Solstice

Solstice

ASIN: B0000261O7

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Few jazz record companies have achieved so distinctive a sound and characteristic a style as the German label ECM. This 1974 recording by acoustic guitarist Ralph Towner is a classic of the label's early period. Adept at blending jazz with folk and classical elements, Towner is joined here by drummer Jon Christensen and two of the label's essential voices, the sweetly muscular saxophone sound of Jan Garbarek and the springy bass virtuosity of Eberhard Weber. The quartet has both orchestral breadth and varied textures, each enhanced by some discreet overdubbing and fairly extensive doubling--Weber adding electric bass leads and background cello, Towner adding some piano to his classical and 12-string guitars, and Garbarek playing soprano and overdubbing two flutes on "Nimbus." The modal and atmospheric improvisations contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, and the sumptuously beautiful sound seems to embrace the instruments. --Stuart Broomer

Solstice,Ralph Towner,Ecm Records,Folk-Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating:

Before Ms. Feminine Mystique Grew Buck Teeth and Hairy Armpits

Encountering old friends

indelibly stamped with the imprimatur of authenticity

Hypnotic, Eerie, Playful and A Wonderful Musical Wild Ride

Pat Metheny's Favorite ECM Recording

Solstice
Ralph Towner
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000261O7
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

Oceanus
Visitation
Drifting Petals
Nimbus
Winter Solstice
Piscean Dance
Red And Black
Sand

Amazon.com

Few jazz record companies have achieved so distinctive a sound and characteristic a style as the German label ECM. This 1974 recording by acoustic guitarist Ralph Towner is a classic of the label's early period. Adept at blending jazz with folk and classical elements, Towner is joined here by drummer Jon Christensen and two of the label's essential voices, the sweetly muscular saxophone sound of Jan Garbarek and the springy bass virtuosity of Eberhard Weber. The quartet has both orchestral breadth and varied textures, each enhanced by some discreet overdubbing and fairly extensive doubling--Weber adding electric bass leads and background cello, Towner adding some piano to his classical and 12-string guitars, and Garbarek playing soprano and overdubbing two flutes on "Nimbus." The modal and atmospheric improvisations contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, and the sumptuously beautiful sound seems to embrace the instruments. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Before Ms. Feminine Mystique Grew Buck Teeth and Hairy Armpits.......2006-12-06

Take the musicians on this jazzy escapade in sound.

Only men are hairy and toothy enough to imagine such elegant things. (Unless, of course, they are women.) Garbarek saves his altissimo for just the right moment on "Oceanus." Towner and Christiansen take Richie Havens as their STARTING POINT in "Ticean Dance" and wring just about everything there is to be wrung out of it. "Sand" prefigures Bowie's "Subterraneans" on "Low" by about two years. Connecting these two songs was boss, let me tell you.

Yes, Towner could serenade us with a few more open, cathartic chords on "Ticean Dance" to better highlight the song's incredibly tight, fractious rhythms. If one chose to sweat the details, yes. But, this is not about sweating the details - this is about sitting back and imploding. These guys are good, very good -- "Dis" with a rhythm section.

But, no, it can't last, can it. Santa Claus has to climb back up the chimney and pay off his credit cards, doesn't he. The snowman grins, sags and melts, doesn't he. The ego takes over and ruins everything, doesn't it.

But, in the 70's, when artists weren't ALWAYS grandstanding and could open their soul-lids for a peek, as on "Solstice," you darn well got your money's worth. So, forget it's 2006 (you can do it!); let Sean Hannity, Michael Savage and Glenn Beck save world (one man's opinion); plug in mood lighting; feed fish; drink green tea and; obsequiously enjoy.

Encountering old friends.......2006-05-18

As a younger person I owned quite a few vinyl albums. Amoung them were "Crystal Silence"(Gary Burton-Chick Corea), one of my all time favorite pre-new age jazz albums. I found the reissue of that CD years ago.

But my two most beloved jazz albums; moody, peaceful, emotional satisfying works are definitely "Diary" and "Solstice" by Ralph Towner.

Musically, these are all old friends whom I've never met and I'm glad to encounter once again many years later.

Reading at home alone on a rainy night or driving in the mountains on a snowy day in mid-Winter, this is the music to have.

indelibly stamped with the imprimatur of authenticity.......2005-10-11

There are precious few artists whose music is so instantly recognizable, so indelibly stamped with the imprimatur of authenticity, that their work is guaranteed a place in the annals of music history. Ralph Towner is one such artist.

The guitar solos on "Solstice" are pristine in tone and execution, and offer an exquisite view into the imagination of one of our greatest free improvisors. The interplay among the all-star cast of ECM players borders on the telepathic. The music is alternately transcendent, urgent, atmospheric, unpredictable, and beautiful beyond words.

You cannot go wrong with any release bearing Ralph Towner's name. Solstice is a soaring achievement, and ranks among my very favorites of all time.

Hypnotic, Eerie, Playful and A Wonderful Musical Wild Ride.......2005-01-14

This 1974 release by guitarist Ralph Towner only reaffirms his genius and versatility as a musician/composer.

