Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I'd be the first (to admit that Phil is one of Christendom's GREAT guitarists, a positive maestro of his instrument who can play everything from deep blues to McCartneyesque pop. Now on this set he demonstrates he's also able to do the John Williams/Julian Bream classical guitar thing, and with an orchestra of London symphonians (credited here the London Session Orchestra) works through a batch of tried-and-tested carols like "Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring", "Coventry Carol", "The First Noel" and "O Holy Night". The effect on the stirring "Nativity Suite" is breathtaking, but more often the effect is so tasteful that it veers dangerously close to lift music. A project which may find support amongst Phil's loyal band of supporters, but one unlikely to win him many new ones.

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