Acoustic Christmas

Track Listings
1. Angels We Have Heard on High    
2. Joy to the World    
3. Away in a Manger    
4. We Three Kings    
5. White Christmas    
6. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!    
7. Deck the Halls    
8. O Christmas Tree    
9. Jingle Bells    
10. O Holy Night    
11. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing    
12. O Little Town of Bethlehem    
13. Go Tell It on the Mountain    
14. What Child Is This?    
15. Winter Wonderland    
16. Silver Bells    
17. I'll Be Home for Christmas    
18. Do You Hear What I Hear?    
19. First Noel    
20. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen    
See all 25 tracks on this disc

Acoustic Christmas, Music, Various Artists, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Holiday, Pop
Acoustic Hearts of Winter
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Christmas cd that needs to be in your collection!
  • great music to keep growing with
  • excellent Christmas album
  • Accoustic Hearts is excellent
  • Acoustic Hearts of Winter review
 Acoustic Hearts of Winter
Aly & AJ
Manufacturer: Hollywood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Into The Rush [CD/DVD]
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ASIN: B000HDZKEG
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Greatest Time of Year
  2. Joy to the World
  3. We Three Kings
  4. First Noel
  5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  6. Silent Night
  7. I'll Be Home for Christmas
  8. Let It Snow
  9. Deck the Halls
  10. Little Drummer Boy
  11. Not This Year

Amazon.com

By teen-pop standards, Aly & AJ make a bold move on on their first holiday album and second disc. Instead of fizzing up the figgy pudding or decking the hall with a bunch of flashy hip-hop beats, they play it straight--"Silent Night" is justly peaceful (heavenly, even), "Let It Snow" lands as softly as a blanket of the newly fallen white stuff, and "Joy to the World" holds up its heartfelt peace sign by way of classic old-fashioned carol-crooning. Clearly the girls got a little giddy going through their parents' holiday music collection while conceiving this disc, and clearly they were thinking beyond its commercial prospects (how many underage starlets would challenge their cash-strapped core demographic with "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"?). Yet Acoustic Hearts, apparently, do not beat by yuletide sincerity and good-girl harmonizing alone--in an overt but not unlikable nod to the teen need to kick out the holiday jams, Aly & AJ let loose on three tracks: "Deck the Halls" gets into a George Michael-inspired groove, and two originals--one happy ("The Greatest Time of Year") and one sad ("Not This Year")--plumb the meaning of the annual sugarplum dance to semi-rockin' beats. -Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Christmas cd that needs to be in your collection!.......2007-03-02

I got this cd on Christmas day,so I enjoyed it all day! I kept listening to it well into January. Although, I wish the cd had more up-beat songs. I thought their re-makes would be edger, but it help capture the true meaning of Christmas. They even wrote two of the songs on this album, " Greatest Time of Year" and " Not This Year" this song is about how it's okay not to be in the Christmas spirit when something really awful happens to you, you can cry. You should get this cd!

5 out of 5 stars great music to keep growing with.......2007-02-04

this cd is awesome i liked it so much i started listening to it 3 months before christmas! u can listen to it every christmas it will never get old. aly and aj have such beautiful voices and combining classics tunes along with some new ones was a great idea. i cant wait till their next album hits stores!

5 out of 5 stars excellent Christmas album.......2007-01-27

If you like Aly and AJ, you'll love this album. I bought it for my daughter, and she is still listening to it. These sisters both have really beautiful voices. We actually saw them in concert last summer, and they sound even better live. This is a great album to add to your Aly and AJ collection!

5 out of 5 stars Accoustic Hearts is excellent.......2007-01-19

Great CD. Even my husband who doesn't like Christmas music much, really enjoyed this cd.