Teaming up with bassist Eberhard Weber, drummer Jon Christensen and saxophonist Jan Garbarek, Towner took 3 other very highly developed musical personalities on a wild ride with him through dark spooky forests ("Visitation"), vast seas ("Oceanus"), deserts ("Sand") and more. Towner lets forth some beautiful Bill Evans-esque piano musings on "Drifting Petals", and even engages Jan Garbarek in a lively duo on "Winter Solstice". Things even get funky on "Piscean Dance".

Bassist Eberhard Weber adds not only brilliant electric upright bass lines to the proceedings but goes further to add eerie choruses of cellos and bowed bass. Jan Garbarek proves a more than capable foil for Towners full rich guitars and piano with his stark, icy, yet oddly soulful tones on tenor, soprano and flute. One of his best moments is "Nimbus" with its tumbling flutes and stern tenor sax interjections.

"Visitation" gets my vote for spookiest track on an ECM release. This improv piece is VERY effective in conjuring up vivid images of walking through a spooky forest at night, screech owls in full cry and something lurking behind the twisted trees.

All throughout, drummer Jon Christensen provides very flexible and empathetic playing, really listening to what's going on and giving his all without overpowering the other musicians. He shoud definitely get a MVP Award in the ECM stable (as he's appeared on so many ECM discs).

Prepare ye for a mindblowing listening experience!

Pat Metheny's Favorite ECM Recording.......2002-12-13

On a wet and rainy October 1976 evening I walked into a Tower Records in Seattle. I immediately took note of the music playing. It was weird, beautiful, mystical, forceful, transcendental all at the same time. I inquired and was told it was Ralph Towner Solstice. I purchased it on Lp. I still have that old Lp as well as the CD. A few months later I got to see Ralph perform duets with John Abercrombie. After the 1st piece there was one perfect moment where you could have heard a pin drop the crowd was so captivated. Towner is one of the greats. Solstice is one of the most played recordings in my collection. Pat Metheny once commented on his website that this was his favorite ECM recording. Pick it up and find out why!

Average customer rating:

soltice

Solstice
Slim Man
Manufacturer: Oui Oui Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000MV9350
Release Date: 2007-01-25

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Everytime It Rains
Summer's Almost Gone
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Product Description

Solstice, the new CD from pop/jazz vocalist Slim Man, features guitarist Marc Antoine. Solstice is both a return and a departure for Slim Man--a return to the studio where he recorded his first CD, 'End of the Rainbow', which had the Top Ten Hit 'Faith In Us', and a departure in that the sound has a more Latin/Pop/Chill vibe than Slim Man's other CDs.

Customer Reviews:

soltice.......2007-07-04

I enjoyed the music, smooth jazz is always relaxing! I enjoyed the different moads in the album of instruments and singing. I never heard of Slim Man before but I will buy more of his music again!!

A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists

Average customer rating:

Music and Memory
a soundtrack to a vanished past
Refreshing Instrumentals for Christmas, or Any Time
A Winter's Solstice
Excellent CD.

A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists
Philip Aaaberg , Billy Oskay & Michael O Domhnail , and Darol Anger & Mike Marshall
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000NGH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - David Qualey
Engravings II - Ira Stein & Russel Walder
New England Morning - William Akerman
High Plains - Philip Aaberg
Nollaig - Bill Oskay & Micheal O Damhhnail
Greensleves - Liz Story
Bach Bouree - Darol Anger & Mike Marshall
Northumbrian Lullabye - Malcom Dalglish
Petite Aubade - Shadowfax
A Tale Of Two Cities - Mark Isham

Customer Reviews:

Music and Memory.......2007-01-01

Windham Hill has certainly milked this series for a very long time based on the success of this album in the 1980s. Many of its successors are really very good, but this is the seminal Windham Hill artists' statement about music, memory, and seasonal sentiment. Most of the cuts on this album are so well crafted that they may seem simplistic, but what is so telling for me is that the pieces hold up year after year and they possess a magical quality that allows the music to become a part of one's Solstice/Christmas experience. Will Ackerman's "New England Morning" is especially moving in this sense, and certainly seems to capture something elemental about New England in winter. This quality of the music is a tribute to the pure artistry of the performers/composers. Winter's Solstice II also works well on this level of grace and harmony. While the albums that follow the first two are good in many ways, and certainly contain high quality performances, the series sets a high standard with the first two attempts that is very tough to match. Highly recommended at any price.

a soundtrack to a vanished past.......2005-12-24

In the early months and years of my first marriage, this music was the bridge between two people who were not accustomed to building bridges. The emotional resonances that it triggers in me even now make me wonder whether music should be trusted as a reliable means of communication. The answer is, of course, yes; I just have to learn to remember without regret. Five stars, and more. The first, and probably the best, of the Solstice records.

Refreshing Instrumentals for Christmas, or Any Time.......2005-11-07

The Windham Hill "Winter's Solstice" series is a great way to experience Christmas in a musical way. This series goes well with Regency Music's "Winterlude" series (which I have reviewed here).

I thoroughly enjoy acoustic instruments in the making of Christmas music. While keyboards have their place, acoustic instruments have a unique quality and character that brings out the best in Christmas music, something that synthesized sounds lack. "A Winter's Solstice" accomplishes this while presenting a cornucopia of music ranging from classical pieces and traditional carols to folk melodies. Especially important here is the inclusion of non-traditional music that, although not necessarily seasonal, still blends well in the mix.

