Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The title says it all really. A blend of ancient Irish and Scottish Christmas carols with vocals, some instrumentals and some carols that have no Celtic association but are played here on uillean pipes, penny whistle, fiddle, bodhran, etc. Ric Blair and co are excellent musos and even if there are other similar Celtic albums in the marketplace their reading of songs like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (fused into "Joy To The World"), "Wexford Carol" and "Little Drummer Boy" are refreshing. Don't really know what a song like "Drowsie Maggie" is doing on this set though.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.