Solstice

Track Listings

1. Summer Solstice

2. Embrace Of The Sun God

3. Voice At The End Of The Rainbow

4. Samhain

5. Winter Solstice

6. While The Green Man Sleeps

7. Awakening

8. Beltane

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Traditional Celtic sounds are infused with the deeper resonance of E-bow guitar, fretless bass, keyboards and infectious rhythms. Capturing the sense of ritual and mystery of the ancient celebrations that mark the turning of time, this album has a universal appeal.

Instrumentation:
Phil Thornton: Keyboards;Vocoder; 12 String Acoustic Guitar; E-bow Guitar; Recorders; Flutes; Percussion.
Grant Young: Fretless Bass and Hand Drum
Ben Paley: Violin
Simon Williams: Lead Guitar
Simon Cowburn: Percussion
Dave Roberts: Hand Drums
Hannah Burchell: Flagolet
Jan Thornton: Analog Synth

Total Running Time: 62:59

Solstice,Phil Thornton,New World Music,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Spiritual

Solstice

Tracks:

Secrets of Your Heart
If I Were a Carpenter
Amore
Everytime It Rains
Summer's Almost Gone
Listen to the Wind
Just Another Day
Wouldn't It Be Good
Never Surrender
Face the Truth
Every Now and Then

Product Description

Solstice, the new CD from pop/jazz vocalist Slim Man, features guitarist Marc Antoine. Solstice is both a return and a departure for Slim Man--a return to the studio where he recorded his first CD, 'End of the Rainbow', which had the Top Ten Hit 'Faith In Us', and a departure in that the sound has a more Latin/Pop/Chill vibe than Slim Man's other CDs.

Customer Reviews:

soltice.......2007-07-04

I enjoyed the music, smooth jazz is always relaxing! I enjoyed the different moads in the album of instruments and singing. I never heard of Slim Man before but I will buy more of his music again!!

Average customer rating:

Before Ms. Feminine Mystique Grew Buck Teeth and Hairy Armpits
Encountering old friends
indelibly stamped with the imprimatur of authenticity
Hypnotic, Eerie, Playful and A Wonderful Musical Wild Ride
Pat Metheny's Favorite ECM Recording

Solstice
Ralph Towner
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Diary
Solo Concert
Witchi-Tai-To
Time Line
Silent Feet

ASIN: B0000261O7
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

Oceanus
Visitation
Drifting Petals
Nimbus
Winter Solstice
Piscean Dance
Red And Black
Sand

Amazon.com

Few jazz record companies have achieved so distinctive a sound and characteristic a style as the German label ECM. This 1974 recording by acoustic guitarist Ralph Towner is a classic of the label's early period. Adept at blending jazz with folk and classical elements, Towner is joined here by drummer Jon Christensen and two of the label's essential voices, the sweetly muscular saxophone sound of Jan Garbarek and the springy bass virtuosity of Eberhard Weber. The quartet has both orchestral breadth and varied textures, each enhanced by some discreet overdubbing and fairly extensive doubling--Weber adding electric bass leads and background cello, Towner adding some piano to his classical and 12-string guitars, and Garbarek playing soprano and overdubbing two flutes on "Nimbus." The modal and atmospheric improvisations contribute to the feeling of spaciousness, and the sumptuously beautiful sound seems to embrace the instruments. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Before Ms. Feminine Mystique Grew Buck Teeth and Hairy Armpits.......2006-12-06

Take the musicians on this jazzy escapade in sound.

Only men are hairy and toothy enough to imagine such elegant things. (Unless, of course, they are women.) Garbarek saves his altissimo for just the right moment on "Oceanus." Towner and Christiansen take Richie Havens as their STARTING POINT in "Ticean Dance" and wring just about everything there is to be wrung out of it. "Sand" prefigures Bowie's "Subterraneans" on "Low" by about two years. Connecting these two songs was boss, let me tell you.

Yes, Towner could serenade us with a few more open, cathartic chords on "Ticean Dance" to better highlight the song's incredibly tight, fractious rhythms. If one chose to sweat the details, yes. But, this is not about sweating the details - this is about sitting back and imploding. These guys are good, very good -- "Dis" with a rhythm section.

But, no, it can't last, can it. Santa Claus has to climb back up the chimney and pay off his credit cards, doesn't he. The snowman grins, sags and melts, doesn't he. The ego takes over and ruins everything, doesn't it.

