I've heard Christmas carols played on everything from steel drums to bagpipes; from Celtic harps to kittens to jingle bell dogs. I believe, however, that this is the first time I've heard those familiar tunes played on the sitar - a gorgeous instrument made even more stunning in the hands of American world jazz music maestro Stephan Mikes.
All tracks are noteworthy, but of particular note are the holiday medleys: "We Three Kings/What Child is This?", "Holly and the Ivy/The First Noel", and the nine-minute "Ode to Joy/Angels We Have Heard on High/Silent Night/Little Drummer Boy". rarely do artists play medleys of christmas carols...this is awesome and somthing I would have expected from a Celtic musician.
Without a doubt, "Sitar Christmas" is a great way to relax this holiday season, and a good showcase of the sitar's haunting power. 
Now I don't know if Indian sitar great Ravi Shankar celebrates Christmas, but if he were to throw a holdiay party he would definately play this music and probably invite the likes of Enya, Jimmy Buffet and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to join in. Sound far-feteched? Maybe. But with "Sitar Christmas", Mikes has joined the sitar with atmospsheric, classial-style synthesizers, soft-rock guitar, and island style, Latin percussion with a few tablas thrown in. Definatley a Christmas chill out album. highly recomended
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My babies at daycare love it.  They stop playing and look at the c d player.  It uplifts me so I can have more fun with the babies.  It is great at home at relaxing time or background music.  We really love it.  Thank You.
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