5 out of 5 stars Acoustic Hearts of Winter review.......2007-01-19

I bought this C/D for my oldest daughter for Christmas. It had been on her wish list, and she has really enjoyed Aly & AJ's music. The tract has a fresh sound - with familiar Christmas songs and some new ones as well.
The Hits--Chapter One
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • LOVE IT
  • The Hits Chapter One
  • This really Brings Back Memories
  • Pump it Up!!
  • best of the best
 The Hits--Chapter One
Backstreet Boys
Manufacturer: Jive
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005QD4I
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

  1. I Want It That Way
  2. Everybody (Backstreet's Back)
  3. As Long As You Love Me
  4. Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely
  5. Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)
  6. All I Have To Give
  7. Larger Than Life
  8. I'll Never Break Your Heart
  9. The Call
  10. Shape Of My Heart
  11. The One
  12. More Than That
  13. Drowning

Amazon.com

OhmygodtheBackstreetBoysrule!!!!!! OK, with that out of the way, let's review The Hits--Chapter One, which is one-stop shopping for the hunky pop group's three American albums--their 1997 self-titled debut, 1999's Millennium, and 2000's Black & Blue. The first disc really shines with "As Long as You Love Me," "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," and "All I Have to Give," capturing the Backstreet Boys' essence: sunny pop under the influence of blue-eyed soul. "I Want It That Way," from the second album, is an undeniable classic, while "The Call" has a deliciously frenzied sexual urgency and a strong, danceable beat. But the other tracks are uneven with the oddball fan-appreciation anthem "Larger Than Life" surrounded by somber, predictable ballads. The new single, "Drowning," is same-old same-old: lazy moaning over a drum machine. The Hits--Chapter One might be an optimistic name for this '90s retrospective. The future is cloudy for chapter two. --Courtney Kemp

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars LOVE IT.......2007-05-06

BSB RULES!!!!!!! I LOVED NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK (STILL DO). BSB PICKED UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF. ALL THE SONGS ON THIS CD WERE A HUGE HIT. HOWEVER, THE SONG THAT GOT THEM "STARTED" "WEVE GOT IT GOING ON" ISNT ON HERE. SOMETIMES GREATEST HITS ALBUMS TEND TO LEAVE OUT A HIT OR 2. I USED TO HAVE BSB PAJAMAS AND EVERYONE MADE FUN OF ME. OH WELL JUST GET THE CD. GREAT FOR PARTIES.

5 out of 5 stars The Hits Chapter One.......2007-01-11

Nicely selected tunes for this greatest hits CD by Backstreet boys.

5 out of 5 stars This really Brings Back Memories.......2006-11-23

I am so glad I got this CD, it has many of the old songs from the early days of Backstreet Boys, plus a song called "Drowning" which is a really good song. I happen to like all the songs on this CD. Keep an eye out for the Backstreet Boys' newest CD coming out this spring... and remember: KTBSPA or Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive, as they say in other reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Pump it Up!!.......2006-09-19

This CD rocks! Great for working out, listening around the house or pumping it up on the dancefloor! You'll love it!

4 out of 5 stars best of the best.......2006-08-15

i love these songs, i remember them back when i was a kid, when my sister listened to them ALL THE TIME. Not until i got into music in 2004 did i really pay attention to them, but in 2005, when their comeback single "incomplete" was getting major airplay on the radio, i really started to like them, and in uly 2005, got their cd. I liked the cd, and heard that their old stuff was good too, so in october of 2005, i got their greatest hits, cd, or the hits:chapter one. lets just say, it was the most listened to cd of 2005 for me, and the song "drowning" was the most listened to song of 2005. , theser guys were awesome.

1. I Want It That Way 4/5- Well, this cd starts off with probably the most overrated song of all time. i have no clue at all why everybody loves this song, all these list rank it in the top 10, and why everyone says its their greatest hit. This song is kinda boring, makes no sense, and is just plain overrated. It isnt their biggest hit either, quit playing games with my heart was. it is still a cool song all in all though. Hot 100 Peak-6

2. Everybody(Backstreets Back) 5/5- This song is awesome, i love it, its great to dance to. Hot 100 Peak-4

3. As Long As You Love Me 4/5- A nice, smooth song, gets boring after a while. Hot 100 Peak- not sure

4.Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely 5/5 This song is amazing, incredible, beautiful. Its very haunting, and the begining where they all sing the name of the song, with no instruments playing, is very beautiful and hauntng. I listen to the first five seconds over and over. Hot 100 peak-6

5.Quit Playing Games With My Heart 5/5- I love this one, its their biggest hit and probably one of their best. Hot 100 Peak-2

6.All I Have To Give 3/5 My least favorite, its boring. Hot 100 Peak-5

7.Larger Than Life 4/5 A cool song, Good to dance to. Hot 100 Peak-24

8.I'll Never Break Your Heart 4/5 A long song, but good all around. classic chorus. Hot 100 Peak-28