I have found that the best way to listen to this CD, for me at least, is in a darkened room with only the lights on the Christmas tree for illumination, and perhaps a scented candle for added emphasis. This permits the melodies to flow through me freely, allowing me to deeply experience the music. The CD is especially helpful for those who are stressed out and in need of relaxation.

Windham Hill excels at spotlighting independent musicians without the pomp and vanity forced upon them by the major record labels. Volume 1 is a good starting point, certainly, and is an excellent addition to anyone's Christmas music collection. This volume stands well either alone or with the rest of the series.

If you are looking for a CD that offers something other than the usual "manufactured" commercial, low-quality, over-hyped, cookie-cutter-type Christmas fare, then "A Winter's Solstice" is for you.

A Winter's Solstice.......2005-10-04

If you are a fan of the Winter's Solstice series, than you will enjoy this cd, especially if you like the earlier volumes with the more original pieces rather than mostly traditional christmas music.

Excellent CD........2005-09-04

What a beautiful beginning for the Winter's Solstice collection. I love this music. It drains away all my stress.

Average customer rating:

Wyndham Hill
Inspiring
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Release Date: 1995-09-12

Tracks:

The Simple Birth - Barbara Higbie
The First Noel - Tracy Silverman and Thea Suits-Silverman
Light And Song - Will Ackerman
The Holly And The Ivy - Alex De Grassi
Joy To The World - Jim Brickman
The Sussex Carol - Nightniose
O Come Little Children/We'll Dress The House - Liz Story
My Heart Is Always Moving (Mitt Hjerte Alltid...) - Oystein Sevag
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God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen - Steve Erquiaga
Snow In The Praires - Torcuato Mariano
Doo'lItSaa'Da (Another Silent Night) - Douglas Spotted Eagle
Poli'ahu-The Snow Goddess Of Mauna Kea - Keola Beamer/George Winston

Customer Reviews:

Wyndham Hill .......2007-03-09

I have the first five of the Winter Solstice CD's by Wyndam Hill artists. They are all beautiful and so peaceful to listen to. A Winter's Solstice, Vol 5 is just as good as the rest. I look forward to purchasing Vol 6 later this year.

Inspiring.......2005-10-30

her offertory

by Kerrie Lynn Robinson White
(Thursday, September 30, 2004)

the utmost gift of self
shining-forth reception
for utmost gifts
true love beseeching
at last in sight
brinkmanship on the line

(Inspired in part by the photograph on this page, artist is to be found and identified, and Jim Brickman's "Joy to the World" from the A Winter's Solstice V compact disc.)

(Note Regarding Brinkmanship and the Cold War: Secretary of state John Foster Dulles distrusted the Soviet Union during the cold war in spite of its softer line at one point. In January 1956, he told the American people that the United States had been on the brink of war several times. "If you are scared to go to the brink, you are lost," Dulles warned. The use of "brinkmanship" had become part of U.S. policy. Source: World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia, 2003 Edition, Version 7.1.1, © 2002 World Book, Inc. and its licensors.)

I pray for peace, in the Name of Jesus.

Windham Hill Winter Soltice 5.......2004-12-06

Not your ordinary Christmas Music CD. What a nice change to the typical Holiday music selections. The whole collection is very moving. If you want a change of pace try this one!

Best of the series.......2001-12-09

This is the best of the Winter's Solstice series thus far. The songs are traditional enough to evoke the season, and the arrangements are unique enough that you can listen to this all year long.

More Windham Hill Holiday Sounds.......2000-09-21

In what appears to be the penultimate Winter's Solstice collection, the Windham Hill artists continue presenting light and subtle arrangements of holiday songs, some familiar and some not. The presentation is pleasant, lilting, and enjoyable.

Tracks:

The Gift - Philip Aaberg
17th Century Canon - Paul McCandless
Prelude To Cello Suite # 1 - Micheal Hedges
This Rush Of Wings - Metamora
Sung To Sleep - Michael Manring
E'en So, Lord/Dadme Albricias - Modern Mandolin Quartet
'Bring Me Back A Song.' - Michael O' Domhnaill
Salve Regina - Therese Schroeder-Sheker
Chorale #220 - Turtle Island String Quartet
Simple Psalm - Fred Simon
Flute Sonata In Em - Barbara Higbie & Emily Klion
Come Life Shaker Life - Malcolm Dalglish
Medievil Memory II - Ira Stein & Russel Walder
Abide The Winter - Will Ackerman
By The Fireside - William Allaudin Mathieu

