Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

If you like Christmas music you're in your element with this album, and if you enjoy the saxophone you've hit the jackpot. Anna Lamplough's playing is of high standard, jazzy but not gimmicky or self-indulgent. Her backing group perfectly complements the sax, featuring piano, bass and drums - effective but not intrusive, and all given space to breathe thanks to excellent production. The material is a mostly a selection of familiar Christmas oldies, everything from "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" to "Winter Wonderland". While most tunes have a jazz feel, a few rock elements creep in, for example in "Jingle Dem Bells" and "He's A Comin'!". "Pictures Of Christmas" is a medley of tunes not given the full track treatment, but includes a nice reprise of "Silent Night". I always like to find some new material on Christmas albums and I wasn't disappointed. Alongside the instrumentals there are two beautiful songs, sung by band member Rob Moye. "Cradle Song" is a touching reflection of a father, while "A Christmas Blessing" is the perfect ending for a pleasantly mellow album, ideal for a candlelight and open fire listening experience.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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