The Moon of Wintertime

Lydia McCauley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 23, 2002)
• Original Release Date: October 23, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Brimstone Music
• ASIN: B00007FPJQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #383,898 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

LYDIA MCCAULEY combines Folk, World Music and New Age elements in an intoxicating celebration of life! Reminiscent of Medieval, Celtic, and Appalachian music, Lydia’s original songwriting is laced with traditional tones that take her audience on a journey through the past and into the present. Her concerts are at once joyful, poignant and luminous, touched with a sense of humor. Alongside her husband and co-producer Kurt Scherer, McCauley formed the independent music label BRIMSTONE MUSIC in 1996. The couple began building a cadre of five talented musicians culled from an eclectic bouquet of musical influences. With great fanfare, McCauley’s multi-talented ensemble began performing original and traditional music at major festivals, performing art centers, and various venues on the West Coast from British Columbia, Canada to Southern California. The magical stage setting of McCauley’s performances has captivated and transported audiences to ancient times, and "the mystical power of her singing immediately enthralls her audience and invites them to a place of enchantment." Lydia and Kurt have produced three albums of primarily original music and a fourth recording of obscure Christmas and wintertime songs. Their critically acclaimed CD releases are currently featured on NPR radio, and syndicated radio programs such as Atlantic Crossing, Contemporary Celtic-World Radio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Resonant, artful arrangements of seldom-heard Christmas carols, October 1, 2006

By 

Brianna Neal (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Moon of Wintertime (Audio CD)

A lovely collection of traditional carols and dances from Western Europe--some haunting, some jaunty, and all richly orchestrated for voice, keyboard, dulcimer, viola, recorder, guitar, mandolin, double bass and world percussion. This album has the same depth, quality and wholesome honesty of McCauley's other work, and while it starts off on the gentle side, it picks up in intensity as it goes along. Although all the tracks are great, my favorites are towards the end, including the rowdy "Bring Us In Good Ale," the inventive, Mid-East-tinged "Star of the East," and Frank Jackson's folksy arrangement of the 14th century Italian dance "Trotto," which is full of fiery fiddle, thrumming guitar and hints of progressive folk. Throughout their recording career, McCauley and husband/co-producer Kurt Scherer have maintained a core group of truly talented musicians, whose camaraderie and sensitivity to each other's improvisations continues to shine through in each new endeavor. Phil Heaven (bowed strings) and Frank Jackson (recorders and whistles) have been with them since their 1998 debut album, "Sabbath Day's Journey," while guitarist Brian Cunningham and percussionist Jason Darling have been around for at least the past one or two. Joining the team on this album is Lynne Givler on double bass, adding a nice depth and grounding to the sound. Everybody seems to have a Christmas album these days, and "The Moon of Wintertime" is a great one, with a distinctive mood and flavor all it's own. Compare and contrast it with some other stylish favorites of mine, also highly recommended: "A Winter Garden" and "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" by Loreena McKennitt, "Celtic Christmas I & II" and "Joy! Joy! Joy!" by Kim Robertson, "Celtic Christmas III: A Windham Hill Sampler," One Wintry Night" by Jerry Read Smith and Lisa Maria Smith, "Sanctus" by the Angels of Venice, "Christmas" by Tino Izzo, "Poets and Angels" by Ottmar Liebert, "Wolcum Yule" by Anonymous 4, "An Angel's Noel" by the Ware-Patterson Duo, and "Christmas Morning" and "Silent Night" by Lisa Lynne.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good find...great music, November 24, 2002

By 

Werner Lund (Napa , CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Moon of Wintertime (Audio CD)

With all that's being put out these days,it's refreshing when you try something new an find a real gem. Here's a Christmas/ seaonal album that one can listen to throughout the year...

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad. . ., December 9, 2011

By 

Helen T. Braumiller (FERNDALE, WA, US) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Moon of Wintertime (Audio CD)

The Beauty of the Earth seemed more poignant. But maybe I just haven't listened long enough to have it speak to my spirit. On the other hand, like a new pair of shoes, they should feel good right off the bat. : )