Amazon.com

The Winter Solstice series from Windham Hill is an appealing souvenir from the label's early days, when guitarist Will Ackerman still served as its chief guiding light and fount of original thought. For years Ackerman shunned the overt commercial trappings of traditional Christmas recordings and instead offered odes to a broader season that, like his artists' music, is compatible with periods of sustained, hushed contemplation. Winter Solstice II, released in 1988, mixes original and traditional compositions (none that specifically brings Christmas to mind) and is adorned with classical overtones from front to back, conveying the high-minded earthiness associated with the label's then all-acoustic format. A few pieces on the 50-minute disc clock in at under than two minutes, and a couple others are duds, yet several selections make this quiet disc a worthy listen: a handsome interpretation of Bach ("Prelude to Cello Suite No. 1") on harp-guitar by Michael Hedges, plus gorgeous, yearning piano solos by Philip Aaberg ("The Gift") and Michael Manring. Better known as a bassist, Manring's reworking of one of his own works, "Sung to Sleep," may be the disc's highlight. Ackerman's contribution, "Abide the Winter," and "Medieval Memory II" by the sadly disbanded duo of pianist Ira Stein and oboist Russell Walder, float through the air as beautifully as winter's first snowfall. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Nice Seasonal Music.......2006-10-05

The whole Winters's Solstice Series is really first rate. The different styles of music all complement each other and there are enough traditional holiday songs to make the discs nice for holiday gatherings. My wife and I both love Christmas music, but this series goes beyond the holiday season and we do listen to them until Spring. The Windham Hill Christmas series offers very nice arrangements of the more "traditional" , familiar songs that we also enjoy. I think the best testament is that even though this series goes back 25 + years, it still plays well now. The regular familiar arrangements are nice, but this series offers a pleasant alternative. And, they are priced to buy! Put them on shuffle play on a multi disc changer and you won't have to worry about music for any gathering of good friends, family, food and spirits (Christmas and otherwise...)which is what the season is all about...counting your blessings and enjoying life.

Quite LOVELY for ALL Seasons... .......2006-07-07

My first Winter Solstice cd (I started with number 2) & I'm quite impressed! It is completely Instrumental except for a very short beautiful addition of the sound of female voices more like an instrument near the end of one of the selections that adds to it's sweetness. (Normally I do not care for mixing vocals with primarily instrumentals, but this doesn't detract from it at all). I guess you could play this cd in the winter only, but that sure seems like a waste of the opportunity to be soothed year round. The music is reminiscent of the renaissance period & there are no recognizable Christmas tunes (for me anyway). This whole album is perfect for relaxing anytime & will be great at bedtime for me as I usually have trouble winding down to sleep. Overall, I highly Recommend it. There are some very reasonably priced "like new" ones offered by an assortment of sellers here on Amazon (I now have the first cd in this series on the way to me). Peace.

The very Best of them all-Still after all these years..........2006-01-26

After all the years and all the Winter Solstice/Carols of Christmas?Windham Hill Christmas compilations, this is the one I always come back to. It has the most original material, and because of that, it is one of the few Winter Solstice albums you can honestly listen to in July or January or December. Brilliant improvisations by Philip Aaberg begin, and end this disc. One of Ackerman's awesome harp-guitar pieces, a piece by Barbara Higbee which is one of the only I've heard of her flute performances. And the most poignant moments of all - Fred Simon's Simple Psalm. Very moving piano work, complete with chime effects. Simply awesome. There is literally not a single boring or predictable track on this CD; it is a true masterpiece of astonishingly consistent talent all throughout. Yes the first "Winter Solstice" was very good, but this was actually far beyond perfect. THIS is the CD to start with!

Sentimentally Relaxing for Winter, or Anytime.......2005-11-15

This is the second in the "A Winter's Solstice" series. As usual, the good folks at Windham Hill have assembled a masterpiece of music!

If I had to describe musically my feelings of the winter season, this would be it. This compilation is so perfect that, if I close my eyes, I can actually feel myself being transported to the vistas these selections describe.

Here's a sampling of what can be found on this CD:

"The Gift" describes a gentle snowfall. Each note and chord of the piano is a snowflake falling gently to earth amongst a forest of evergreens. "17th Century Canon" brings to mind a scene of an early Main Street, with bells ringing, garland and tinsel gently swaying and children playing in piles of snow. "Prelude to Cello Suite #1," written by Johann Sebastian Bach, becomes a fireplace with the flames dancing over the embers.

"Sung to Sleep" is a mother softly and lovingly singing her child to sleep and telling her child, and herself, that all is well. "Bring Me Back a Song" is actually a medley of traditional Celtic carols. It exudes a warmth of good tidings while causing the listener to reflect on Christmases past.

"Salve Regina" is a tune from the Middle Ages. While not specifically a Christmas piece, it nevertheless fits the mood of the album. "Simple Psalm" is perhaps a rendition of one of the Psalms put to music. The listener's mind may wander to a snow-covered countryside as the sun tries to peek through the clouds.

"Come Life Shaker Life" is a traditional Shaker hymn which celebrates life and the joy of living. "Medieval Memory II" is another mood piece that fits well in the canon. This piece brings to mind a winter's evening with a light snowfall, and is a reflection of "peace on earth" at winter time. "Abide the Winter" brings to mind a scene of winter's last days when both flora and fauna return. Birds are happily singing and the first flowers are poking their heads through old snow as spring prepares to make a return. "By the Fireside" is a scene of a fire in the hearth while family and friends sit around and recall visions of winters past and of dreams for the future.

