- Audio CD (Aug 2 2001)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- Label: Desert Wind
- ASIN: B00004KD7B
- Other Editions: Audio CD
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Product Details |
Track Listings
| 1. Joy to the World |
| 2. The Little Drummer Boy |
| 3. Gaudete "Rejoice" |
| 4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| 5. Dance of the Angels |
| 6. Silent Night |
| 7. What Child is This? |
| 8. Pachel-BELLS |
| 9. Scarlatti Bachman |
| 10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing |
| 11. O Come, All Ye Faithful |
| 12. Christmas Peace |
| 13. Amazing Grace |
| 14. O Holy Night |
| 15. Tikkun Olam (Healing the World) |
Product Description
City Weekly, Utah's Independent Newspaper, December 23, 1999, Vol. 16 No. 30, Salt Lake City, Utah
DESERT WIND Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land (ASB) by William Athey.
If there is one disc this year that is begging for a listen, it is Desert Wind's Christmas release. Why? Innovation and creativity are present in massive amounts. The title pretty much reveals what's up. Desert Wind do the Christmas thing using dumbek, riq (Egyptian tambourine), tablas and djembe, as well as more familiar instruments. The group is heavily into percussion, so their version of "The Little Drummer Boy" must be viewed as a highlight. Amy Faust performs the vocal portion in an unearthly fashion. "Gaudete," a Christmas song from the 16th century, brings both enjoyment and education to the recording. It's probably difficult to imagine "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" set to rhythms from the Middle East, but Desert Wind doesn't stop there. "What Child is This," "Silent Night" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" receive similar treatment. I thought the Dropkick Murphys had turned in the definitive version of "Amazing Grace" until I heard Desert Wind's take. "Amazing Grace" isn't exactly a "Christmas" song, but Faust is celebrating life. Give praise for experimentation, and it works!
Then the article goes on to describe the music. She says of Alan's piano playing, "His original adaptation of a Scarlatti sonata, called Scarlatti Bachman, is one of the finest and most gorgeous instrumental arrangements that I have ever heard." "Famed Bay-area drummer, Rami Ziadeh . . . shines in The Little Drummer Boy." He was joined by dumbek master and teacher Jonathan Kessler, from Santa Barbara, to lay the fundamental and driving rhythmical force for the album. Then George Grant on tablas, Brett "Angus" Bowen on bass dumbek, Rajab Juma on riq/dumbek, and Christian Perry on trap drums each added their own rhythmical spice to create the powerful and passionate rhythms heard throughout the entire album.
The sultry yet powerful flute sounds are accredited to the brilliant workmanship of Andalin Bachman . . . . She plays fervently throughout the album, adding her own brand of eloquence and zeal. Her energy seems boundless as she improvised with Middle Eastern scales upon exotic rhythms.
. . . Amy Faust, daughter of a Baptist minister and professional vocalist, sings her soulful heart out on three of the fifteen tracks with insurmountable passion and drive. Her voice is as powerful as the lyrics she delivers, and after listening to her vocal faculties you will have a new understanding of the real power in "caroling." Unafraid to "let loose," Amy's gospel influenced upbringing pays off, big time! Her rendition of Amazing Grace will be a year round favorite. (Jareeda, The International News Magazine for Middle Eastern Dance, Oct/Nov 1999 Issue, Sutherlin, Oregon
Following are excerpts from Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land, Desert Wind CD Review by Sara Nosanchuk (full two page article with photos) The full text will gladly be supplied if you are interested!
Hands down, CHRISTMAS: Rhythms of the Holy Land by Desert Wind is the premiere holiday album to add to your collection this year! This is definitely for those who still want to dance in November and December!
This is the best thing to happen to Christmas music since Christmas itself! For years we have been subjected to the same blase Christmas tunes blaring in grocery stores, at outdoor events, at Christmas parties, just about everywhere we go in December -- and for years we have desired to hear something different, something refreshing and festive, powerful yet elusive.
Well friends, the wait is over. Desert Wind's Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land delivers!
Christmas . . . differs from every other holiday album out there for a few distinct reasons. . . . .
