Christmas Reviews.Com

Emma Doyle's Celtic Christmas is the sort of soothing music that can be played to help wind down after a hard day at the office. The record doesn't try to make its point by screaming Christmas. Instead, Doyle's harp, often accompanied by Reg Keating and Phillip O'Reilly on synthesizer, sets a light, airy holiday mood best enjoyed with candlelight and incense. Most of these arrangements are quite suitable for a Christmas mix. I particularly enjoyed the somewhat ethereal Christmas Time is Here Again. Doyle also performs a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria. The accompaniment, though it remains somewhat in the background, offers a hint of panflute, playing the role of the chorus on this all-instrumental CD. A tasteful, understated holiday treat that won't disappoint.