Music Review: Putumayo Presents: A Family Christmas
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that unlike other Putumayo albums, this
one is mainly in English, and the songs are spins of
traditional, secular Christmas tunes. That being said, there is
still a "world flavor" to the music that gives this holiday
disc the usual Putumayo zest, and is sure to be enjoyed by the
whole family. There are liner notes in English, Spanish, and
French.
A holiday installment of the popular Putumayo World Music franchise, A FAMILY CHRISTMAS gets everyone in the yuletide spirit with 11 tracks that capture traditional Christmas songs with an array of musical styles. From New Orleans jazz to European polka, and English folk to Jamaican ska, the songs featured here could get even Ebenezer Scrooge himself in the mood for sleigh bells and Christmas cheer. A Family Christmas breathes new life into already beloved holiday tunes such as "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Sleigh Ride," and "Frosty the Snowman."
If you get tired of the same ol' Bing Crosby-Andy Williams dose of Christmas tunes, then you'll love Putumayo's A Family Christmas. Although it's a product of the well-known world music machine, the mostly American traditional yuletide tracks keep true enough to their roots and please even the staunchest traditionalist. The acoustic renditions of favorites such as "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Winter Wonderland" (Deana Carter), are fa-la-labulous. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy jazzes it up on "Is Zat You Santa Claus?" with quirky Dracula-style vocals kids will love, and English folk singer Kate Rusby's sweet singing on "Here We Come A-Wassailing" is as smooth as a hot cup of cider. Lars Edegran's "Frosty the Snowman" lives up to its always-high expectations from mittened, pink-nosed kiddos everywhere, with a delightful rendition of the Gene Autry classic. A Family Christmas is the perfect holiday soundtrack to enjoy with the whole family, and will leave you anxious and excited to get out the eggnog and the Christmas lights a little earlier each year.
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