No one can ever forget the golden voice of Bashir Sheikh whose 1991 album released then on Crescendo Music was one of the first few Indian produced Christmas albums that rocked Mumbai.

Now reissued in a new packaging, Bashir takes it easy as he croons on 12 traditional as well as original stuff, like the opener Have a Holly Jolly Christmas; the funky Jingle Bells brings with it a new freshness, Christmas Time and the beautiful slow and soft Silent Night medley. He also duets with Penny Vaz (the Pepsi girl, remember her?) singing along on Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and its Christmas Day Today. Santa Claus gives a sense of love and warmth between u Santa and your parents. l

Bashir’s baritone voice is simply out of the world, you can actually picture the singer singing to you. You may just listen to this just once a year, but believe me this is one of the best Christmas Carol albums around.

Bashir Sheikh is famous as the drummer and vocalist of the 60’s band The Savages that played rock n roll many years ago with his band from Bombay (now Mumbai). Formed in 1960 it was a starting point for him and many others tracing namely Ralph Pais (Bass), Hemant Rao (Guitar), Prabhakar Mundkur (Keyboards, Vocals), Russell Pereira, Remo Fernandes.

This album released in January 2009 on Crescendo Music and was re – released on EMI Virgin a few years ago. It has that magic of rock and roll for a rocking Christmas special. An unforgettable album from this Cliff Richard crooner.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira