Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Thanksgiving generally is a pleasant and likeable affair. Its features include a charming, gently propulsive take on the traditional piece "Allelujah" by Celtic harpist Lisa Lynne; a delicate rendering of "Amazing Grace" by John Doan on a 20-string harp guitar; and a church-ready version of "We Gather Together" by a trio of Paul McCandless (oboe), Philip Aaberg (piano), and Michael Manring (bass). A midalbum three-song stretch, though--from the heavy stringing (cello, violin, guitar) of William Coulter and Barry Phillips to R. Carlos Nakai's flute soliloquy to a saxophone meditation by Paul Winter--lingers overly long in a melancholy state. Later, a thoughtful harmonica outing by former Lovin' Spoonful member John Sebastian aims for Americana yet delivers more spaghetti Western. Still, the album ends with pieces by Will Ackerman and George Winston--and what could be more classic than that? --Terry Wood

Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection,Various Artists,Windham Hill Records,Adult Alternative,Ambient,Celtic Fusion,Chamber Jazz,Contemporary Instrumental,Electro-Acoustic,Ethnic Fusion,Folk-Jazz,Fusion,Jazz Music,Neo-Classical,New Acoustic,New Age / Meditation,New Age Collections,Pop,Progressive Electronic,Solo Instrumental,Space,World Fusion,Worldbeat

Tracks:

We Gather Together - Paul McCandless
Bygone Days - Eileen Ivers
Coming Home - Sean Harkness
Simple Gifts - Tracy & Thea Silverman
The Saviour's Universal Prayer/And Again Heavenly Father - Barry Phillips
Silver Salmon Bear - R. Carlos Nakai
Heaven Within - Paul Winter
Caranna - Tim Story
Allelujah - Lisa Lynne
Amazing Grace - John Doan
Blessings - Liz Story
Wagoner's Lad - John Sebastian
The Gathering - Will Ackerman
Thanksgiving - George Winston

Amazon.com

Thanksgiving generally is a pleasant and likeable affair. Its features include a charming, gently propulsive take on the traditional piece "Allelujah" by Celtic harpist Lisa Lynne; a delicate rendering of "Amazing Grace" by John Doan on a 20-string harp guitar; and a church-ready version of "We Gather Together" by a trio of Paul McCandless (oboe), Philip Aaberg (piano), and Michael Manring (bass). A midalbum three-song stretch, though--from the heavy stringing (cello, violin, guitar) of William Coulter and Barry Phillips to R. Carlos Nakai's flute soliloquy to a saxophone meditation by Paul Winter--lingers overly long in a melancholy state. Later, a thoughtful harmonica outing by former Lovin' Spoonful member John Sebastian aims for Americana yet delivers more spaghetti Western. Still, the album ends with pieces by Will Ackerman and George Winston--and what could be more classic than that? --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

One of the best-listen to this Year-Round and experience the Joy of Thankfulness..........2006-02-17

Simply one of the best & most original of the Windham Hill compilations, and I'm very glad Windham Hill thought to release this one. Just as close to perfect as they come, and the only way it could have been any better was to have had a contribution by the always original arrangements & compositions of Barbara Higbee, (or Fred Simon) but perhaps they were not available at the time. Of course, in a compilation like this, you need to have "We Gather Together Together..." but it is particularly touching to hear veteran Paul McCandless' arrangement to open the disc and set a thankful & comforting tone. Tim Story's consistently original & moving here as always, and the true highlight for me is "Amazing Grace" by John Doan. It is "amazing" indeed to hear someone do an original take on this classic hymn which has been recorded by so many, many fine artists over but the many decades of music-recording history. Leave it to Doan and to Dawn Atkinson's masterful production experience & background to pull this off so well. Will Ackerman's "The Gathering" is a typically original piece, very listenable year-round, and Carlos Nakai is a welcome addition with a peaceful cedar flute offering. Finally, (and really, there are so many gems here...) Lisa Lynne adds a sort of Majestic Joyfulness to "Allelujah", which certainly blows the dust off of this great hymn tune, bringing new life to such an often heard melody. Like the very best of the "Solstice" collections, this is a perfectly appropriate collection to hear year round. For example, I have listened to it on Independence Day, and found it strangely perfect for refection on our American roots that gave birth to many of these hymns, and to the spirit of creativity that our Founding Parents passed on to us in America. Simply perfect, Windham.

A Sentimental Reflection.......2005-11-06

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on friends, family, and blessings. At this time of year, we celebrate our families, we think of those who are less fortunate, and we reflect on the solemnity of the season and what it means to be truly thankful.

