Wintersong

Editorial Reviews
Jazziz UPI
"Bursting with strength, conviction and exuberance."

Product Description
WINTERSONG is a collection of international tributes to the season, with traditional songs and circle dances from England, Scandinavia, Italy, France and the Appalachian Mountains.

Wintersong,Paul Winter Consort,Living Music,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,New Age,Pop,World Fusion

Wintersong

Tracks:

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
River
Wintersong
I'll Be Home For Christmas
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The First Noel/Mary Mary
Silent Night
Song For A Winter's Night
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
In A Bleak Mid-Winter
Christmas Time Is Here

Amazon.com

An album like this could cement Sarah McLachlan as a middle-of-the-road crooner ready for the Andy Williams Christmas Show, but there's more beneath the surface of Wintersong than just Christmas chestnuts, over-roasting on an open fire. Longtime McLachlan producer Pierre Marchand blurs the borders with ambient sound effects, distorted guitars, and subtle echoes. He adds a Mark Isham-esque muted trumpet solo emerging out of reverse echoes on "I'll Be Home for Christmas" as if viewing the song through a distorted mirror. Violins that sound like they're being blown through a Leslie speaker combine unpredictably with a banjo on "O Little Town of Bethlehem." And on the seventh song, McLachlan finally kicks the album into another gear, turning "The First Noël" into a storming entreaty backed by tribal drums and surging low strings. Her voice is like the serene angel amidst the raging storm. I wish McLachlan had taken more chances like this, instead of the subtle framing she employs around melodies that remain true to form. Surprisingly, the more contemporary songs by John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, and Gordon Lightfoot are the least inventive. Her reading of Mitchell's incandescently wistful "River" is overly faithful to the original, and Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" sounds like karaoke, right down to the Spector-esque production and children's choir. But given that Lennon's prayer for peace still remains unanswered, that fidelity could be intentional. Regardless, this is familiar Christmas fare delivered in an intimate and ethereal fashion that will satisfy those who believe in the nostalgic spirit of the season. --John Diliberto

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Customer Reviews:

At Her Best.......2007-07-06

Sarah McLachlan has the voice of an Angel. And this cd proves it. I fell in love with every song. And listened to it so much, I thought I was going to wear it out. She brings to her music, the wonderful feeling of the Christmas Season, as well as some of the greats from the past like Bing Crosby. Her voice is haunting and peaceful at the same time. She draws you into every song and leaves you wanting more. This cd will be a favorite of mine for many many years to come. When I think of Christmas, I'll think of Sarah.

Heart-full sound.......2007-07-05

This music is soulful year round. Even in the summer I listen to the beautiful soul sound of this CD. It's melody at its highest!

Christmas in July.......2007-06-26

Usually about this time every year I'm wishing it was Christmas, and listening to some Christmas music or watching some silly Christmas movie. This year I have Sarah's Wintersong to listen to during my "Christmas blues".

After several listens, I'd have to say that this isn't just another Christmas album. The album has many stand out tracks and is a mix of the traditional and the more modern. My favorites are River (which is Joni Mitchell's song) and Wintersong (a new song Sarah wrote herself).

A worthwhile album and one any fan of Sarah's should add to their collection.

It's always Christmas morning with Sarah.......2007-06-12

I was wondering when Sarah McLachlan was gonna come out with a Christmas album. I was waiting and waiting for it and now here it is and it is everything that all Sarah fans enjoy about her.
Touching and tender and superb in its vocal and sound arrangements. It evokes a Christmas from some other time. Especially haunting is track # 9: Song for a Winter's Night. It's full of pining and it reads like a poem.
Wrapping it all up is a gift fit for Christmas: Diana Krall. Although she doesn't sing, she plays the piano, and you can tell.
Definitely one for those who love XMAS music and for those who love Sarah. You can't go wrong.

What a great artist.......2007-05-16

Sarah McLachlan has really hit the mark with this CD. Her voice is always like a angel and this christmas compilation is no exception. Turn on the christmas lights and crank this up. Peace on Earth!

