Winter Solstice

Track Listings

1. Old Year's Day Morning Trilogy: A New Dawn

2. Old Year's Day Morning Trilogy: The Awakening

3. Old Year's Day Morning Trilogy: Celestial Voices

4. High Noon Old Year's Day: Only Your Maker Understands

5. High Noon Old Year's Day: Infinity

6. High Noon Old Year's Day: The Journey Home

7. High Noon Old Year's Day: Your Maker Understands

8. Evening Old Year's Day: Evensong

9. Morning New Year's Day Trilogy: I Am

10. Morning New Year's Day Trilogy: Flame of Creation

11. Morning New Year's Day Trilogy: I Am

12. High Noon New Year's Day: Blessed Relief

13. High Noon New Year's Day: I Am

14. Evening Sunset New Year's Day: Life Is in a Circle

Winter Solstice,Dick Darnell,Etherean,Electro-Acoustic,Ethnic Fusion,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Rock/Pop,Spiritual

Winter Solstice

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.

A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition

Average customer rating:

This is how traditions begin
Solstice goes back to its original style with maturity
Seasonal mood music to surround yourself in
Bravo Windham Hill!!
Beautiful Music for Any Season of the Year

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

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A Winter's Solstice II
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
A Winter's Solstice III
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5

ASIN: B00005NNDN
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Greensleeves - Steve Erquiaga
When Earth's Last Picture Is Painted - Richard Schonherz
The Gathering - Tracy Silverman/Thea Suits
The Silver Swan - Paul McCandless
Shades Of White - Jim Brickman
Col Partir La Bella Clori - Joan Jeanrenaud/Steve Erquiaga
Moon Lake - W.G. Snuffy Walden
Come All Ye Shepherds - Barbara Higbie
Beneath The Trees - Will Ackerman/Philip Aaberg
Down In Yon Forest - Jeff Johnson/Brian Dunning
Maiden Chant - Liz Story
When Comes December - Tim Story
Queen's Prayer - Ozzie Kotani

Amazon.com

Since the Windham Hill imprint's Winter Solstice series was born in 1985, the concept has gone through some changes, bottoming out with 1999's abysmally kitschy Winter Solstice on Ice. With this Silver Anniversary Edition, Dawn Atkinson, who produced the first Winter Solstice disc, has gone back to her original concept of nontraditional seasonal music and novel arrangements of Christmas classics. She's also brought in some old standbys, soliciting works from Paul McCandless, Barbara Higbie, Will Ackerman, Philip Aaberg, and Liz Story.

Much of this new Winter Solstice turns on classical themes. Ex-Kronos Quartet cellist Joan Jeanrenaud teams with guitarist Steve Erquiaga on an airy Handel piece, and McCandless adapts Orlando Gibbons's "The Silver Swan." Others explore traditional carols, including Erquiaga's double-guitar filigree on "Greensleeves." As with past titles in this series, the best compositions are usually the originals.

Keyboardist Tim Story, a Winter Solstice stalwart, unfolds another gorgeously melodic ambient chamber piece called "What Comes December." Tracy Silverman and Thea Suits turn in a wistful duet for electric violin and flute, and TV composer W.G. Snuffy Walden goes soft focus on "Moon Lake." While "Beneath the Trees," by Ackerman and Aaberg, seems born in the snow-covered trees of Ackerman's Vermont home, Hawaiian Ozzie Kotani's "Queen's Prayer" seems to have nothing to do with the season. Yet, it somehow fits the mood. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

This is how traditions begin.......2007-07-24

This disc is way, way up there among the best in the series - and this whole series is a "must have" in my book. Most of the songs in this series, and certainly in this disc, would not be considered traditional Christmas music. But for me, the season would lose much of it's charm without this playing in my home. Traditions become traditions because they are enjoyable, and if you give this series (and especially this volume) a chance, you won't regret it.

Lastly, the 30th anniversary of Windham Hill Winter's Solstice discs came and went in 2006. Too bad - a commemorative effort would have been most welcome.

Solstice goes back to its original style with maturity.......2007-01-04

This is one of the best "Solstice" albums. There is a maturity to the choices on this album which has been lost on the last two "solstice" albums. All are new selections by Liz Story, Philip AAberg. W.G. Snuffy Walden (West Wing theme) is also represented. All in all this is a very enjoyable offering. Highly recommended.