The music presented here makes "A Winter's Solstice II" a great album for retrospect and meditation. Certainly a good addition to any Christmas music collection, especially for listeners who wish to experience a musical journey of the mind and soul. Five stars plus!

Captivating.......2005-01-26

I was shopping in a store in Berkeley several years ago and they happened to be playing this album. I had never heard anything like it so I asked what the album was. The saleswoman had to go upstairs to find out and I'm so glad she did. It was my introduction to Windham Hill which led me to several of their artists who have become my favorites (particularly Nightnoise and Metamora) and many more of their albums that I now have. As other reviewers here have noted, the music is perfect background music for dinner parties, holidays or anytime you want to feel mellow. I particularly like the pieces with minor key fiddle music that remind me of pioneer folk music. I didn't hesitate to buy it after hearing a few of the songs. The samples here should convince you too.

Average customer rating:

Thought provoking, a classic for all seasons
Some good gems, but my least favorite of series
Slow pace Christmas treat, sit back and enjoy....
By far the best of the Winter Solstice series
Beautifully Broad Appeal

A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6

Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000NMS
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

Joyful Times - Marion Meadows
Ursa Major - Michael Hedges
Northern Lights - Lisa Lynne
Simple Praise - Joanie Madden
Secret Places - Todd Cochran
Sonata For Two Clarinets (2nd Movement) - Richard Stolzman
Quiet Time - Jim Brickman
Winkus McGinkus - Sean Harkness
In The Winter's Pale - Tim Story
Snowfall - Liz Story
Yesterday's Rain - W.G. Snuffy Walden
Snow Dance - David Arkenstone
This Clearness Of Light - Will Ackerman
January Stars - George Winston
Western Sky - Brian Keane, Michael Manring, Paul McCandless

Customer Reviews:

Thought provoking, a classic for all seasons.......2006-03-10

This is great music, period. Though it really is appropriate for any time of the year (and I just cannot go almost an entire year without listening to this one), it simply would not be Christmas without this disc. I defy anyone to hear this while reading by the glow of a fire and say that they don't like it.

This is the best of the first series of six Winter Solstice discs (seven if you count the "Silver anniversary edition" of Vol. 1), though I found all six enjoyable to some degree. I find that I can only hear so many versions of the "classic" Christmas songs before I tire of them, especially with repeat playings. Winter Solstice VI gives you an excellent alternative to the tried-and-true. So put this one on, kick back, and enjoy where this collection of songs takes you. All the songs are wonderful in their own way, though "Western Sky" alone would have made it worth the cost of buying this one.

Some good gems, but my least favorite of series.......2002-12-19

There are some good moments on this one, but this is my least favorite of Winter Solstice series. I think Windham Hill did return to form & quality with their next offering, "A Winter Solstice Reunion". This one opens with an uncharacteristically "smooth-jazz" piece called "Joyful Times".
"Yesterday's Rain" & "Snow Dance" are pleasant, but to my ears they are in a similar vein. (Perhaps more New Age-like). And "Western Sky" is similarly pretty, but at nearly seven minutes, it becomes a bit long & repetitive. This is the most uneven disc to date. The earlier discs contained quiet, often acoustic pieces that weren't quite as slickly (over) produced. Most likely this reflects the departure of Will Ackerman a few years before, and I believe Dawn Atkinson may not have worked on this one either though I may be mistaken. There are still some great gems here, such as Michael Hedges' "Ursa Major", Liz Story's "Snowfall" & Tim Story's great contributions .

Slow pace Christmas treat, sit back and enjoy...........2000-12-02

This is the most relaxing Christmas Music. Each note is in a way a Christmas Present for your ears. The Celtic influence is a lovely change and you can feel a sense of Christmas magic is woven through this CD. Some pieces are Jazzy, but still laid back. "Secret Places" is in a way haunting. "Snow Dance" is serious, while "Western Sky" is all encompassing and classic. You really can't feel rushed when you want to listen to this music. I won't let you rush at all, it will make you sit down and sip hot spiced apple cider! Take a deep breath...you can do this....

By far the best of the Winter Solstice series.......2000-11-23

I have bought several of the Winter Solstice records as an alternative to the usual fare including "Winter Solstice Reunion",and "Solstice on Ice" which came after this release and which I thought were substantial disapointments.Winter Solstice VI is by far better than those and better than the original Winter Solstice releases as well which originally led me to hear this cd.

Beautifully Broad Appeal.......2000-09-28

The Windham Hill Winter Solstice series started out as primarily holiday music. In this sixth, and perhaps the best, incarnation, that no longer appears to be the case. Consequently, enjoying this beautiful music is not linked to the Christmas season. One need not feel the least bit self-conscious about playing this CD in July or August. And what a break that is; this music is too pretty to be couped-up for 11 months out of the year and only enjoyed for one. So enjoy it when the snow flies and also around the pool with a tall glass of lemonade.

Average customer rating:

Good thrash metal
This an awesome cd!!!
R.I.P.
Good stuff
NO MORE METALCORE!!!