Average customer rating:

Rich, Incredible Experience

Wintersong
Paul Winter Consort
Manufacturer: Living Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

International | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Icarus
Solstice Live!
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Silver Solstice

ASIN: B0000000UA
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Tomorrow is my Dancing Day
Swedish Song
The Cherry Tree
Little One
Peasant Revels
Dance of the Golden Bough
Beautiful Star
Wintersong
Joy

Album Description

WINTERSONG is a collection of international tributes to the season, with traditional songs and circle dances from England, Scandinavia, Italy, France and the Appalachian Mountains.

Customer Reviews:

Rich, Incredible Experience.......2001-08-16

This music is nothing short of a spiritual experience. It paints so many beautiful pictures. When listening to "Swedish Song" you can almost feel the frost on the leaves as they blow on a winter's day in the forest. It carries you along with it's rich depth. So beautiful. Although an album of "Wintersongs", they are all warm ones, and range from bright celebration to heavenly reflection. Paul Winter has created the most beautiful treatments of these songs the world has ever heard. Background vocals, sparcely used, add to the warmth and incredible harmony of sound on peices like "Beautiful Star". Light some candles, turn out the lights and listen to "Little One" and "Dance of the Golden Bough". The purest Love will fill your being.

Average customer rating:

Dreamy Winter Moods

Wintersong

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

ASIN: B000J3F7F6
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Amazon.com

Album Description

Sarah McLachlan 3-time Grammy and 8-time Juno Award-winning multi-platinum McLachlan, who has sold over 30 million records around the world, usher in the spirit of the season with the release of her first holiday album, Winstersong recorded in her home studio in Vancouver, Sarah McLachlan presents these classic songs on Winstersong with a unique twist, making them her own and translating them into her repertoire. These recordings are not simply traditional holiday fare. Instead, Winstersong could be considered the soundtrack to a blustery winter day. The album opens with her version of John Lennon's timeless declaration of peace from 1971, "Happy Xmas (War is Over)." John and Yoko and the Plastic Ono Band originally recorded the song with the Harlem Community Choir, and Sarah is also joined by a choral group -- a children's choir of students from the music school she personally funds and oversees in her hometown of Vancouver. Another highlight of the new album is Sarah's version of "River" from Joni Mitchell's 1971 Blue album ("It's coming on Christmas, they're cutting down trees..."). The title track Wintersong was written by Sarah specifically for this album. On this recording, she also pays homage to Gordon Lightfoot with his 1975 "Song For A Winter's Night." From the American standard songbook, Sarah has chosen "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." The program is rounded out with the traditional "What Child Is This (Greensleeves)," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night," the classically flavored "In A Bleak Mid Winter," and a medley of "The First Noel/ Mary Mary." In addition, Wintersong features guest appearances from Diana Krall on piano on "Christmas Time Is Here" from the 1965 Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon and fellow Canadian Jim Creegan of Barenaked Ladies guests on double bass throughout the album.

Customer Reviews:

Dreamy Winter Moods.......2006-12-25

Sarah McLachlan's voice has never sounded as dreamy as on this compilation, infused with delicate winter melodies of comforting warmth.

Her new take on "What Child is This" is surprisingly refreshing and she gives new appeal to many classic renditions to capture your awareness of the intrinsic beauty contained in each song.

"River" is filled with romantic longing and desires for simpler times..."I wish I had a river I could skate away on..." This song brings out the ecstasy in Sarah's voice. The blending of modern and classic songs works fairly well because Sarah maintains the mood with soft soothing vocals and highlights of music that never overwhelm the mood.

"In a Bleak Mid Winter" has acoustic elements and lyrics setting a modern yet romantic mood. The final track is breathless and compliments all the elements of this album as the mood is set for listening to this again and again.

The entire album makes you want to get out some eggnog cookies and apple cider and read a cozy novel or write Christmas cards. A winter candle may be essential...a fireplace or fireplace DVD...most definitely!