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Proud of my Christmas gift!,
By
This review is from: Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land (Audio CD)
This music is enchanting and mesmorizing, pulsating and uplifting. It is the best Christmas music I ever heard, and only hope there is a sequel someday.Last year I got a copy for myself and gave four as Christmas gifts. I was really proud of my gifts due to the incredible One person was my team leader (who is really into Christmas, waiting for it most of the year), told me about how she loved it and played it for all her guests. My fiance liked it so much that he took it to work and played it in his office. My head doctor,(I work in a hosptial) who is from India and Hindu said her husband just loved the beat and rhythm and played it over and over. My other friend thought it was the best she had heard too. If you want rave thank you's for your Christmas gift from friends and co-workers, this is it!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Christmas CD from Desert Wind,
By Janae Friend (Park City, Utah) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land (Audio CD)
I couldn't believe it! "Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land" is the most original and uplifting holiday CD I have ever heard. ~And this is June! I was looking for some new dance music, and my friend Justin encouraged me to listen to this. He mentioned that there were several songs that could be danced to year round. What a surprise!In addition to the several familiar Christmas songs like "Joy to the World," and "The Little Drummer Boy," there was a fascinating instrumental version of a 16th century song called "Gaudete." Where did that come from? Then there were the original and mezmerizing songs by Alan Scott Bachman called "Christmas Peace" and "Dance of the Angels." I'm guessing that angels dance year round! ~ and the flutist must have been in heaven. I have NEVER heard such consistently interesting and beautiful flute work. The flute solos develop into a whirlwind of joyful expression as they emerge from traditional phrasing to exotic, Middle Eastern configurations. It is easy to envision the dance that goes with her music. I don't know where this album came from, but now that I found it, I am compelled to let the world know about this music. Alan must be flying on the piano when he plays these songs, and it would be great to see him live! Amy sang on just a few of the songs, but it was as though she was finally able to let go. I don't know Amy, but I can just imagine that she has sung Christmas songs her whole life ~ and NOW she had the opportunity to let loose, Desert Wind style. I would love to have been a fly on the wall when she recorded the most "amazing" version of AMAZING GRACE ever! ~You just have to hear this one. And don't wait for December. With all of the passionate and exciting hand drumming which provided the foundation for this refreshing CD, and fifteen songs to choose from, I promise, I will be dancing in December!
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews) 10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Christmas CD from Desert Wind,
By Janae Friend - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land (Audio CD)
I couldn't believe it! "Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land" is the most original and uplifting holiday CD I have ever heard. ~And this is June! I was looking for some new dance music, and my friend Justin encouraged me to listen to this. He mentioned that there were several songs that could be danced to year round. What a surprise!In addition to the several familiar Christmas songs like "Joy to the World," and "The Little Drummer Boy," there was a fascinating instrumental version of a 16th century song called "Gaudete." Where did that come from? Then there were the original and mezmerizing songs by Alan Scott Bachman called "Christmas Peace" and "Dance of the Angels." I'm guessing that angels dance year round! ~ and the flutist must have been in heaven. I have NEVER heard such consistently interesting and beautiful flute work. The flute solos develop into a whirlwind of joyful expression as they emerge from traditional phrasing to exotic, Middle Eastern configurations. It is easy to envision the dance that goes with her music. I don't know where this album came from, but now that I found it, I am compelled to let the world know about this music. Alan must be flying on the piano when he plays these songs, and it would be great to see him live! Amy sang on just a few of the songs, but it was as though she was finally able to let go. I don't know Amy, but I can just imagine that she has sung Christmas songs her whole life ~ and NOW she had the opportunity to let loose, Desert Wind style. I would love to have been a fly on the wall when she recorded the most "amazing" version of AMAZING GRACE ever! ~You just have to hear this one. And don't wait for December. With all of the passionate and exciting hand drumming which provided the foundation for this refreshing CD, and fifteen songs to choose from, I promise, I will be dancing in December! 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Proud of my Christmas gift!,
By Susan Rose "suzenrose" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land (Audio CD)
This music is enchanting and mesmorizing, pulsating and uplifting. It is the best Christmas music I ever heard, and only hope there is a sequel someday.Last year I got a copy for myself and gave four as Christmas gifts. I was really proud of my gifts due to the incredible One person was my team leader (who is really into Christmas, waiting for it most of the year), told me about how she loved it and played it for all her guests. My fiance liked it so much that he took it to work and played it in his office. My head doctor,(I work in a hosptial) who is from India and Hindu said her husband just loved the beat and rhythm and played it over and over. My other friend thought it was the best she had heard too. If you want rave thank you's for your Christmas gift from friends and co-workers, this is it! 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rhythms are clear and perfect for the season,
By Nacheska Gentry Combs "Dance Director" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Christmas: Rhythms of the Holy Land (Audio CD)
Designing a Holiday dance workshop to tie in with the Christmas season...this CD was a perfect addition to songs I had picked from other artists. The Rhythms were kicky and energetic to give the dancers I taught the feel of the season along with a nice rhythm to dance to. I definitely recommend this music for a high energy performance piece too.
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