The Fall of Rome
Winter Solstice
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Chorus of Obliteration
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The Design

ASIN: B0007LXOXM
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

Following Caligula
Calibrate The Virus
Watcher
Courtesy Bow
The Fall Of Rome
Malice In Wonderland
55/23
The Hampton Roads Fourth Annual Parade Of The Blind
To The Nines
L'aeroport

Album Description

Metal-Core

Customer Reviews:

Good thrash metal.......2006-06-30

This CD is very well done and is surprisingly strong for a newer band. The music is awesome and contained some great breakdowns. The album does get somewhat repetitive in the latter part. What I mean by latter part is after Malice in Wonderland (track 6). Starting with 55/23, the songs start to resemble the ones at the beginning of the disc and the listener begins to wonder "Where have I heard that before?" But this CD is definitely worth adding to your collection. Winter Solstice is definitely the top thrash metal band out right now.

This an awesome cd!!!.......2006-05-15

First off I would like to say that it makes me very sad that they got a new vocalist, I have not heard there new one yet, but the guy that is doing vocals on this cd sounds really cool. I think he sounds like a walrus, anyways this is a great cd and you should definitely buy it. In case you are wondering the guys in this band are all good Christians although they do not openly advertise it. Buy this cd, it is one of a kind.

R.I.P........2006-05-09

For those of you who didn't know, Winter Solstice has called it a day and decided to break up. And this was their only full length. This album is good, may be a tad bit generic, but what stands out is their breakdowns, which aren't just open C notes. Also, the production is a little messy, but whatever. You'll get used to it. I recommend your pick this CD up if you like heavy music.

Oh, and to Desperate Existence: NOBODY CARES.

Good stuff.......2006-02-28

I really enjoy this CD. Good guitars riffs, great drums, but the singing takes a bit to get used to. Sounds like the guy was losing his voice a bit during recording.

NO MORE METALCORE!!!.......2005-07-29

Shut up you hapless hippie musical diseases!

Listen to better music than this...damn near every album released in the past two years sounds EXACTLY LIKE THIS!

Average customer rating:

Essential Winter's Solstice
Various Artists
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Windham Hill Christmas: The Night Before Christmas
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ASIN: B000B5XZKQ
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Greensleeves- Liz Story
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring- David Qualey
This Rush Of Wings- Metamora
The Holly And The Ivy- Alex de Grassi
Carol Of The Bells- Windham Hill Artists
Shades of White- Jim Brickman
Northern Lights- Lisa Lynne
The Christmas Song- Steve Erquiaga
Little Drummer Boy- Richard Schrz
Shepherd's Rocking Carol- Philip Aaberg
The Simple Birth- Barbara Higbie
Prelude To Cello Suite #1 In G Major- Michael Hedges
Wexford Carol- Nightnoise
Coventry Carol- Paul McCandless
Moon Lake- W.G. Snuffy Walden
What Are The Signs- George Winston

Tracks:

Trepak from "The Nutcracker Suite"- Modern Mandolin Quartet
Rain Into Snow- William Coulter
Medieval Memory II-
I Saw Three Ships- Darol Anger
Sung To Sleep- Michael Manring
Veni Emmanuel- Turtle Island String Quartet
Sleepers Awake (from Cantata #140 Wachet Auf)-Andy Narell, Tom Miller
The Gathering- Tracy Silverman, Thea Suits
New England Morning- Will Ackerman
Down in Yon Forest- Brian Dunning
Keiki's Dream (Child's Dream)- Keola Beamer
Asleep The Snow Came Flying- Tim Story
A Tale Of Two Cities- Mark Isham

Average customer rating:

Beautiful and Soothing Music
Sam "Sam" stands alone this time...
No More Vocals Please !!!!!!!!!!!
Love, peace and music
I wish all the WS CDs were like this...

A Winter's Solstice III
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000NI1
Release Date: 1990-08-15

Tracks:

Little Drummer Boy - Schonherz & Scott
Hopeful - Michael Manring
The Christmas Song - Steve Erquiaga
Veni Emmanuel - Turtle Island String Quartet
Christmas Bells - John Gorka
Lullay, Lully - Barbara Higbie
Trepak - Modern Mandolin Quartet
Of The Father's Love Begotten - Tim Story
Coventry Carol - Paul McCandless
Sleepers Awake - Andy Narell
Snow Is Lightly Falling - Nightnoise
Pavane - Liz Story
In The Bleak Midwinter - Pierce Pettis
In Dulci Jubilo (Good Christian Men Rejoice) - Michael Hedges
Earth Abides - Philip Aaberg

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and Soothing Music.......2007-02-24

I have to agree on Barbara Higbie's "Lullay, Lully" as being one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I loved the rest of the CD as well, and most of the songs fall outside the traditional Christmas music, so I don't feel odd listening to them the rest of the year!

Sam "Sam" stands alone this time..........2004-12-10

I've enjoyed all the Winter Solstice collections except the "Winter Solstice on Ice" - now, that's atrocious! No. III is one of my favorites because of the vocals. The version of "In the Bleak Midwinter" is one of the most purely spiritual carols I've ever heard. In fact I'm buying my second copy of this CD today because my first has disappeared.

No More Vocals Please !!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-11-24

I Purchased the Winter Solstice Vol #3 thinking that it would be as good as the rest,was I disappointed. Tracks 5,6,7,10,11.13 are atrocious,the rest of the tracks are good.I cant get to my CD player fast enough to skip over them when they start playing.I now sample every song on the CDs and dont take for granted that all Winter Solstices are created equal.People,please start giving honest reviews and stop the false advertisement.

