"El Niño Del Tambor (The Little Drummer Boy)" credits on Sound Credit

NOTES

In a holiday season when travel is restricted and the world is confined to their homes, three artists whose origins span the Western Hemisphere, from Canada to Cuba to Argentina, present a wholly original rendition of a Christmas classic. El Niño Del Tambor (The Little Drummer Boy) is given new life by celebrated NYC-based musicians Pedrito Martinez, Sofia Rei and Bria Skonberg.

An entrancing journey featuring multi-percussion, trumpet and 3-part harmonies, El Niño Del Tambor captures the spirit of a song and season. “There are a lot of things we can’t do or have right now,” said Bria Skonberg. “But we have our voices, and we find ways to communicate and to share.”

The trio’s version required a balance of deliberately sparse beats, delicate vocal and trumpet interplay and inspired improvisation, despite recording in isolated glass recording booths. “It was undoubtedly magical since the depth and beauty of the work done was due to the simplicity, creativity and versatility of its protagonists,” said Pedrito Martinez.

Martinez, Rei and Skonberg first performed El Niño Del Tambor together six years ago, at The Town Hall’s annual holiday show, Gotham Holiday Swing. The pandemic may have upended tours, but it also left three busy bandleaders a rare opportunity. “2020 with all its awfulness allowed for some end of the year magic,” stated Sofia. “The three of us were in New York at the same time and available to finally record this song and put it out right on time for Christmas.”