9.The Call 5/5-A great,fast paced song, the remix by the neptunes was awesome too. Tot 100 Peak-56

10.Shape of my Heart 5/5- A beautiful song, i probably heard this song more than any of tehse other songs back in the late 90's early 2000's. Hot 100 Peak-9

11.The One 4/5- This song is fun, and very nice too, the bridge is beautiful. Hot 100 Peak-30

12.More than That 5/5- A slow, beautiful song, the begining is really nice. Hot 100 Peak-27

13. Drowning 10000,00000,0000/5 AWESOME SONG I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH I CANT BELIEVE SOME OF YOU PEOPLE DOZNT LIKE IT!!!! This is probably one of the best songs ive ever heard. Hot 100 Peak-29

A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 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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ASIN: B000000NGH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - David Qualey
  2. Engravings II - Ira Stein & Russel Walder
  3. New England Morning - William Akerman
  4. High Plains - Philip Aaberg
  5. Nollaig - Bill Oskay & Micheal O Damhhnail
  6. Greensleves - Liz Story
  7. Bach Bouree - Darol Anger & Mike Marshall
  8. Northumbrian Lullabye - Malcom Dalglish
  9. Petite Aubade - Shadowfax
  10. A Tale Of Two Cities - Mark Isham

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

4 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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 II
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 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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ASIN: B000000NHA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. The Gift - Philip Aaberg
  2. 17th Century Canon - Paul McCandless
  3. Prelude To Cello Suite # 1 - Micheal Hedges
  4. This Rush Of Wings - Metamora
  5. Sung To Sleep - Michael Manring
  6. E'en So, Lord/Dadme Albricias - Modern Mandolin Quartet
  7. 'Bring Me Back A Song.' - Michael O' Domhnaill
  8. Salve Regina - Therese Schroeder-Sheker
  9. Chorale #220 - Turtle Island String Quartet
  10. Simple Psalm - Fred Simon
  11. Flute Sonata In Em - Barbara Higbie & Emily Klion
  12. Come Life Shaker Life - Malcolm Dalglish
  13. Medievil Memory II - Ira Stein & Russel Walder
  14. Abide The Winter - Will Ackerman
  15. 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:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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!

5 out of 5 stars 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!

5 out of 5 stars 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.
Genuine Houserockin Christmas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • This CD Rocks!
  • great xmas music
  • Saved!
  • Genuine houserocken christmas cd
  • the blues and nothing but the blues!
 Genuine Houserockin Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Christmas Gumbo

ASIN: B0000AYLJB
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

  1. Have You Heard The News? - Koko Taylor
  2. Christmas Train - Carey Bell
  3. Christmas Snow - Michael Burks
  4. Christmas Time - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
  5. Stay A Little Longer, Santa - Shemekia Copeland
  6. Back Door Santa - The Holmes Brothers
  7. Christmas Party - W.C. Clark
  8. Zydeco Christmas - C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
  9. Christmas Day Blues - Cephas & Wiggins
  10. Christmas Fais Do Do - Marcia Ball
  11. Santa Claus, Do You Ever Get The Blues? - Roomful Of Blues
  12. Really Beed Good This Year - Saffire
  13. All I Want For Christmas (Is To Be With You) - Lonnie Brooks
  14. A Bluesman's Christmas - Coco Montoya
  15. It's Christmas Time Again (Spend, Spend, Spend) - Little Charlie & The Nightcats
  16. Fattening Up The Turkey - Dave Hole

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This CD Rocks!.......2007-01-20

I got this CD for my husband who is a Blues lover. He loves it and we rocked to it all through Christmas. I highly recommend this!

5 out of 5 stars great xmas music.......2007-01-11

not being a fan of traditional xmas music, i really enjoyed this one. i brought it to work, and many of my coworkers felt the same

5 out of 5 stars Saved!.......2006-12-06

Thank you Alligator artists for saving me from a holiday doomed to Bing & Dino yawns! I could listen to this everyday of the year.

5 out of 5 stars Genuine houserocken christmas cd.......2006-01-15

this cd was given as a gift and it was a big hit!

