Spend a few minutes with this CD and you’ll quickly get the idea that Brazilian producer and singer Franco Sattamini loves Christmas. It comes through in every aspect of this album, from his artfully textured arrangements and production, to the song selection and the special guests he’s invited to join him on this holiday romp.
All of this passion has resulted in a seasonally spectacular recording, with more than enough musical treats to fill even the biggest fireplace stocking.
In fact, this Brazilian Christmas CD is unlike any Brazilian Christmas CD you’ve ever heard. Franco makes that our favorite classics are here; ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ and ‘Jingle Bells’ receive a thoroughly Brazilian touch, and the tight harmonies that frame his version of ‘Silent Night’ are as inspiring as the story itself. There’s a real sense of artistic respect that flows through the songs, and that’s a minor miracle itself, considering the constant wave of new Christmas albums released each and every year.
Franco’s style gives a wink and a nod to contemporary pop, smooth jazz and urban undertones – just enough of each to make his Brazilian rhythms really come alive. And that’s as it should be: Brazil’s Christmas traditions don’t extend to original carols – most of what Brazilians enjoy musically for the holidays are the same song we’ve grown up with.
Postwar America gave us many of our favorite pop tunes for the season (although ‘White Christmas’ was written to comfort the troops in WWII), and many of them benefit from Franco’s transcontinental treatment: ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Let It Snow’, ‘Santa Baby’ and ‘The Christmas Song’ are reborn in surprising and satisfying ways.
Even more surprising is the guest list to this little holiday get-together. Torcuato Mariano with Mariana de Moraes, Bossa master Roberto Menescal with Cris Delanno, jazz sax man Phil Woods, Danilo Caymmi, Café, pianist Luis Avelllar, Cristina Ribero and Claudio Nucci, guitarist Romero Lubambo – the lineup is nothing short of incredible!
In many ways, this album is intoxicating – we wouldn’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to it again and again, year after year. ‘Christmas in Rhythm & Bossa’ – what could be better?
