Seemingly more upbeat than other Celtic collections--at least with more varied tempos--A Winter"s Tale includes such hot groups as Solas, players Liam O"Connor and Lisa Aherne, an unusual paean to a fallen Irish hero, heavyweight boxer Jack Doyle, and a Tom Petty song ("Angel Dream") sung in a stirring voice by one Elmear Quinn. The 13-song survey also includes Susan McKeown and Lindsey Horner"s notable "Through the Bitter Frost and Snow." But the highlight track here is the lament "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," sung in a moving performance by Dolores and Sean Keane. Proof again that while traditional Irish music (like American blues) is laden with woes and wickedness--even at Christmas--it still somehow manages to elevate the spirit. --Martin Keller