Christmas

One of the most unusual and interesting projects in the wider Roxy Music universe, the only direct performer on 1989’s Christmas from that band is Andy Mackay, though Phil Manzanera acts as executive producer. But what matters is what Mackay and a slew of, like the title says, accomplished UK players on a variety of traditional and folk-friendly instruments do on a wide range of holiday carols, songs and standards. Strictly instrumental, it’s a lovely blend of past and present, with a great woozy Mackay sax solo on “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”