5 out of 5 stars the blues and nothing but the blues!.......2003-12-06

If you like the blues, look at this lineup of artists. There are no bad songs on this 59 minute CD. "Genuine Houserockin' Christmas" is one of the best CD's I've heard for a long time. It's worth more than 5 stars, that's for sure. I know I'll play this one year around. Koko Taylor is awesome. For Zydeco fans, there is even "Zydeco Christmas". Lonnie Brooks is fantastic. I think my favorite is "A Bluesman's Christmas", a song about a bluesman who is on the road and can't be home. I would say a couple songs are not what you'd play for your fiance's parents when they came to visit. Great party music.

Did you ever had the experience of buying a CD by your favorite artist and find out that they've switched their style to a traditional Christmas style? These artists are playing the kind of music they play best... THE BLUES!
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 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:
  1. A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5
  2. A Winter's Solstice II
  3. A Winter's Solstice III
  4. A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4
  5. A Winter's Solstice: Silver Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B000000NMS
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

  1. Joyful Times - Marion Meadows
  2. Ursa Major - Michael Hedges
  3. Northern Lights - Lisa Lynne
  4. Simple Praise - Joanie Madden
  5. Secret Places - Todd Cochran
  6. Sonata For Two Clarinets (2nd Movement) - Richard Stolzman
  7. Quiet Time - Jim Brickman
  8. Winkus McGinkus - Sean Harkness
  9. In The Winter's Pale - Tim Story
  10. Snowfall - Liz Story
  11. Yesterday's Rain - W.G. Snuffy Walden
  12. Snow Dance - David Arkenstone
  13. This Clearness Of Light - Will Ackerman
  14. January Stars - George Winston
  15. Western Sky - Brian Keane, Michael Manring, Paul McCandless

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

3 out of 5 stars 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 .

5 out of 5 stars 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....

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.
A Very Special Acoustic Christmas
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Okay if you like slow music
  • Keep On Praying
  • Wow! Especially Alison Krauss number!
  • Buy this album for charity and the Alan Jackson cut
  • Special Olympics shines!
 A Very Special Acoustic Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Lost Highway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. A Very Special Christmas - Vol. 5
  2. A Very Special Christmas Live!
  3. A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 2
  4. A Very Special Christmas 3
  5. A Very Special Christmas

ASIN: B0000CAV4C
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

  1. Silent Night - Reba McEntire
  2. Frosty The Snowman - Dan Tyminski
  3. Please Come Home For Christmas - Willie Nelson
  4. Just Put a Ribbon In Your Hair - Alan Jackson
  5. Only You Can Bring Me Cheer (Gentleman's Lady) - Alison Krauss
  6. Even Santa Claus Gets The Blues - Marty Stuart
  7. Jingle Bells - Earl Scruggs
  8. Christmas Is Near - Ralph Stanley
  9. O Come All Ye Faithful - Patty Loveless
  10. O Holy Night - Wynonna
  11. Winter Wonderland - Pat Green
  12. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Sam Bush
  13. Away In A Manger - Ricky Skaggs
  14. Christmas Time At Home - Rhonda Vincent
  15. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Tift Merritt
  16. Peace - Norah Jones

Amazon.com

Every year since 1987, there's been A Very Special Christmas record of one sort or another, the proceeds of which go to the Special Olympics. This year's A Very Special Acoustic Christmas is as great as any previous year's efforts, even though it's deliciously unplugged. Country music superstars like Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Wynonna are balanced by such legendary country and bluegrass figures as Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, and Willie Nelson (doing a version of Charles Brown's "Please Come Home for Christmas" that's almost as haunting as Brown's). Throw in the father of newgrass Sam Bush's sparkling "Let it Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," Tift Merritt's sensual "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and a handful of other luminaries and you get a 16-tune acoustic set long on value that ends with multi-Grammy-winner Norah Jones singing "Peace." --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Okay if you like slow music.......2006-12-20

I guess this isn't what I was expecting - this is mostly the serious side of Christmas, not really any upbeat fun country stuff.