Seasonal mood music to surround yourself in.......2002-11-27

This CD and likewise this review is aimed at those who know Windham Hill and appreciate the music put out by the company. It seems logical to presume that if you're reading this review, you enjoy the music that embraces new age, world, smooth jazz and light classical genres.

Indeed, as others have pointed out, this is a new recording and has different material than the original Winter's Solstice. In fact, I'll admit that I was disappointed not to find "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" here.

Nevertheless, this is uplifting and inspiring music for the season. You'll find some traditional such as "Greensleeves", "Come All Ye Shepherds", "Down In Yon Forest", along with Handel's "Col Partir La Bella Clori", Orlando Gibbons' "The Silver Swan", and the notable "Queen's Prayer" by Hawaii's last queen, Queen Lili'uokalani.

But you'll also find the originals composed by some of the performers such as Richard Schonherz, Tracy Silverman, Jim Brickman, W.G. Snuffy Walden, Will Ackerman and Philip Aaberg, Liz Story, and Tim Story to be the equal if not sometimes better than ther older ones.

This is for those who can find a depth of sound and beauty in quiet and simple music, who can enjoy the depths of the instrumentation without thinking it bland, boring or repetitive.

Bravo Windham Hill!!.......2002-02-07

The Silver Anniversary Edition of "A Winter's Solstice" is grounded in the very roots of Windham Hill. The series was origionally started as an instrumental alternative to traditional Christmas music, with a focus more on the concept of the winter solstice. That's exactly what you get on this eighth recording of the series. Featuring different compostions from the origional (1985) "A Winter's Soltice," you will not be disappointed! Whether you're a long time fan of the series or just exploring some new music, this cd is full of beautiful instrumentals - i.e. solo piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, oboe, harp, English horn, synthesizers and percussions. Some of my favorite songs - Shades of White by Jim Brickman, Handel's Col Partie la Bella Clori by Joan Jeanrenaud & Steve Erquiaga, Greensleeves by Steve Eruiaga, Moon Lake by W. G. Snuffy Walden, Beaneth the Trees by Will Ackerman & Philip Aaberg, and Down in Yon Forest by Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning.

Is it Christmas music? Yes. Music for anytime, any season? Yes. Play it all year round! Really the only Christmas song, per say, is Greensleeves which was adapted to What Child Is This. I have most of the Winter Solstice cd's, but this is one of my favorites out of the entire series. Bravo to Windham Hill and Happy Anniversary! It's a perfect companion on cold, snowy winter days, especially since it is a celebration of winter itself. As I write this, it is snowing here. I am listening to this very cd and enjoying a cuppa hot tea. I am celebrating the beauty of winter God has blessed us with. Buy it. Pop it in your cd player and bask in the beauty of "A Winter's Solstice - Silver Anniversary Edition."

Beautiful Music for Any Season of the Year.......2001-12-27

When is a Christmas album NOT a Christmas album? When it's a Windham Hill "Winter Solstice" album. For their silver anniversary edition, Windham hill put together a collection of all new recordings. These are all instrumental and mostly original compositions. The only song you'll recognize with overtly holiday overtones is the opening track, the traditional "Greensleeves," whose tune was used for the hymn "What Child Is This."

These songs all have a haunting beauty to them and are very soothing and peaceful--the perfect kind of background music for the holiday season or any other time of the year.

Among my favorite tracks are the collaboration between William Ackerman and Philip Aaberg on "Beneath the Trees" and multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie's "Come All Ye Shepherds" where she alternates on hammered dulcimer, violin, piano and Celtic harp.

Tracks:

Carol Of The Bells - Windham Hill Artists
Silent Night - Steve Erquiaga
Crystal Palace - Oystein Sevag
Winter Bourne - Paul McCandless
Dona Nobis Pacem - Michael Manring
Wexford Carol - Nightnoise
Just Before Dawn - Will Ackerman
We Three Kings - Barbra Higbie
Angels We Have Heard On High - Mike Marshall
Sheep May Safely Graze - Modern Mandolin Quartet
Trumpet Tune - Alex De Grassi
Three Candles - Scott
The Rain From The Four Seasons - Turtle Island String Quartet
Christmas Hymn - Billly Childs
Asleep The Snow Came Flying - Tim Story