Love, peace and music.......2004-11-13

The most beautiful and subtle feelings about Christmas lie in this album. A great combination of artist with a lot of coherence between each one's inspirations create this saga which is a masterpiece in itself. Every Christmas time I hear my tape with this and the 2nd part... it's completely magical and gets you into the real feeling and the innocence and magic of Christmas. I'll briefly comment each song:

1. Little Drummer Boy - beautiful version
2. Hopeful - Michael Manring - big hearted piano
3. Christmas Song - Steve Erquiaga - nice and peaceful guitar
4. Veni Emmanuel - Turtle Island String Quartet - wonderful chamber music
5. Christmas Bells - John Gorka - a folkie song
6. Lullay, Lully - Barbara Higbie - stunning ballad; magic
7. Trepak - The Modern Mandolin Quartet - funny song
8. Of the Father's Love Begotten - Tim Story - very religious
9. Coventry Carol - Paul McCandless - ooh... perfect harmony
10. Sleepers, Awake - Andy Narell - nice steel drums
11. Snow Is Lightly Falling - Nightnoise - absolute magic
12. Pavane - Liz Story - just nice
13. In the Bleak Midwiner - Pierce Pettis -- beautiful voice

The last two songs I don't have in my tape. This is one of the most beautiful and heartful albums I've ever heard. I never will forget it.

I wish all the WS CDs were like this..........2003-12-12

What I like about this CD, as opposed to the others in this series, is the inclusion of nontraditional vocals, rather than just instrumental versions of songs and carols. "Lullay Lully" is perhaps the most beautiful lullaby carol I've ever heard, and Barbara Higbie is WONDERFUL on it - so haunting! "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Christmas Bells" are simply gorgeous - very simple.

Maybe I'm just a folkie at heart, and love that aspect of this CD, but this one rates as my second favorite Xmas CD, right below "John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together."

Celtic Solstice
Average customer rating:

A reminder that ritual and celebration have their place in life

The Music of What Happens

A mellow, reflective Celtic reverie

A mellow, reflective Celtic reverie

Celtic snooze

Celtic Solstice
Paul Winter
Manufacturer: Living Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Spanish Angel

ASIN: B00000HZTL
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

Triumph
Golden Apples Of The Sun
Hollow Hills
O'Farrell's Welcome To Limerick
Dawnwalker
My Fair And Faithful Love/Blarney Pilgrim
Sweet Comeraghs
After The Fleadh/Running Through The Weeds With Keetu
The Minstrel's Adieu
Fare Well To Govan
Golden Apples Of The Sun (Reprise)
Dawnwalker (Reprise)

Amazon.com

Paul Winter is a global eclectic who picks from the world's traditions, maintains their integrity, and at the same time retains his own distinctive voice. Few musicians could, in the span of two years, venture from the solo saxophone improvisations of Canyon Lullaby to the bossa nova of Brazilian Days and now Celtic music with Celtic Solstice and not sound like a dilettante. Winter sounds as committed as ever. He has been infatuated with Celtic music for years, and since 1996, some of the greats of Celtic music have participated in his annual Winter Solstice Celebration at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Most of those musicians appear on Celtic Solstice, and many of the tracks were recorded in the cathedral. From the opening notes of Winter's soprano echoing in that reverberant space on "Triumph," it's clear this isn't your typical contemporary Celtic album. Winter is joined by organist Paul Halley and Irish uilleann piper Davy Spillane, and it's an impassioned, intuitive improvisation that swirls in echoing harmonies that lift to the cathedral's ceiling. And that's just the first track. Winter has put together a series of solos, trios, and larger ensemble pieces that work a similar magic. He's joined by singer Karen Casey from the group Solas on the serene "Golden Apples of the Moon." Tin whistle player and flutist Joanie Madden from Cherish the Ladies offers one of her loveliest compositions, "Running Through the Woods with Keetu," named for Winter's toddler daughter. But Celtic Solstice isn't all serene evocations of the Celtic spirit. Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers, harpist Carol Thompson, and uilleann piper Jerry O'Sullivan join a full ensemble of Irish, African, and South American percussion on "My Fair and Faithful Love/Blarney Pilgrim," which slow-builds to a full Irish stomp. Paul Winter has tapped into the communal nature of Irish music. It's the same spirit he takes from his jazz background. When he joins the pipes and whistles in dizzying improvisations or contemplative ruminations, there's a sense of shared exploration that takes you with him. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

A reminder that ritual and celebration have their place in life.......2006-12-22

"Celtic Solstice" by Paul Winter and Friends, remains of those indulgences I dig out of my collection and play in the winter. Recorded in New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the music serves both as documentary of this event and a reminder that ritual and celebration have their place in life. His ensemble of friends here is eclectic and talented, and his longtime cohort Paul Halley deserves being singled out for the deep, earthbound sounds he evokes from the pipe organ.

