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Brad Stirtz and his pals are BACK! Caribbean Christmas is Stirtz's second holiday offering (the first, (Christmas Vibes, is also reviewed on this site). This time, instead of coming armed with a vibraphone, Stirtz is playing steel pans, which creates the magical island sound that propels Caribbean Christmas onto the endless sun and sand of a tropical beach.

Joined again by his talented friends on guitars and percussion (Kraig McCreary/guitars; Larry Kohut/bass; and Mark Walker/drums & percussion), Stirtz does a superb job of making 11 holiday standards dance to a fun island beat. The final cut is Stirtz's own creation, a very charming and well-constructed "Chaguaramas." Unlike his first album, Caribbean Christmas focuses on more modern, secular tunes.

This delightful offering is filled with joyful moments. The set blasts off with an outstanding "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." The "Do You Hear What I Hear/The Little Drummer Boy" medley is especially well done (somehow, the steel pans percussion provides the sweetest fit); and the Jamaican feel of "Rudolph" and "God Rest Ye Merry Little Christmas" is intensely cool and very right. The guitar and muted pans on "Silent Night" conveyed the appropriate solemnity in a creative context.

So celebrate the island life this holiday season with Brad Stirtz's Caribbean Christmas! Come on in--the water's fine!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Brad Stirtz: Steel Pans & Piano
Kraig McCreary: Guitars
Larry Kohut: Bass
Mark Walker: Drums & Percussion

Mastered by John Larson
Produced by Brad Stirtz
This Recording and All Arrangements by Brad Stirtz

Brad Stirtz

Caribbean Christmas

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Track List