Customer Reviews

Windham Hill America

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Here's another fine compilation from Windham Hill house producer Dawn Atkinson. As made clear by the title, the overall theme this time is American music, the kind that defines the pioneering spirit of its people and their belief in the beauty and value of the land. To celebrate this music, the usual stable of WH artists have made some recordings of familiar works that are quietly uplifting and subtly capture the majesty and awe in the source material. The highlights include a lovely, magnificent "O, Shenandoah" played by pianist Phillip Aaberg, trumpeter Chris Botti's marvelously jazzy take on Gershwin's "Prelude No. 2," and a contemplative version of a Bob Dylan song by Fred Simon ("The Times They Are A Changin'").

Along with George Gershwin, many other classic American songwriters and composers are represented, as the artists covered songs by Stephen Foster, Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, etc. I like every cut on the CD a lot -- except one. I found George Winston's discordant, clunky version of "It Ain't Necessarily So" rather unappealing. But that's just one small bump on an otherwise highly enjoyable ride. Almost all of the music was newly recorded just for this collection, and the few possible exceptions - such as Mark Isham's brilliant "On The Threshold of Liberty" - can be forgiven as they fit in so well with the other pieces.

This compilation of talented artists and familiar tunes with mostly American roots gently soothes the mind, and keeps its peaceful and optimistic mood throughout. One and a half times through at the end of the day and I forget all of the battles and distractions. Where else can you find a collection including Joplin, Gershwin, Dylan, Ellington, Bernstein, and even Stephen Foster, that flows together so comfortably? Paul McCandless' English Horn melody in the opening "The Water is Wide" is perfect (as expected). I recommend this as a classic.

Windam Hill America is an anthology of lovely, graceful instrumental pieces often drawn from well-known American songs. The musicians are of course expert and perform beautifully. I love this cd because it is so soothing and calming. For me, it is the musical equivalent of a hot bath with restorative soaps. It's excellent music for meditation or relaxation therapy. This is true easy listening at its finest.