This set of mostly traditional songs and some originals is warm and cheerful without being artificially sanguine, the sort of music that goes well with fires, fog, and firs. Of course, there is an irony here in that "Celtic Solstice" celebrates the summer, not the winter, solstice. Perhaps that's why I prefer its warmth during the dark times.

The Music of What Happens.......2005-04-26

Imagine waiting in the world's largest gothic cathedral in the predawn hours of the Summer solstice. Now imagine that huge space with it's vaulting ceilings, mighty piers and somber shadows being filled with music and light. The soaring of a pipe organ, a jazzy and passionate alto saxophone, the soul-stirring Uillean pipes and ethereal voices weaving through the space to create something beautifully meditate and powerfully soul-inspiring. Can you see it? Then you have some idea of this CD and the background in which this music was created.

The Celtic Solstice CD showcases Paul Winter's musical feast on the Summer Solstice performed at St. John the Divine in New York City. With a melding of Irish and North American artists, he crafts an awe-inspiring experience that dips and soars through the soul with slow grace and timeless elegance. The fusion of jazz and traditional Celtic-of international sounds and modern instruments create something new and wonderful-something that truly is "the music of what happens". So, what does happen when you bring together renowned Uillean pipe player Davy Spillane, Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers, ethereal vocalist Karan Casey and whistle-player Joanie Madden with a host of other musicians in a space both sacred and joyful? Pure magic.

There's a real delight in witnessing extremely skilled musicians joining together to spin music. The opening performance on this CD, "Triumph" provides listeners a taste of what they are in for with the amazingly soaring and yet somber trio of Paul Winter on alto sax, Paul Halley on pipe organ and Davy Spillane on pipes. Vocalist Karan Casey, a member of the Irish group Solstice, contributes her ethereal vocal talents to two of the tracks on this CD. The first is "Golden Apples of the Sun", inspired by W.B. Yeats' poem "Song of the Wandering Aengus", the second is one of my favorite recordings on the CD, "Sweet Comeraghs". There aren't many vocals on this album, so the few that appear truly capture the listener. "After The Fleadh/ Running through the Woods with Keetu" is my favorite instrumental set of the performance, featuring eight different musicians, and an energetic backbeat of non-traditional percussion. Being a huge fan of Davy Spillane, the stunningly beautiful "Dawnwalker" has not lost its intrinsic power and poignancy no matter how many times I've heard it.

This is a slow moving performance-and may not be appreciated by listeners who are looking for a more traditionally fast-paced Celtic selection. Most of the CD is instrumental, so if you prefer vocals, this will probably not be what you want. Also, Paul Winter's style of music is not necessarily accessible to every listener on the first try. It took me witnessing a performance at St. John the Divine cathedral to start my fascination with this artist, and it has taken several rounds of listening to CDs before I can really start to hear the amazing qualities of Paul Winter's compositions and the joy of such a rare musical combination.

I encourage the curious to try out Winter's CDs, as the process of discovery has been a wonderful one for me. A remarkable reviewer named Bob Zeidler made me aware of Paul Winter. Bob encouraged me into reviewing Paul Winter's MISSA GAEIA CD and I finally posted the review last year, around his birthday, much to his delight. I'm dedicating this review to the memory of Bob, his love of music, and his reviewing. He will be sorely missed, and he will be well remembered.

May you find your own delight in the music of what happens.

Shanshad.

A mellow, reflective Celtic reverie.......2003-12-31

This is not the earthy, foot-pounding fire of "Riverdance" or Gaelic Storm, but instead a reverent, soulful, easy-going take on Celtic music--the Celtic and neo-Celtic equivalent, perhaps, of smooth jazz. Despite the large number of participants in the project-as-a-whole, many of the numbers are quiet trios. Joannie Madden and Davy Spillane steal the show with their wistful, achingly mournful playing of whistle and pipes. There is also a fair amount of Paul Halley's pipe organ artistry, which is wonderful to hear in this music. The organ is so often a solo instrument when in concert, unmatchable in volume or range, and is elsewise relegated to the accompaniment of choirs in conventional religious works. It's nice to hear it do its own thing here--its own improv--and yet also be an integral part of so many of the compositions. All in all, "Celtic Solstice" is an innovative, dreamy and gently-rollicking escape from a world that is often all too hectic. Try Paul Winter's other cool "Solstice" albums as well, and for more gentle Celtic music, check out the work of Maggie Sansone.

A mellow, reflective Celtic reverie.......2003-12-31

Celtic snooze.......2003-02-25

This album brings together a sterling group of musicians and some terrific material, but I felt that the results added up to less than the sum of the parts. The traditional tracks, in general, are performed with zest as well as sensitivity, and some of the new traditional-style tunes (e.g., the "After the Fleadh" set) are fun to listen to. And the quality of the musicians' performances is excellent throughout. On the other hand, I felt that the improvised tracks were comparatively weak: Winter's improvisations seem to have fallen into a rut (the melodies all tend to follow the same slowly rising pattern), and when the same arrangements reappear in the non-improvised pieces (e.g., "Golden Apples of the Sun"), the album becomes repetitious -- my reaction to the two reprise tracks at the end was "Oh gawd, not again!!" The album is pleasant and makes good background music, but as a listening experience I found it more sleep-inducing than stimulating.

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