An extraordinarily innovative & creative endeavor which Desert Wind thinks of as their gift to the world community. If you are tired of hearing the same old Christmas tunes, & want something more, something new, enlivening, powerful & elusive, this CD delivers! It is a refreshing change from the ordinary holiday music. Familiar Christmas songs are merged with luscious ancient rhythms from the Middle East. The exotic rhythms infuse the standards with new energy, making this the premiere holiday album to add to your collection. Yet, the album is distinct in that it does not overwhelm the listener as being entirely ''Christmas music.'' While most of the tracks are Christmas songs, there are a few festive pieces youll want to hear and dance to year round. While mostly instrumental, a few of the songs include soulful vocals delivered with insurmountable passion & drive. Amazing Grace is one of these, & is bound to be a year round favorite. As usual, the instrumentals are a percussive blend of rhythmical spice & powerful, sultry, passionate zeal. Adding to the albums immense grace and proportion is the final song which is added almost as a closing prayer, Tikkun Olam (Healing the World.) Overall, this CD is one holiday album that anyone (even those who dont care for Christmas music) can enjoy. 15 tracks.