A cosmopolitan seaport since Antiquity, but also a historic centre of the arts which saw the birth of the first Academy of Music in Western Europe, Naples is a city of fascinating vitality. Produced by Kenichi Takahashi (Respect Records) and the Neapolitan Mandolin Academy, this album takes listeners deep into the great tradition of Neapolitan Christmas songs. It also demonstrates the considerable influence of Southern Italy on the popular music genres of the west, thanks to those who emigrated from Naples in the last century to settle in France, Argentina and the USA. Patrick FRÉMEAUX