Though he has never been a big fan of Christmas, the musician in Dean Fraser can’t help but loving the classic songs that make the season special.
In November, his Nyabinghi Christmas album was released by Tad’s International Record. On December 21, the celebrated saxophonist performs songs from the 16-song set in ‘A Free Virtual Nyabinghi Christmas Special’.
The performance will be from Tad’s International Record’s studio in Kingston.
Fraser will be accompanied by several of the musicians who played on Nyabinghi Christmas including percussionists Congo Billy and Hector Lewis, bassist Mikey Fletcher, keyboardist Andrew Marsh and guitarist Lamont “Monty” Savory.
“Wi jus’ wanted to do some Christmas song Jamaica style. Yuh don’t get more Jamaican than Nyabinghi,” said Fraser.
The Nyabinghi are part of the Rastafarian community in Jamaica. Their African-inspired drumming have been part of the country’s music for decades, starting with Oh Carolina by the Ffolkes Brothers in 1959.
Fraser and his team put that percussive feel to standards like The First Noel, I Wish You A Merry Christmas and Long Time Ago as well as the Jamaican folk favorite, Santa Ketch up Inna Mango Tree.
Nyabinghi Christmas is among the latest batch of Yuletide reggae projects released this year. Hopeton Lindo’s Feel It EP, and songs by singers Sone (It’s All About You) Maurice Gregory (Christmas in The Air) were also released in November.
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