navidad feat. Erica Gonzaba 03:13
4. Jingle Bells feat. Juan Carlos Quintero 04:00
5. La Peregrinación feat. Susie Arioli 03:08
6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen feat. Dave Stephens 03:37
7. Noche de Paz feat. Hanne Tveter 03:02
8. Christmas Rumba feat. Roman Street 03:51
9. El Año Viejo feat. Grupo Son Sabor 03:02
10. Ven Ven La Super Banda 02:03
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas feat. Poncho Sanchez 04:45
Review:
One noteworthy detail here is the absence of the word jazz in the album title. This collection offers plenty of clave and other rhythms from the world of Latin music, as well as some soft, lovely voices that are occasionally reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto. The talented vocalists include Erica Gonzaba (“Blanca Navidad”/“White Christmas”), Susie Arioli (“La Peregrinación”) and Norwegian Hanne Tveter, who delivers a Spanish-language version of “Silent Night.” There is some fine instrumentation, too, including from the U.S.-based band Roman Street, which performs a lively “Greensleeves.” Conguero Poncho Sanchez’s band offers a strong Latin jazz version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” with the leader delivering a hot solo. Nossa Bossa Nova’s version of “Joy To The World” features excellent flute work, and trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez shines on “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” as does Colombian guitarist Juan Carlos Quintéro on “Jingle Bells” and Welsh guitarist Dave Stephens on “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” In sum, this is a highly satisfying album.
Bob Protzman (DownBeat)