"Thanksgiving" is a compilation of that reflection in music. It celebrates the gathering together of those whom we hold dear, the solemnity and courage of the human psyche, the spirituality of the human soul, and the season when everything must change.

The CD progresses through a series of reflections, from "We Gather Together," a traditional hymn that emphasizes the gathering of friends and family, to George Winston's "Thanksgiving," moving through all the emotions of the Thanksgiving season with feelings of humility, prayer, blessedness and thankfulness.

A mood piece throughout, "Thanksgiving" will help you take your own personal journey of introspection, inspiration, peace and spirituality.

WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT.......2004-04-12

For most of us, Thanksgiving confronts us with a variety of emotions. Gratefulness should be the primary one; unfortunately getting stressed out and bent out of shape can overtake all the best intentions. Everything from complicated and hurried preparations to being cooped up with unpleasant relatives can ruin the occasion. Some of us endure Thanksgiving alone or practically alone in that those dearest are far away. For a holiday that can mean so much, a lot can go wrong.

In its own small way, this CD reminds us what its all about. The selections generally are soft and soothing as well as gently uplifting. There is nary a vocal to be heard-a plus when you need to get away from all the chatter. The artists are from Windham Hill's diverse stable and no one dominates the proceedings.

No attempt is made to hide the reality of Thanksgiving being primarily of Christian origin as sometimes happens in these affairs. But at the same time no one would mistake this CD for a contemporary Christian recording. The viewpoint encompasses not only giving thanks but memory and returning home as well. Hence, many of the pieces are colored with a hint of sadness.

If you are looking for music to "cut the rug" with this is not it. But if you are looking for music which prompts reflection and joy, this one is the one to buy.

Alone in the kitchen basting the turkey..........2001-11-22

I have many Windham Hill albums, but this one is an all time favorite. Songs are relaxing and reflective, and I start playing it when the leaves turn colors and evenings become cool. I remember holiday seasons past, and look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas whenever I hear these beautiful melodies. I actually heard this album for the first time during a massage session, so that gives you a hint as to how soothing this music is!

Beautifully Serene and Moving Music for Anytime!.......2000-04-04

Thanksgiving is a wonderful blend of different Windham Hill artists, which of course display a wide variety of instruments....piano, violin, flute, cello, oboe, fiddle, and a variety of stringed instruments. This certainly would be an asset to a Thanksgiving Day celebration, but I also enjoy it throughout the entire year. It's beautiful, meditative and serene. I especially like the very moving, sentimental Eileen Ivers, "Bygone Days," the beautiful rendition of John Doan's "Amazing Grace," and what a treat to end the cd with Will Ackerman's "The Gathering," and George Winston's "Thanksgiving." What more can be said! This collection opens the gamut of a wide variety of emotions, which is what I expect when listening to music.....an emotionally provoking experience. (Sometimes, that doesn't happen with certain artists) I highly recommend this cd and think it would make a wonderful gift for any music lover.....yourself, a relative or a friend. Even if you only enjoyed half of the songs in this collection, I still think it would be worth the purchase, but I'll go as far to say that I don't believe that would happen. I think you'd truly enjoy the entire bit. It's a nice break from the hustle and bustle of life. Picture yourself....a cup of steaming hot tea or coffee, kicked back in your most favorite chair, and listening to "Thanksgiving....." I hear it now.

Average customer rating:

Inferior version of a great collection

Thanksgiving: A Windham Hill Collection

Manufacturer: Windham Hill
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000E2D3IA

Product Description

Track Titles: 1.We Gather Together - Paul McCandless, Philip Aaberg & Michael Manrig, 2.Bygone Days - Eileen Ivers, 3.Coming Home - Sean Harkness, 4.Simple Gifts - Tracy & Thea Silverman, 5.The Saviour's Universal Prayer/And Again Heavenly Father - William Coulter & Barry Phillips, 6.Silver Salmon Bear - R. Carlos Nakai, 7.Heaven Within - Paul Winters, 8.Caranna - Tim Story, 9.Blessings - Liz Story, 10.Wagoner's Lad - John Sebastian, 11.The Gathering - Will Ackerman, 12.Thanksgiving - George Winston.

Customer Reviews:

Inferior version of a great collection.......2006-10-19

Look for the original issue of this collection instead! this one has different artwork and drops two tracks - Allelujah by Lisa Lynne, and Amazing Grace by John Doan - that appeared on the original. Another sad example of how the post-Will Ackerman Windham Hill label has gone downhill.

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