4 out of 5 stars Keep On Praying.......2006-12-19

This set has been out for several Christmas seasons, but has just come to our house this year. It's a lovely set with consistency and variety. Reba McEntire opens with a lovely version of "Silent Night" with twang in her voice. Arif Mardin produced Willie Nelson's aching version of "Please Come Home for Christmas," "If not for Christmas, by New Year's night." Alison Krauss has written a romantic Christmas song with a modern flare titled "Only You Can Bring Me Cheer," "Hey, how about you stay? We could spend the night together. We could rock the night away." Marty Stuart's got swagger in his stocking on his self-penned "Even Santa Claus Gets the Blues," "What I wouldn't give for just one silent night, just me & Momma Claus by the warm firelight." Ralph Stanley's "Christmas Is Near" is a homey tune that speaks to the joys of family being nearby during the holidays. Patty Loveless does a gorgeous version of the traditional "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Sing choirs of angels, sing in exaltation. Sing all ye citizens of heaven above." Sam Bush's mandolin makes a joyful noise of the lovely melody "Let It Snow!" Ricky Skaggs' voice expresses wonder on the beautiful traditional melody "Away in a Manger." Ronda Vincent's self-penned tune "Christmas Time At Home" makes you want to start heading home for the holidays. Tift Merritt's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a slow-burning version, "The Lord is my shepherd, so I know I'll make it through; Baby, keep on praying because it's all that we can do." Norah Jones ends the set with a slow song called "Peace" that has a lovely melody and Norah's piano hauntingly echoing the chorus, "Peace is for everyone." This is a good Christmas set with some new songs and a few traditional favorites. Enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars Wow! Especially Alison Krauss number!.......2004-12-11

Great CD! Some great new Christmas songs, not just a rehash of the old traditionals. If you are looking for a fresh Christmas CD this is it! Some great blues possibilities on this CD. I am really blown away by Alison Krauss' "Only You Can Bring Me Cheer". I never ever even imagined her being able to sing rock/blues. I wish she would release a whole CD like this!!!

4 out of 5 stars Buy this album for charity and the Alan Jackson cut.......2004-12-07

If you want an upbeat Christmas album for that holiday party your throwing, this might not be it. This is a great album for those relaxing nights next to the fire with those you love. Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, and Patty Loveless highlight this album. If anything, buy the album for Alan Jackson's cut of "Just Put a Ribbon in Your Hair." A version that is so good, could ultimately become a Christmas classic. A true gem. Radio! Play this song!!!

5 out of 5 stars Special Olympics shines!.......2004-06-24

My best friend talks about this CD almost everyday (and it's June!) and so I finally sat down and listened to it. First of all, it is amazing that all of the money goes directly to the Special Olympics. I love country music and I love Christmas music - when Christmas comes I know this will be playing in my office!

In fact - my friend listens to it when waiting on the phone! Needless to say, she has been moved to carry strong opinions about the Special Olympics since hearing it.
The Nutcracker Suite
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Sugar Plum Mandos!
 The Nutcracker Suite
The Modern Mandolin Quartet
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B000000NIV
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

  1. Nutcracker Suite: Overture
  2. Nutcracker Suite: March
  3. Nutcracker Suite: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
  4. Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance
  5. Nutcracker Suite: Arabian Dance
  6. Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
  7. Nutcracker Suite: Dance of the Mirlitons
  8. Nutcracker Suite: Waltz of the Flowers
  9. Winter from the Four Seasons: Allegro Non Molto
  10. Winter from the Four Seasons: Largo
  11. Winter from the Four Seasons: Allegro
  12. Overture from the Magic Flute
  13. Winter's Chill

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Sugar Plum Mandos!.......2004-11-18

This is a great CD. I got it in 1991 when it came out way before I was into the mandolin. Now that I play (try at least), I can really appreciate the talent on this disc. If you love mandolin music this is a must have. If you love Christmas music this is a wonderful departure from the standard choral or traditional orchestral fare. This CD gets lots of play time in my house.
The Gift: Acoustic Offerings for the Holiday Season
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Calm, perhaps a bit understated, and graceful music
  • Simply Beautiful
  • Not Just For Christmas
  • The best there is
  • the gift eric tinstad, nancy rumbel
 The Gift: Acoustic Offerings for the Holiday Season
Eric Tingstad , and Nancy Rumbel
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Peace on Earth: The Best of Tingstad & Rumbel Christmas
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  5. American Acoustic

ASIN: B000005P18
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Good King Wenceslas
  2. Bring The Torch
  3. Celebration
  4. Away In A Manger
  5. The Little Drummer Boy
  6. The First Nowell
  7. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
  8. Deck The Halls
  9. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
  10. Ave Maria
  11. Angels We Have Heard On High
  12. The Coventry Carol
  13. O Holy Night
  14. Jingle Bells
  15. Auld Lang Syne

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Calm, perhaps a bit understated, and graceful music.......2006-12-20

If you can manage nothing more than giving yourself a peaceful hour listening to "The Gift: Acoustic Offerings for the Holiday Season" by Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel, then by all means do so.

