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. . . . .