I know that I’ve mainly focused on rock music here on TheFrontloader.com, but since it’s the Christmas season, I thought for this week’s “Spin of the Week,” I’d throw this one in for you to check out.
George Winston’s December is a classic within the “New Age” genre. According to Wikipedia, “New Age” music is ” peaceful music of various styles, which is intended to create inspiration, relaxation, and positive feelings, often used by listeners for yoga, massage, inspiration, relaxation, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments often associated with environmentalism and New Age Spirituality.”
Wow. I didn’t know all THAT. I always thought this genre was just filled with cool instrumentals, but I guess by the above description, even Enya can be placed in this category.
Anyhow, December was released in 1982 on the Windham Hill label. Windham Hill was an indie label, founded by William Ackerman in 1976. The label was well known for featuring beautiful instrumental music, bringing together artists like Mark Isham, Jim Brickman, Liz Story, and George Winston.
One fond memory of Windham Hill records was the packaging. Each vinyl record came in a plastic sleeve, which was a nice touch. The sound quality was always top-notch, as was the music. George Winston quickly became my favorite of the label’s artists because of A) his love for Vince Guaraldi (Peanuts music composer) and B) his absolutely incredible piano pieces.
For me, December sits at the top of his catalog.
The album has been described as “perfect,” “graceful,” “gorgeous,” “breathtaking,” and “frikkin’ awesome.” (that last one was mine) If these ten tracks do not put you in a Wintery state of mind, I don’t know what will. Maybe a nice, fat snowball down your pants?
I can listen to this album on the hottest of days and still feel the chill of a cold Winter’s night. That’s the power of music… in my opinion, a power that is unmatched by any other form of art.
Right from the opening track, “Thanksgiving,” Winston puts you in an uber-relaxed mood, and the feeling just never goes away. His playing is beautiful, flowing, and as expressive as a baby’s face filled with wonder. There’s not a single track to be skipped here, as each piece settles you in like an overstuffed chair before a warm fire. Throw in a cup of hot cocoa and you’re orgasmic, baby, orgasmic… but in a peaceful manner. Is that possible???
Here’s a live performance of “Thanksgiving.”
One of my favorite pieces is “Carol of the Bells,” which, according to the album’s liner notes, is a nineteenth century Ukrainian carol. Being a pianist myself, I love how versatile the tone of the instrument is. If you close your eyes, all you hear are ringing bells… interesting trivia regarding the the high register of the piano… there are no dampers on the strings, so the notes always sustain for their natural duration.
Perhaps the most popular piece on December is “Variations on the Kanon by Johann Pachelbel”. I absolutely love Winston’s performance here. The growing intensity of his playing brings out each variation like the coming of a new day: slow but sure, warm and inviting. I’ve included this magnificent rendition in the Dig-It section below.
For the 20th Anniversary reissue of the Cd, George Winston offers the sheet music for this piece, exclusively through his website. My brother and I have spent countless hours trying to figure out his exact notation… I just might order this to see how close we were.
This is a Cd that will become a treasure in your collection. If you don’t own it, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You’ll spin it every Winter, I can practically guarantee it. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy instrumental music or not… the music here is good for the peace within your soul…
Strong words, I know, but after 26 years of listening to this album, I can honestly say that in times of struggle, sometimes the only constant is the majesty of this album.
Take a listen and have your credit cards ready, as operators are standing by.
Here are the remaining 2008 concert dates for Winston. He’s great to experience live, so if you have a chance, I highly recommend taking the time to catch a show.
12/12/08 8:00pm @ Germantown Performing Arts Center in Germantown, TN
12/14/08 7:00pm @ Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology – Hatfield Hall Theater in Terre Haute, IN
12/16/08 and 12/17/08 7:30pm @ Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, IL
12/19/08 7:30pm @ St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, MN
12/21/08 7:00pm @ Minnesota Orchestral Hall in Minneapolis, MN
12/23/08 7:30pm @ Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI
Check his official website for 2009 dates.
Buy George Winston on Amazon
Buy George Winston on iTunes
Your Dig-It Downloads:
Download: Thanksgiving
Download: Variations on the Kanon by Johann Pacheibel
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