Here is the balm to counteract the bustle and rush that take over our lives during the Christmas season. The music is calm, perhaps a bit understated, and graceful.

5 out of 5 stars Simply Beautiful.......2006-12-18

I see Amazon doesn't carry this anymore and the used copies are rather pricey. Well if you can find this album somewhere for a decent price, I would urge you to get it.

This is the perfect CD to light the fire to, serve hot mulled cider and entertain guests with. It's not annoying and boisterous and it's not "cliche." It simply provides a warm, mellow atmosphere as the backdrop for any holiday gathering.

Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel recorded it in 1989, but the sound is timeless. Warm acoustic fingerpicking, piano, and flute. Nothing plugged in, no vocals. This album will sound just as good 10 years from now.

Songs can range from upbeat with a playful flute to slower and more brooding, but they always seem to find a hopeful point. Some of the songs they cover are not well known, but that is part of the charm.

I grew up in a house that played this CD every winter for the holidays. I'm 23 now and I still love it! The music is so good, you will be tempted to listen to this CD when it isn't Christmas time!

5 out of 5 stars Not Just For Christmas.......2001-12-02

Friends and family don't want to listen to Christmas carols in July? Do they scream Bah Humbug and tell you to wait till December or tell you you have Christmas on the brain? Well, they won't say anything, and might not even think these are Christmas songs if this is the recording you play. Why? Because none of these well known Christmas songs sound like the canned holiday stuff that the stores play to get you to spend, and radio stations think is all that defines the holidays. Instead, Tingstad and Rumble, premiere Northwest musicians, weave amazing counter melodies that take you to other places. Good King Wenceslas is a wonderful example of that, starting out with the familar melody must people know, and then taking off into a delightful counter melody. Deck the Halls, is done in an upbeat way that can chase any stress away and leave you smiling. If, I was told, I could only have one holiday CD in my collection, this would be the one. I give this to friends, and they are never disappointed. So, if you like familar songs, done in unusual ways with unusual instruments, that are guaranteed to warm your heart and soothe your soul, give this CD a try. I bet you will play it the year round.

5 out of 5 stars The best there is.......2001-11-12

This is the best collection of acoustic Christmas music I have ever heard. Of all the Christmas cds I own, this is the only one that really seems inseparable from the season. The recording is top quality, and the music is immaculately executed with meaning and grace, completely devoid of the cheese and over-dramatization that often taints holiday music. To listen to each one of these well-known carols can make you feel that you never quite heard it before--not the way it was meant to be heard. Every single track is excellent. Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Ave Maria, Auld Lang Syne, and the Coventry Carol are definitely the best I've ever heard them. This cd is worth its price and more. It's priceless.

5 out of 5 stars the gift eric tinstad, nancy rumbel.......2000-12-22

I bought this cassette at least five years ago but somehow lost it in my latest move. I found that I listened to it all year since it transends Christmas time. I was thrilled to find that it was out in CD and have just ordered a new one. It gives me a very peaceful feeling which makes it the best Christmas CD I have yet to encounter. I highly recommend it at Christmas and all year.
Celtic Christmas IV
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Scaggs is fine, get over it!
  • Soul-lifting, but not your average Christmas album
  • Down with "Kitty" and "Ricky"!
  • Skagged!
  • My wedding music
 Celtic Christmas IV
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Celtic Christmas, Vol. 3
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  3. Celtic Christmas: A Windham Hill Sampler
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  5. Celtic Christmas (Silver Anniversary Edt)

ASIN: B000007O8B
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

  1. An Droichead (The Bridge) - Liam O'Flynn
  2. Sior-Uaine (Evergreen) - Phil Cunningham
  3. Derdriu - Maire Breathnach
  4. Airdi Cuan - Triona Ni Dhomhnaill
  5. Sweeney's Buttermilk - Paddy Glackin
  6. Cradle Song - William Coulter
  7. Morning Star - Lisa Lynne
  8. Ar Droim Na Gaothe - John Fitzpatrick
  9. Whiter Than Snow - Nightnoise
  10. St. Stephen's Green - W.G. Snuffy Walden
  11. December Rain - Brian Dunning
  12. Kitty Magennis - Patrick Cassidy
  13. Christmas Time's A Comin' - Ricky Scaggs