But, in the 70's, when artists weren't ALWAYS grandstanding and could open their soul-lids for a peek, as on "Solstice," you darn well got your money's worth. So, forget it's 2006 (you can do it!); let Sean Hannity, Michael Savage and Glenn Beck save world (one man's opinion); plug in mood lighting; feed fish; drink green tea and; obsequiously enjoy.

Encountering old friends.......2006-05-18

As a younger person I owned quite a few vinyl albums. Amoung them were "Crystal Silence"(Gary Burton-Chick Corea), one of my all time favorite pre-new age jazz albums. I found the reissue of that CD years ago.

But my two most beloved jazz albums; moody, peaceful, emotional satisfying works are definitely "Diary" and "Solstice" by Ralph Towner.

Musically, these are all old friends whom I've never met and I'm glad to encounter once again many years later.

Reading at home alone on a rainy night or driving in the mountains on a snowy day in mid-Winter, this is the music to have.

indelibly stamped with the imprimatur of authenticity.......2005-10-11

There are precious few artists whose music is so instantly recognizable, so indelibly stamped with the imprimatur of authenticity, that their work is guaranteed a place in the annals of music history. Ralph Towner is one such artist.

The guitar solos on "Solstice" are pristine in tone and execution, and offer an exquisite view into the imagination of one of our greatest free improvisors. The interplay among the all-star cast of ECM players borders on the telepathic. The music is alternately transcendent, urgent, atmospheric, unpredictable, and beautiful beyond words.

You cannot go wrong with any release bearing Ralph Towner's name. Solstice is a soaring achievement, and ranks among my very favorites of all time.

Hypnotic, Eerie, Playful and A Wonderful Musical Wild Ride.......2005-01-14

This 1974 release by guitarist Ralph Towner only reaffirms his genius and versatility as a musician/composer.

Teaming up with bassist Eberhard Weber, drummer Jon Christensen and saxophonist Jan Garbarek, Towner took 3 other very highly developed musical personalities on a wild ride with him through dark spooky forests ("Visitation"), vast seas ("Oceanus"), deserts ("Sand") and more. Towner lets forth some beautiful Bill Evans-esque piano musings on "Drifting Petals", and even engages Jan Garbarek in a lively duo on "Winter Solstice". Things even get funky on "Piscean Dance".

Bassist Eberhard Weber adds not only brilliant electric upright bass lines to the proceedings but goes further to add eerie choruses of cellos and bowed bass. Jan Garbarek proves a more than capable foil for Towners full rich guitars and piano with his stark, icy, yet oddly soulful tones on tenor, soprano and flute. One of his best moments is "Nimbus" with its tumbling flutes and stern tenor sax interjections.

"Visitation" gets my vote for spookiest track on an ECM release. This improv piece is VERY effective in conjuring up vivid images of walking through a spooky forest at night, screech owls in full cry and something lurking behind the twisted trees.

All throughout, drummer Jon Christensen provides very flexible and empathetic playing, really listening to what's going on and giving his all without overpowering the other musicians. He shoud definitely get a MVP Award in the ECM stable (as he's appeared on so many ECM discs).

Prepare ye for a mindblowing listening experience!

Pat Metheny's Favorite ECM Recording.......2002-12-13

On a wet and rainy October 1976 evening I walked into a Tower Records in Seattle. I immediately took note of the music playing. It was weird, beautiful, mystical, forceful, transcendental all at the same time. I inquired and was told it was Ralph Towner Solstice. I purchased it on Lp. I still have that old Lp as well as the CD. A few months later I got to see Ralph perform duets with John Abercrombie. After the 1st piece there was one perfect moment where you could have heard a pin drop the crowd was so captivated. Towner is one of the greats. Solstice is one of the most played recordings in my collection. Pat Metheny once commented on his website that this was his favorite ECM recording. Pick it up and find out why!

A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists

Average customer rating:

Music and Memory
a soundtrack to a vanished past
Refreshing Instrumentals for Christmas, or Any Time
A Winter's Solstice
Excellent CD.

A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists
Philip Aaaberg , Billy Oskay & Michael O Domhnail , and Darol Anger & Mike Marshall
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

ASIN: B000000NGH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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.

Average customer rating:

Buy This CD. Now.
Guitars and pianos to enhance the summer spirit....
The music is OK, but I have something to say about the sound
Accoustic Music..
Just Relax!

