Pink Martini Joy to the World
November 16, 2010 The holidays are just around the corner and it's time to stock up on some festive music. Pink Martini's latest album, Joy to the World, is a delightful collection of traditional holiday songs from around the world.
Containing 14 selections, the new album includes popular songs like Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” There are two versions that's sung in English by China Forbes and in Japanese by Saori Yuki, the Barbra Streisand of Japan. “Silent Night” is sung in German verses and “Shchedryk” (“Carol of the Bells”) is recorded in the original Ukrainian text. There's a playful version of "Santa Baby" and the Pink Martini original "A Snowglobe Christmas" is a beautiful jazzy number.
To my surprise and delight there's a fun version of "Congratulations (Happy New Year)" in Chinese. I have to give extra brownie points to China Forbes and Timothy Nishimoto for singing this because Mandarin is not that easy to master for non-natives. Some of you might recognize this song as the classic "Gongxi Ni" that was written in 1946.
The album ends with a high-spirited version of “Auld Lang Syne.” Choruses in English, Arabic and French are sung over the amazing percussion of the Lions of Batucada. I'm not usually that big on holiday music albums but this is a really awesome and eclectic collection that will appeal to many cultures.
For upcoming concert tour dates and to purchase the new holiday album visit pinkmartini.com.
Reader Comments (2)
What a fun selection to play at a holiday party. The "Happy New Year'' song in Chinese is sure to stop everyone in their tracks, too.
This is a really fun CD to have. Anything from Pink Martini is a sure hit.