Amazon.com

With contributions from Uillean piper Liam O'Flynn, Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler, former Skara Brea singer Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill, harpist Patrick Cassidy, and country singer Ricky Skaggs, the fourth in Windham Hill's Celtic Christmas sampler series is a varied and somewhat austere collection of winter ballads and yuletide airs. Guitarist William Coulter turns in a lovely arrangement of J. Scott Skinner's "Cradle Song," while harp and mandolin player Lisa Lynne, backed with bouzouki and double-bass, performs the two-beat "Morning Star." W.G. Snuffy Walden's lyrical "St. Stephen's Green," with added guitar by Dean Parks, sums up the album's moody yuletide sentiment. A Christmas to reflect and relax. --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Scaggs is fine, get over it!.......2006-12-12

Vol 4 is great and covers the DIVERSITY of celtic tunes. There's an obvious link to these tunes and the last track and, admittedly Windham Hills didn't do it as gracefully as the majority of folks would wish but plz folks, get over it. I enjoy reading the feedback of others because I generally learn much - I agree and thank the reviewer who pointed out 'Derdriu' - great piece of music. Glad I got 'Light of the Stable' (by Emmylou Harris) in the same shipment with this one; perfect bookend piece.

If anyone out there hasn't heard Vol I, II and III you really should but you might OD on traisping through the highlands, that's why I like Ricky.

4 out of 5 stars Soul-lifting, but not your average Christmas album.......2005-12-18

This is Nightnoise at its best, although but one track bears the group's name. However it has nothing to do with standard Yuletide albums- if by that you mean the umpteenth rendition of "God Rest Ye" or "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing".

It is pervaded by a Northern Christmas atmosphere that is unmistakeable, and brings to mind the snow-covered flatlands kindled with the small distant lights that go with the image.

(Although to a Mediterranean Roman Catholic as myself, it is quite obvious that Jesus Christ was born on a cool but definitely not snow-ridden night in Palestine)

I totally disagree with previous reviews on the last two tracks. "Kitty Magennis" is a tune by Turlough O'Carolan that has nothing to do with Christmas but in this setting by Patrick Cassidy acquires a certain spirit that makes it fit for the context. And "Christmas Time's A-Comin'" is a beautifully humorous contrast with the rest of the album.

Thoroughly enjoyable, in our family it is one of the two pillars of our Christmas season, together with another album which I highly recommend: Tuck Andress's "Hymns, Carols and Songs about Snow".

5 out of 5 stars Down with "Kitty" and "Ricky"!.......2005-12-12

I am in accord with most of the previous reviewers in that I also feel that "Kitty Magennis" and "Christmas Time's a' Comin'"
are the "wild cards" popping out of the pack and do NOT belong on this CD! I greatly enjoy Maire Breatnach's "Derdriu," which is almost Appalachian-sounding in my opinion. My favorite cut is the poignant "December Rain" by Brian Dunning and Jeff Johnson.

4 out of 5 stars Skagged!.......2002-09-13

I greatly enjoyed this CD except for the last two cuts, "Kitty Magennis" and "Christmas Time's A'Comin'."
"Kitty Magennis" seemed too bland and didn't have anything to recommend it. The presence of the Ricky Skaggs song felt like an attempt to make the CD more "Christmassy." Its inclusion in the collection felt like an afterthought or a "throwaway" cut.

5 out of 5 stars My wedding music.......2001-03-05

I, like so may others, picked this CD up at Christmas time 3 years ago. I love it so much, that I am using it for my wedding ceremony to be held outside in July if that tells you anything. PS- All brides looking for Celtic renditions of "Here Comes the Bride", forget it... it is not out there!

Music Review:

  1. Always Remember
  2. Animal
  3. Azusa Praise Jubilee
  4. Beautiful Saviour
  5. Best of GMWA Women of Worship, Vol. 2
  6. Best of the Best Gospel
  7. Bishop Andre Woods and Chosen
  8. Blackberry's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
  9. By Request Their Greatest Hits
  10. Calling All Saints

Music Review

Music Review