Customer Reviews

Winter Solstice

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

'Winter Solstice' as performed on the hammer dulcimer by John McCutcheon is one of those very rare gems that nobody has ever heard of. But Ohh........, when they do!!

On this marvelous CD we have -11 tracks- of the most beautiful, moving holiday music and songs you'll ever have the privilege of listening to. Eight of the eleven tracks are instrumental ranging from spiritual and meditative, to classic Renaissance, to old fashioned foot stomping Celtic fun. Only three tracks are accompanied by vocals. They are tracks; 5- 'Star In The East', 10- 'Detroit, December' and the magnificent track 4- 'Christmas In The Trenches.'

'Christmas In The Trenches' is one of the most touching, beautiful and totally unique Christmas songs you'll ever hear. Based on a true story, it won't leave a dry eye in the room. The CD is worth the price just for this one track.

The One Absolute Essential for the Yuletide Season!!

My Absolute Highest Recommendation!

I had the delightful opportunity of seeing John play and sing in Santa Monica in the early 80's. He was the act before an a famous Irish Ballad Singer, but after listening to him perform for a good hour and a half, no one and I mean no one could have follwed this guys act. His musicianship and amazing talent for picking up and playing anything with strings and not to mention his voice was an instrument unto itself, was sheer joy. He was sellng his tapes (pre CD's) out in the lobby after the show and I bought Winter Solstice.

I was so hooked! I even went to a guitar teacher and asked her to teach me how to play "Christmas in the Trenches" which is still a favorite I bring out during the holidays. This CD is worth it's weight in gold for the charismatic energy John brings to each song. A must have for all ages to enjoy.

I've been searching for this album for years after hearing "Christmas in the Trenches" on the radio. The dance tunes are lively, the classical ones rich, and the shape note harmonies on "A Star in the East" inspire chill bumps. A perfect respite from those cheesy recordings of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

After some sleuthing, I found this CD again! I've been searching for this particular collection for years after hearing it (friend's recording) for the first time in 1992. "Christmas in the Trenches" is a wonderful, thoughtful story set to music. I'm so glad I'll be able to have it available for this year's holiday season.

THIS IS THE MOST EXTRADORINARY SOLSTICE CD I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY COLLECTION. WHEN THE AIR TURNS CHILLY AFTER THANKSGIVING I PUT THIS INTO MY CAR CD PLAYER AND IT PLAYS CONTINOUSLY TILL THE HINT OF SPRING IS IN THE AIR. I HAVE OWNED THIS CD FOR AT LEAST 15 YEARS AND HAVE NOT FOUND ANYTHING ELSE TO COMPARE. THE ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THAT THERE ARE'NT MORE SONGS ON IT!

This a really wonderful holiday collection of songs that will touch every heart, young and old. We received it as a present several years ago; and it has become a family favorite. Just beautiful. One you will not want to put away.

i worked at a college radio station back way back in the 80's; this came in from Rounder as a demo. i played the sh*% out of it on air, and off. it is truly beautiful... the musicianship is outstanding, and the variety of music is splendid... the programming is a seamless blend in a true album format.

it has become a necessary part of my holiday season. buy it while you still can.

My mom gave me the tape of this album for Christmas when I was a teenager. She knew it would be a favorite since we always liked John McCutcheon. It sure has some great songs on it. I've seen Mr. McCutcheon in concert so many times now that he knows me by name. At almost every one of those concerts I've heard "Christmas in the Trenches." This is a WWI song, about a story that is not only true, but well known throughout Europe. I gave my Mom this CD for christmas both to bring back memories, and also since we lost the tape, and not really any equipment anymore to play them on.

All in all, this is a wonderful recording to own. And if you like it, by all means, buy all John McCutcheon's other albums. You won't go wrong on any of them.

I've been listening to "Winter Solstice" for more than 20 years and I finally replaced my outdated cassette with a CD - I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a modern folk sound and hammer dulcimer. The vocals are as pleasant to listen to as the instrumentals. If you enjoy James Taylor or Jim Croce, you'll enjoy John McCutcheon.

This a really wonderful holiday collection of songs that will touch every heart, young and old. We received it as a present several years ago; and it has become a family favorite. Just beautiful. One you will not want to put away.