Moya Brennan - An Irish Christmas

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

As every Celtic music buff will know, Moya is "the voice of Clannad." The Irish songstress has over the last few years carved out an international following amongst Christian music lovers and though this new set isn't up to the standards of her stunning 'Perfect Time' and 'Whisper To The Wild Water', it's still far superior to many of those Nashville yuletide offerings which clog up the seasonal release schedules. Having said that, there are some predictable carols but in Moya's hands "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Joy To The World" and "In The Bleak Midwinter" have the same layered production and delicately ethereal vocals which have made Moya an international star. According to Moya, she wanted to "capture a truly Celtic Christmas feeling" and I'd say she succeeded very well.