Simple Gifts: A Windham Hill Collection

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Simple. Sweet. That nicely sums up Simple Gifts, another holiday compilation released under the Windham Hill banner. Long-time fans of the label will be pleased to discover this package that, outside of the two vocal tracks involving Ugandan musician Samite, largely exudes a classic Windham Hill feel--meaning minimal schmaltz, refined folk-pop-classical compositions, and thoughtful performances. Highlights: A lovely solo piano take on "Joy to the World" by Jim Brickman (an alternative to the orchestrated version he includes on The Gift); a small slice of regal romanticism from pianist Liz Story ("Forevergreenman") that hints at her grand Solid Colors period (more, please); and a warm, wonderful duet on acoustic guitar by Janis Ian and Philip Clark ("Winter Fire"). George Winston takes a slight left turn with a melancholy, jazz-tinged version of "Greensleeves" in another nod to Vince Guaraldi. Only three tracks are overtly holiday related, and pianist-keyboardist Suzanne Ciani applies a benevolent, atmospheric sheen to two of them ("Adeste Fideles/Come All Ye Faithful" and "Oh Holy Night"). The packaging is bare-bones and not every piece is a gem, but enough of them are to make Simple Gifts a worthwhile seasonal addition. --Terry Wood

Simple Gifts: A Windham Hill Collection,Various Artists,Windham Hill Records,Adult Alternative,Adult Contemporary,Chamber Jazz,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Contemporary Instrumental,Holiday,Neo-Classical,Pop,Progressive Electronic,Singer/Songwriter,Solo Instrumental,Xmas Vocal Collections

Tracks:

Adeste Fideles - Suzanne Ciani
Snow Shadows - Sean Harkness
Joy To The World - Jim Brickman
Winter Fire - Janis Ian
Greensleeves - George Winston
Omwoyo - Will Ackerman/Samite
In Bethlehem City - Paul McCandless
Forevergreenman - Liz Story
Angel Child - Samite
Oh Holy Night - Suzanne Ciani
Upon A Winter's Morn - Lisa Lynne
New Trees At Knockaun - Nightnoise
Welcome Christmas - Sean Harkness

Amazon.com

Simple. Sweet. That nicely sums up Simple Gifts, another holiday compilation released under the Windham Hill banner. Long-time fans of the label will be pleased to discover this package that, outside of the two vocal tracks involving Ugandan musician Samite, largely exudes a classic Windham Hill feel--meaning minimal schmaltz, refined folk-pop-classical compositions, and thoughtful performances. Highlights: A lovely solo piano take on "Joy to the World" by Jim Brickman (an alternative to the orchestrated version he includes on The Gift); a small slice of regal romanticism from pianist Liz Story ("Forevergreenman") that hints at her grand Solid Colors period (more, please); and a warm, wonderful duet on acoustic guitar by Janis Ian and Philip Clark ("Winter Fire"). George Winston takes a slight left turn with a melancholy, jazz-tinged version of "Greensleeves" in another nod to Vince Guaraldi. Only three tracks are overtly holiday related, and pianist-keyboardist Suzanne Ciani applies a benevolent, atmospheric sheen to two of them ("Adeste Fideles/Come All Ye Faithful" and "Oh Holy Night"). The packaging is bare-bones and not every piece is a gem, but enough of them are to make Simple Gifts a worthwhile seasonal addition. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad Not Great.......2000-12-30

I own a few of the Windham hill Christmas collections and this is fair. If you don't already own it, I would recommend either Carols of Christmas (the original NOT the second one) and or Winter solstice ( either the original or Winter Solstice VI). These are similar records in style but are just much better recordings than this one.

Fireside and mulled wine.......2000-12-20

I first heard this CD at a friend's house, and had to have it. If you're looking for the perfect Christmas music to go along with a warm hearth and warmer mulled wine, this is it. The holidays should not be stressful!

Pop Music:

Recommended Music:

The Legends Collection

Music: The Shining Path

Sound of Music [Import]

Symphony No.4/Milena

The BBC Punk Sessions [Live]