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Jools hosts a festive gathering of friends at his studio, with his long-time musical collaborators singer Ruby Turner and saxophonist Phil Veacock, and the actor, writer and comedian Sally Phillips.

Sally introduces festive favourites by Benjamin Britten and singer-songwriter Jake Thackray and reveals her own Christmas traditions from singing carols to building nativities out of marshmallows and spaghetti. Ruby Turner performs live in the studio and shares her love of the ‘First Lady Of Gospel’, Mahalia Jackson, whose album of Christmas music is her soundtrack of the season. Plus, Phil Veacock brings along an eclectic mix of music, from Arcangelo Corelli and traditional carols, to a remarkable recording from 1962 by jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

To listen on most smart speakers just say "Ask Â鶹Éç Sounds to play Earlier with Jools Holland".