Reviewed by Tony May

Subtitled 'Christmas And Winter Songs' this is an exemplary Christmas album recorded in 1985 by this wonderful Californian Celtic folk group. The line up tells its story: Paul Espinoza (vocals, guitar, accordion, chimes, mandolin, mandola), Margie Butler (vocals, recorder, whistle, Celtic and neo-Celtic harps, bodhran), Lief Sorbye (vocals, mandola, mandolin, guitar, bass, flute) and Florie Brown (vocals, violin, viola). Perfect blend of voices and instruments on such traditional seasonal fare as "We Three Kings", "What Child Is This?", "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" and The First Noel", less familiar fare such as the dance "My Dancing Day" written by Carl Smith and the traditional Norwegian song "It Was On The Holy Christmas Eve". "Logs To Burn" and Down In Yon Forest" are yet more gems. Originally on the Kicking Mule label, which if you know anything about it handled only the finest acoustic musicians. This is a gem, ideal for your Christmas atmosphere but it will have to be on call for all 12 months of the year.

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