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Our Review

Come away, come away to the islands! Trinidad and Tobago beckon you! The Caribbean Magic Steelband's Christmas Nostalgia presents 14 holiday numbers that are well familiar in the United States, but are played in the Caribbean style of steel pan drums, and one track that is a genuine Trinidad & Tobago selection ("Si Yo Pudiera").

The music is gentle, breezy and carefree; the island sentiment permeates every note of these holiday classics. The songs are well-executed, but the production often gives the music a somewhat muted, distant effect.

For me, the best track is also the longest--and the last piece on the album. It is the traditional holiday number of Trinidad and Tobago ("Si Yo Pudiera"). The Caribbean Magic Steelband truly radiates magic on this one for over six minutes! For some reason, the recording itself also seems sharper and brighter on this number, with its memorable melody and joyful spirit.

Christmas Nostalgia can put a sandy bit of island paradise in your pocket for the holiday season. Happy Holidays!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Musical Director: Sheldon James
Instruments made and tuned by: Bertram Kellman
Executive Producer: Sheldon James

Tenors: Kain Cox, Mario Joseph, Sheldon James
Double Tenor: Jason Ho
Double Seconds: Nicolette Joseph
Cello: Keol Newton
Bass: Sheldon James
Drums: Andrew Brumant
Percussion: Vance Romain, Andrew Brumant, Sheldon James

It's difficult to believe that ten years have already gone by since we started Caribbean Magic, but it has been ten wonderful years, each year allowing us to share new experiences, new friends and new fans. The music of the steel drum is indeed fascinating and captures the spirit of the Caribbean in all its many moods.

In celebration of our tenth anniversary, we bring to you our 5th album 'Christmas Nostalgia'. 'Christmas Nostalgia' takes us back to the days of the traditional Christmas carols, those that we sang along to and are still around today.

This is truly an album you will want to play over and over again and one which will be around for many years. Sit back, relax and let the music take you back to the magical time of Christmas, of friends and family, of giving and sharing, of happiness, goodwill and peace to all. Enjoy!!!

We extend our sincere thanks to the following organizations that have made this production possible: Bp Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Steel Mills, Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Islands in The Sun, Twin Island Shipping.

From the Web site:

Caribbean Magic Steelband was founded on September 8th, 1993, by Sheldon James Musical Director and Leader of the group. The foundation members were Hayden Charles, Lincoln Henry, Miguel Lopez and Nigel Pierre. The group is an all steeldrum band and during its inception to present, has been able to impact on audiences throughout the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Japan. Caribbean Magic has a very versatile repertoire which includes jazz, calypso, reggae and one of the largest classical repertoires on pan.

Caribbean Magic Steelband

Christmas Nostalgia

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Track List