Traditional Celtic instrumentation always sounds beautiful on holiday classics, but Celtic Christmas is different than what its title might suggest. This oddly compelling album is composed entirely of modern New Age Celtic musicians playing their own compositions and obscure traditional folk tunes. Only three of the tracks contain any vocals, and only one of those--Karan Casey's "On a Winter's Day"--appears to be in modern English. It creates a mood, reflecting the meditative side of the holidays as opposed to the festive or religious. --Bill Holdship

You can listen to a whole song by clicking on the name with the musical notes on each side.

1. Cornphíopa Ciorcalach - Maire Breatnach - 3:54 2. Newton Hill - Phil Cunningham - 3:38 3. Kousket - Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill - 4:27 4. Cúl A' Dún - Steve Cooney - 4:33 5. Annaghdown - Garry O'Brian - 3:14 6. Eilí Gheal Chiúin - Paddy Glackin - 4:17 7. Sliabh Na Mban - Liam O'Flynn - 4:50 8. Christ Child Lullaby - Brian Dunning and Jeff Johnson - 3:28 9. Sporting Paddy/Adele - Cormac Breatnach - 3:53 10. On a Winter's Day - Karan Casey - 3:44 11. AR Pont Nevez - Nightnoise - 3:35 12. Cailín Na Gruaige Doinne - 4:28 13. Longing - Jim Cregan - 4:46

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