Our Review
Love the rhythms of South Africa? Is The Lion King your favorite movie and/or musical? Are you a big fan of the Grammy-winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo? If so, then you are guaranteed to flip over African Christmas, a joyous album that presents traditional Christmas favorites with a distinctive African beat. If you are relatively unfamiliar with African music, but are open to nontraditional interpretations, hold onto your socks! These addictive, Zulu-flavored renditions will trim your tree in stellar fashion!
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!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Vocals: Ed Jordan, Saluza Max, Bongani Masuku, Sipho Hxumalo, Carol Foster, Mandisa Dlanga, Alan Glass, Vernon Abdul, Khanyo Maphumulo, Philly Shangi
Pianos and Keyboards: Ed Jordan
Guitars: Mauritz Lotz, Zoli Balela, George Vardas
Drums: Kevin Kruger
Bass: Denis Lalooette, Ed Jordan
Percussions: Paulo Areal
Engineers: Adrian Hamilton, Jasper Williams
Produced and Arranged by: Ed Jordan & Niel Solomon
Ed Jordan and Niel Soloman have for years been established among South Africa's elite singer/songwriters and producers, collaborating on innumerable film scores and theatrical productions. When approached by Paul Choritz from Merry Music to produce a unique album of African holiday music, they eagerly accepted, recruiting the cream of South Africa's session musicians.
Various Artists
African Christmas
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Label: Merry Music/Higher Octave Music
Length: 45 minutes
Genre: World
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|
| Oh Come All Ye Faithful | uncredited artist |
| Away in a Manger | uncredited artist |
| Hark! The Herald Angels Sing | uncredited artist |
| Joy to the World | uncredited artist |
| Little Drummer Boy | uncredited artist |
| When a Child Is Born | uncredited artist |
| Silent Night | uncredited artist |
| We Wish You a Merry Christmas | uncredited artist |
| Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer | uncredited artist |
| Jingle Bell Rock | uncredited artist |
| The Sun Shines Down (On a Christmas Day) | uncredited artist |
| White Christmas | uncredited artist |
| Jingle Bells | uncredited artist |
| African Christmas (Acapella) | uncredited artist |