Edhels is the biggest progressive band in their country, Monaco. Not the biggest of countries, but if you add France to their territory, their greatness is more apparent. Edhels is clearly one of the best progressive groups within France. "Oriental Christmas" is their debut, which was recorded in 1985 and released during 1986 on Musea. The line-up features four talented musicians: Marc Ceccotti on bass and lead guitar, Noel Damon on keyboards, Jacky Rosati on drums and Jean-Louis Suzzoni on lead and rhythm guitars. Marc Ceccotti composed the eleven tracks, totaling almost 50 minutes.

The music has an eighties touch, sometimes very jazzy. "Oriental Christmas" opens with fusion like 'Ragtime Baby', which I consider as one of the best on the album. Every song has quality, but some lack the innovative elements needed and never strives forward. The album is instrumental, and that may have something to do with the feel of boredom. An instrumental album requires new interesting innovative songwriting. "Oriental Christmas" is a good debut, but the lack of intricacy and forward striving segments makes the overall judgement fairly good.

The seventh song 'Imaginary Dance' I consider as the other highlight. Imaginative bass-lines, interesting guitar solos and cool percussion work is significant for this song. It stands out! The production is of the eighties, especially the drums sound very strange at times, but the overall production is good.