~The Rebecca Review

Average customer rating:

Wintersong

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000J10EF6
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Album Description

Japanese pressing. 12 tracks. BMG. 2006.

Average customer rating:

Gentle Snowfall

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000HASWCG

Product Description

1.soft flurries.2.blankets of white.3.dancing snowflakes.4.shimmering frost.5.wintersong.6.gentle snowfall.7.snow memories.8.powder from sky.9.winter friends.10.minty cool morning

Average customer rating:

Beautiful and often played
Music for the turn of the year

Wintersong
Paul Winter Consort
Manufacturer: Living Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00000AFPL
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day
Swedish Song
The Cherry Tree
Little One
Peasant Revels
Dance Of The Golden Bough
Beautiful Star
Wintersong
Joy

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and often played.......2000-12-07

Since I first listened to this album years ago I knew it would rank up there with "Icarus" as one of my favourite Paul Winter albums of all time (also one of my favourite of anybody's music). Recorded in one of his favourite places to play, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC, and joined by his long-time friends and collaborators Paul Halley and Eugene Friesen (and others) the songs have that lightness-of-being and beauty that any fan of Paul Winter's has come to expect and will always appreciate. I have to confess that I don't just listen to it in the winter-time; winter just gives me an excuse to play it more often! If you enjoy consummate artistry, music that is uplifting without making you giddy, and want to listen to music that you can never be ashamed of and will want to share with others then get this. This CD goes with me whenever I travel. This year I am purchasing a few to give away as gifts.

Music for the turn of the year.......1999-12-30

I've listend to this on tape in December and January for many years (I'm buying the cd). Its long, melodic soprano sax lines are warming and relaxing without making me sleepy as so much 'relaxing' music does. Tomorrow Is My Dancing Day and Joy are good to dance around to. Great stuff for early winter and the turning of the year.

Average customer rating:

Wintersong
CHICKAdivas
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000PLTCYE

Product Description

1 It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas 2 Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree 3 I Saw Three Ships 4 Rocking 5 One Still And Silent Night 6 What You Gonna Name Him? 7 Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris 8 Ecce Maria 9 Once in Royal David's City 10 Wintersong 11 It Came Upon The Midnight Clear 12 Silver Bells 13 He Smiles Within His Cradle 14 I'll Be Home For Christmas 15 Jamaican Noel 16 White Christmas

Average customer rating:

Some hidden gems in here

The Orchestra According to The Seven

Manufacturer: Opus One
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000049S8
Release Date: 1996-09-01

Customer Reviews:

Some hidden gems in here.......2002-05-25

Seven widely-varying living composers won't all be for everybody, but two of these works were absolute gems, enough to give this disk the highest rating.

Starting from the bottom up, we have Krumm's dire "bleeps and whispers" modernism, van Appledorn's default "heard a million of 'em" semi-modernism, and Sichel's colorful, amusing modernism. F. diArta-Angeli is a sort of wayward Romantic who wants to be Kancheli with a consonant palette. Strandberg sounds pleasant enough, but has nothing much to say.

That leaves Michael Dellaira's "Three Rivers", which is a very fine work, and Stefania de Kenessey's "Wintersong", which is a six-minute masterpiece. Dellaira's work uses some of the ostinato effects of minimalism in a free post-minimalist manner, playing his rhythmic motifs with a sense of pacing reminiscent of Sibelius and an open, clean, American populist orchestration.

"Wintersong" is quiet and somber, and absolutely beautiful without ever touching on the vapid. It gives off a sense of rock-solid surefootedness and tight construction rare in modern music of any kind. If I'd been played this piece blindfolded, I'd have guessed the composer to be Lars-Erik Larsson, the most self-contained of the great modern Swedes; and if told it was an American I'd wonder if it were a wayward escapee from Henry Cowell's pastoral period, or perhaps an homage by someone to Howard Hanson. De Kenessey is an aggressive reactionary in compositional politics, and never has the argument been made with more talent.

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