Winter Solstice

John McCutcheon

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 14, 1992)
• Original Release Date: 1984
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder Select
• ASIN: B0000002G8
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #30,739 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #50 in	Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > Pop Vocal
  #71 in	Music > Indie Music > Children's Music

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Few sounds suggest an idyllic Christmas as readily as the hammer dulcimer, which McCutcheon performs here with violinist Freyda Epstein and members of the string quintet Washington Bach Consort. It's a global Yuletide to boot: Shuffling from traditional Shetland airs ("Christmas Day Ida Moarnin") to French carols ("Un Flambeau") to Israeli Chanukah songs ("Moshe Dor") to eastern Kentucky hymns ("Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head"), McCutcheon spans the world of winter song. McCutcheon originals include the heartfelt "Willie's Waltz" and the tragic lament "Christmas in the Trenches," featuring McCutcheon's bardic singing and mournful harmonica. There's even an elegant reading of "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" from Handel's Messiah, arranged for several dulcimers and chamber group. --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Christmas In The Trenches" - The True Yuletide Experience, March 14, 2006

By	Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (Brea, CA - USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

'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!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ah Nostalgia!, September 14, 2004

By	RainHeart - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Search, January 23, 2001

By A Customer

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."