Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Angus MacGregor is one half of West Yorkshire duo Cath & Angus Music and the talented guitarist has ventured out on his own once more for a second volume of exquisitely-played Christmas instrumentals. Kicking off with a breezy polyrhythmic version of "The Sussex Carol" (or "On Christmas Night" as it's sometimes known), MacGregor immediately shows a knack for reinventing well-known standards with a banjo-tinged take on "Ding Dong Merrily On High" and the ethereal German carol "Es Ist Ein Ros Entsprungen" working especially well as adapted and augmented pieces. Showcasing his obvious skills as an acoustic guitarist, MacGregor also offers up more literal readings of old chestnuts like "The First Nowell" and "In The Bleak Midwinter" to give a background listening feel to proceedings whilst an extended improvised set at the end betrays some ambient leanings and helps make this release a suitable aural salve to those seeking peace and reflection during the busiest time of the year.

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