Amazon.com

In 1993, Windham Hill Records released its fourth album of seasonal music recorded by the label's artists and unavailable in any other collection. Only a few of the tracks on A Winter's Solstice IV lend credence to the label's unfair stereotype as the home for new age background music. Many of the musicians come from such respected jazz bands as Oregon and the Freddie Hubbard Quartet, and from such respected folk bands as the David Grisman Quartet. Several tackle such classical pieces as Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze" (the Modern Mandolin Quartet), Purcell's "Trumpet Tune" (solo guitarist Alex de Grassi) and Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" (the Turtle Island String Quartet). From Liz Story's "Carol of the Bells" to Nightnoise's "Wexford Carol," this is rigorous instrumental music for the most part, no matter how quiet and pretty it may seem at first listen. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Timeless classic.......2006-10-12

This is superb music, and that it is supposed to be "Christmas" music is almost beside the point. Yeah, it wouldn't be Christmas without it, but for me this disc can be a salve against the hostilities of an uncaring world. Such "therapy" need not always take place in December.

So relaxing... perfect after a long stressful day!.......2005-12-01

Windham Hill artists have a long tradition of coming up with very relaxing, chill renditions of holiday favorites as well as their own original seasonal music. All the music on this album brings to mind the most peaceful images of the winter season - a warming fire away from the bleak chill of winter; a snowy winter wonderland; simply being with the people you love most. This album is perfect for a quite evening away from anything and everything.

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

Continuing in the beautiful series of Winter's Solstice music, this CD contains traditional and non-traditional Christmas music. However, it should be played year around for its soothing and beautiful sounds.

Fine Christmas Collection!.......2004-12-15

The Windham Hill series (Winter Solstice) fhas been outstanding, featuring a sampling of their artists. You get a wide range of performers (Nightnoise, Turtle Island String Quartet, etc.) that you might not run into otherwise. The result is a superior collection for the holiday season, but not so overtly Christmas that you can't play it at other times.
I particularly like Øystein Sevåg's contribution. I can't rave enough about the beauty of these pieces. It's wonderful to play while entertaining, or to get you in the Christmas-card-writing mood, or just sit and soak it up while gazing at your twinkling tree lights.

The last "good" Winter's Solstice .......2004-11-06

The first four Winter's Solstice recordings are simply outstanding. Unfortunately, something about the series went suddenly wrong starting with Vol. 5.

Back to Vol. 4. I'm particularly fond of Øystein Sevåg's piece. The ensemble's Carol of the Bell's is great, too--great bass and piano, especially.

Vol. 2 remains my favorite of the series. I live in California, but when I play it late at night, it feels like there's a fresh blanket of snow around my house.

Average customer rating:

Nice Seasonal Music
Quite LOVELY for ALL Seasons...
The very Best of them all-Still after all these years...
Sentimentally Relaxing for Winter, or Anytime
Captivating

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

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A Winter's Solstice III
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A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B000000NHA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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:

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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A Winter's Solstice II
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A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5
A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition

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.

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:

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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Similar Items:

A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5
A Winter's Solstice II
A Winter's Solstice III
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4
A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition

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:

Review of "A Winter Solstice Reunion"
A very typical "Winter Solstice" selection
SUPERB, and ALMOST the best of the series
Deceptive Title
So good

A Winter Solstice Reunion
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5
A Winter's Solstice III
A Winter's Solstice II

ASIN: B000007O8F
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

Keiki's Dream (Child's Dream) - Keola Beamer
I Saw Three Ships - Darol Anger
Babe Is Born/Enter The Stable Gently - Liz Story
Snowfall Lullaby - Barbara Higbie
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Alex DeGrassi
Impending Death Of The Virgin Spirit - William Ackerman
La Nit De Nadal (Christmas Night)/Al Noi De La Mare (Son Of Mary) - Mike Marshall
Dreamtime - Nightnoise
Year's End - Michael Manring
Song Before Spring - Benjamin Verdery
What Are The Signs - George Winston
Rain Into Snow - William Coulter
20 Degrees Below - Paul McCandless
Christmas Wish - Tuck And Patti

Amazon.com

You know this winter "reunion" is going to be a good one when Hawaiian slack-key guitar great Keola Beamer opens it with a stunning original, "Keiki's Dream." Reassembling the artists who defined the Windham Hill sound, Reunion features pianist Liz Story arranging the Spanish traditional "Babe Is Born" for solo piano, Windham vet Alex DeGrassi bringing his graceful acoustic guitar work to bear on "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," and capo William Ackermann rolling out his trademark steel-string arpeggios on a pensive, minor-key original, "Impending Death of the Virgin Spirit." The man who put Windham Hill on the map, pianist George Winston, contributes a lovely reading of Alfred Burt's "What Are the Signs," and fretless bass wonder Michael Manring tickles the ivories as well as bass on a circumspect "Year's End." More about the symbolism of the winter season than the joy of Christmas, Reunion is classic Windham Hill, meditative and a bit melancholy. Also features Mike Marshall, Ben Verdery, Paul McCandless, and others. --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews:

Review of "A Winter Solstice Reunion".......2007-02-06

Having not heard the "Soltice"s' in years, my husband loved this CD.

