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If you haven't reached your seasonal saturation point, get Sultans of String - Christmas Caravan / The Guardian.pe.ca

Christmas is literally just days away. But it's still not too late to add to your holiday music collection if you haven't reached your seasonal saturation point. I add that qualifier because some people - and I'm thinking specifically of those who work in retail - may have already hit their limit. If you do have room for one more seasonal offering I'd like to suggest something a little different from the standard holiday fare commercial radio favours.

Sultans of String, one of this country's most eclectic string ensembles, takes the music of the season in directions you might never have imagined on Christmas Caravan and if you go along for the ride you just might enjoy it. This joyous celebration of the season brings together both familiar music that has long been part of the Christmas canon in North America and music you will be exposed to here for the first time.

Even some of the familiar material has been given a multicultural infusion. A case in point is "Greensleeves". The beloved 16th century British folk song, has been given a true Turkish twist through the use of a traditional Turkish string ensemble and percussion. Consequently, it also has a new name, "Turkish Greensleeves". Recorded and co-produced with Juno award-winning engineer John "Beetle" Bailey, Christmas Caravan, in keeping with its name, takes you all over the world. "We wanted to make a real contribution to the Christmas repertoire, and hopefully create some new standards" says bandleader/violinist Chris McKhool.

READ THE FULL The Guardian.pe.ca ARTICLE