A Christmas Celebration (CD - 2006)

Personnel: David Downes (vocals, keyboards, bodhran); Des Moore (guitar); Andreja Malir (harp); Eoghan O'Neill (bass guitar); Robbie Casserly (drums).

Audio Mixer: Andrew Boland.

Recording information: RTE Studio 1, Dublin, Ireland; Windmill Lane Studios.

Director: Rosemary Collier.

Arranger: David Downes.

Their 2005 debut album stayed at number one in the Billboard World Music Chart for a record-breaking 68 weeks, and they won over the world with their breathtaking harmonies and exciting live shows. To follow up on this success, Máiréad, Méav, Orla, Lisa, and Chloe went into the studio to record a collection of classic Christmas songs (including "O Holy Night," "Silent Night," and "The Little Drummer Boy") sung with an extra dollop of poignancy and good humor.

Manhattan's 15-track holiday compilation Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration features traditional yuletide classics like "Away in a Manger," "Little Drummer Boy," "O Holy Night," and "Silent Night" sung by some of the genre's loveliest sirens and accompanied by the occasional harp, cello, violin, and keyboard. Fans of Enya and Clannad will find this relaxing collection to be a nice addition to their seasonal arsenal, while children between the ages of five and ten will laugh mischievously at "Ding Dong Merrily on High." ~ James Christopher Monger minimize