A very typical "Winter Solstice" selection.......2006-12-31

This is very much in the genre of the "Winter Solstice" series. It is still very enjoyable, however, if you long for a more meditative offering. Perfect Holiday music choice.

SUPERB, and ALMOST the best of the series.......2006-02-21

Probably 4.5 stars; A SUPERB release, and an attempt to get back to as many of the original groundbreaking artists which made the Winter's Solstice series so endearing. Highlights: As ALWAYS, I look forward most to Ackerman and especially, Barbara Higbee's contributions to any of the Winter's Solstice CDs. Higbee in particular, always has the most surprising arrangments or original compositions, and this release is a perfect example. "Snowfall Lullaby" is one of the most touching lullaby melodies. (though it is by no means sleepy; simply comforting in a sort of "neo-celtic" way). There are Harps, violin & piano; you simply must hear it to know how fine it is, and to experience what I'm trying to describe in words. Ackermann normally tries to write something original, or which is not a traditionally well-known Christmas song, which was the overall attempt in the groundbreaking first two Winter's Solstice releases. Here he does a pensive remake of one of his classics "Impending Death Of The Virgin Spirit". Perhaps one might see it as a deep-reflection on Mary's depth of charcter and her impending suffering which will one day lead to the loss of her child. Darol Anger's "I saw Three Ships" is an quite original, if more familiar melody. It's an arrangement that is peaceful & lilting & not the usual "jig" we hear so often. There are so many others: "What are the Signs" by Winston is a perfect "10", "Year's End" by Manring, Paul McCandless's "20 Degrees Below" and Liz Story's "Babe Is Born/Enter The Stable Gently". While there are a couple uneven spots, by some less familiar artists, this is one of the essential releases of the series. My final recommendation is to buy the SECOND Winter's Solstice release first, which to me, has always been the pinnacle of originality & creative spirit, even exceeding the fine first release, and then also buy this release to see how original these collections can be, before venturing into some of the later ones, most of which are good, but which often feature traditional Christmas melodies rather than the more obscure carols & original compositions featured here. Overall, nearly a perfect release!

Deceptive Title.......2004-12-29

I have been a fan of the Windham Hill label for many years...almost since its beginning. I prefer some collections to others, but,the Winter's Solstice series continues as a favorite. For sentimental reasons, I've always been fond of the original realase in the set and when I saw this one I thought that perhaps through some miracle or some heavy lifting on the label's part, it would be comprised of new pieces from the artists on AWS. But after a quick look I have to ask, In what way is this a "reunion?" OK, Liz Story and label founder Will Ackerman are present, but where's the rest of the class? Granted, one would be hard pressed to hear new material from Shadowfax, whose offering for AWS came from their work while on another label(pre-WH), but certainly others beside Story and Ackerman survive to this day. Not to worry, the material that is here is enjoyable as always, but, if you were nostalgic for the artists of the first release, a reunion this is not.

So good.......2002-03-22

This is the best of the Winter solstice albums. I'm not one for a real new age sound. I like classic, celtic, instruments. This CD shines... contemporary with olde sounds. The second track is by far the best track to me.. it has a holiday flavor, but I don't just listen to this during the holidays. In fact, all of the Solstice albums are like this really. Its not Christmassy.. its beautiful, serene, music. My other favorites are I, II, and VI.

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
Windham Hill Christmas: I'll Be Home for Christmas
Windham Hill Holiday Guitar Collection
Windham Hill Christmas II
A Windham Hill Christmas

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:

Wyndham Hill
Inspiring
Windham Hill Winter Soltice 5
Best of the series
More Windham Hill Holiday Sounds

A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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$7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

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A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4
A Winter's Solstice III
A Winter's Solstice II
A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B000000NL1
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
Angels We Have Heard On High - Windham Hill Artists
Shepherd's Rocking Carol - Philip Aaberg
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.

If you happen to develop a craving for Christmas music in July, you could lisen to this CD without feeling self-conscious. It has a lightness about it that would not be out of place in the summer.

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