Vol. 2-Winter's Solstice
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Description
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
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CaptivatingTuesday, January 25, 2005
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.
1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Thought Provoking and peacefulSunday, April 11, 2004
Without a doubt, this compilation of material is terrific. My family has listened to this CD each Christmas season for several years; we are still fascinated with the depth and beauty of the recordings from start to finish. Especially, as Bach advocates, the rendition of "Prelude to Cello Suite No. 1" by Michael Hedges is a virtuoso performance, which I listen year-round. "Sung to Sleep"..unbelievable...just buy it.
1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:
A holiday tradition I look forward to year to yearMonday, January 05, 2004
I have the first 6 Winter's Solstice compilations, and this is the best of the bunch, with Vol.6, Winter's Solstice on Ice, far at the other end. I bring this disc out on Thanksgiving every year and can't bear to put it away until the end of January. It makes me feel the season even more than traditional Christmas songs. Highlights to me are the bookend solo piano pieces at the beginning and end of the disc, and the two featuring the hammered dulcimer of Malcolm Dalglish, both solo on "Come Life Shaker Life" and with Metamora on "This Rush of Wings". I challenge anyone to listen to these latter two while looking at the tree and watching the snow fall and not be transported to a better place.
1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Mellow!Thursday, January 01, 2004
I like Windham Hill and though A Winter's Solstice Vol. 2 is not my favorite Windham Hill album it is still pretty good and a nice CD when you want to chill out and listen to something mellow and it also makes great background music when you are having a dinner party and want music softly playing in the background. The CD has music from some good Windham Hill artists and I highly recommend it.
3 out of 3 people found the following review helpful:
My very favorite Christmas CDMonday, November 11, 2002
This is my favorite Christmas CD. It exudes such warmth and mystery and I love to listen to it while I lie in the dark looking at my twinkling Christmas tree. It really becomes a classic when you make it part of your holiday every year. My best friend has this CD and he listens to it all year 'round, he loves it so much. It is a beautiful CD.