In this album Sandro Eristavi - an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and arranger - gives free rein to his eclectic musical tastes and to the idea of music as a bridge between different cultures. The album (EP) includes instrumental renditions of five traditional Christmas Carols, arranged in unexpected musical styles, from flowing bossa nova and fiery salsa (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) to dreamy blues (Coventry Carol) to reggae (Go Tell It On A Mountain) to rockabilly- jazz (Good King Wenceslas) to classical symphonic orchestra feel (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing). If you listen carefully, you may recognize musical citations here and there ranging from Rachmaninoff Concerto to "Old McDonald", as well as references to guitar styles of Sandro's favorite players such as Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler and George Benson.
The album also demonstrates the amazing versatility and stylistic range of Sandro's favorite red Fender Stratocaster that was used to record all the guitar parts on this collection.
Merry Christmas and happy listening!
Album art by Natalia Eristavi http://nataliaeristavi.com/
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