Christmas Sarod with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

I discovered this CD at a local music store in NYC and couldn't resist listening to it.

Tracks:

1. Joy To The World
2. Silent Night
3. O Come, All Ye Faithful
4. Jingle Bells
5. Lord's My Shepherd, The
6. O Lord And Master Of Us All
7. We Three Kings
8. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
9. Joy To The World [Remix] - (remix)

Amazon's description of the album:

Amjad Ali Khan is one of the most renowned musicians in all of the far east including his home India. He is the recipient of countless awards and titles given for his mastering of the Sarod. Amjad, to share his love of life, wishes to arrange the Christmas melodies and carols of the west as if each song was originally an Indian creation. This album will be a favorite in all households this winter. The music is enticing and romantic at the same moment. The Dalai Lama has said this is a must to all of Man as it shares the love for all man.

My description of the album:

If you own and Indian restaurant or a retailer of Indian goods and the classic Amjad Ali Khan music doesn't cut it during the holiday season? Drop these Christmas-Sarod-Fusion beats and watch your sales of Chicken Vindaoo rival fruit cakes. Your consumers will feel less guilt when purchasing the marble replica of the Taj Mahal versus that nut cracker. Feel the sounds of Jingle Bells resonate through your body with the soothing sounds of the Sarod.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan rocking the Sarod

All jokes aside, I wonder what prompted Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to create this album considering the purity of his classical creations? I went to one of his concerts in New Delhi and it was phenomenal. You have to hear him live. Sadly I see this as a prompt to make some extra cash.

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What was the Dalai Lama doing listening to this album and endorsing it? The album was released on November 4th, 2008 so I have no idea how is became a favorite in all household this winter?

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