Sun Dance: Summer Solstice, Vol. 3
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Summer Solstice 2: A Windham Hill Collection
Summer Solstice: A Windham Hill Collection
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
Windham Hill Classics: Morning
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5

ASIN: B00000J7KL
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

Siempre Conmigo - Sean Harkness
Callisto's Sky - Tracy Silverman
Serenade - Liz Story
Shaka Slack Key - George Winston
Just Dancin' Like Fools - Will Ackerman
I Will Walk With My Children - William Coulter
Cancion' De Amour - Lisa Lynne
Circles - Jim Brickman
Summertime - Jay Beckenstein
As Tears Go By - Angels Of Venice
Don't Worry Baby - Paul McCandless
Reflections On The Pond - David Arkenstone

Amazon.com

Third in the Summer Solstice series, Sun Dance is an elegiac meandering into longer days, warmer nights, and the kiss of festivity that lingers for the season. Featuring pianists Jim Brickman and Liz Story, harpist Lisa Lynne, guitarist William Coulter, and ensembles such as Angels of Venice (covering the Rolling Stones' "As Tears Go By"), Sun Dance dips into the well of New Age talent, spilling forth a liquid dream-time soundscape. George Winston and Keola Beamer collaborate on the Hawaii-inspired "Shaka Slack Key," and Will Ackerman's finger-picked "Just Dancin' Like Fools," elegantly supplemented by violin, bass, and percussion, is a lovely ditty of light and willowy grace. A word of caution: beware the lazy-making properties of this collection! It's quite likely that listening will bring on a hankering to nod off in the sun or ditch that big meeting for an impromptu berry gathering. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Buy This CD. Now........2004-06-01

This CD is one of the few I've bought in the last few years deserving of my $16. Really, it's extraordinary... I had never fully realized the potential of New Age music until I heard this. I've listened to it until I know every note of every song; by all rights I should be heartily sick of it. But "Just Dancin' Like Fools" remains one of my all-time favorite songs.
This CD captures the spirit of a season in a way I've never heard done before. The richness and fullness of the music in all of the tracks is quite incredible. Very frankly, anyone who doesn't like it can suck it up. (So buy it, and like it.)

Guitars and pianos to enhance the summer spirit...........2001-09-07

I was expecting this to be maybe just a sampler, and was pleasantly surprised to find it a very well put together compilation where the cuts seem to blend in perfect sequence. I found Will Ackerman's "Just Dancin' Like Fools" with the violin blending with Ackerman's guitar and the vocal ending especially fitting the idea of celebration of the solstice. Lisa Lynn's "Cancion de Amor" featuring her on the celtic harp with cello and percussion backup also seemed especially fitting with the theme. Other highlights were "Shaka Slack Key" (first time I've heard George Winston on the steel string guitar rather than on piano), Jim Brickman's "Circles", and David Arkenstone's "Reflections on the Pond". Heck, I even enjoyed Jay Beckenstien's soprano sax on "Summertime", even if the Gershwin tune is old hat in comparison with the rest of the CD.

The music is OK, but I have something to say about the sound.......2000-05-08

The reviewer who gave this CD only one star is quite right, the older Windham Hill recordings are better, not only artistically but also soundwise. Although this CD may appear to sound pretty good, to me it does not! It has been compressed up to the hilt. For non-technical listeners this means that all the dynamics (the difference between loud and soft) have mostly been taken out. Therefor it sounds unlistenable to me. This is not the kind of music one should compress the living daylight out of, that is for Rock & Roll. Hey, it might sound good in your car, but I listen on a home system worth (more than) a couple of thousand dollars. I think most people listen to this kind of music on a good system. If this trend continues, I am sure I will no longer buy "new" new age, and stick with the older, more dynamic and interresting recordings (whether 16, 20 or 24 bits: what's the point if the dynamic range is less than 10 dB! ). Windham Hill, please tell your recording and mastering engineers to treat this great music as classical and not as R&R, thank you!

Accoustic Music.........2000-04-05

I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this CD. I bought it for the David Arkenstone track, which I hadn't heard. Turns out to have a very accoustic feel to the whole thing. It's mostly stringed instruments and piano. Quite cool as background music. Not really to sit and listen to attentively, but for when you're doing stuff, this is great to have on. Angels of Venice do an awesome version of "As Tears Go By", and track 4, "Shaka Slack Key," which you can hear in the song samples above, is almost worth the price of the CD. On the whole, the CD doesn't really stand out, but it's worth getting.

Just Relax!.......2000-03-24

I have listened to this in my car and while I am cuddled up with a good book at home. It is a great mixture of musicians. It helps clear your mind and really relax. It is a favorite of mine.

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
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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
A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4
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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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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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.

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