Reviewed by Tony May

Seasonal songs from Columbia, Argentina, Peru, Mexico and Chile, full of Latin American vitality and enthusiasm. Many tracks have gentle Latin rhythms, others such as "La Ronda De La Estrella", a song about the star of Bethlehem, offer a quiet, easy folk style. "A Las Doce De La Noche" describing Christ's birth in a stable is full of Mexican fire, lively and highly rhythmic. Most of the songs simply tell the basic Nativity story. Particularly enjoyable is the Argentinean "Dime Maria" - Tell me Mary/Who is the child born tonight?/Let us sing/God's son is born." It would have been helpful if the full translation of each song had been given rather than just the brief comments, but this unusual Christmas album features a fine vocalist, authentic musicians, unfamiliar songs, and insights as to how the season happens elsewhere.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.