If you are sick of all the "oldie but goody" Christmas music, but still want
seasonal music, you couldn't choose a better album. Familiar tunes like
Simple Gifts, Jingle Bells, and White Christmas resonate freshly to exacting
innovations.The same old themes that have come to grate our nerves become
more than palatable. "A pensive Jingle Bells" you say. I say, try it, you'll
like it. A joy to the ear is Joy to the World , with deftly calligraphed
guitar, touched ever so subtly with finger cymbals, then joined by recorder,
moods shifting from minor to celebrant major, A flowing synthetic White
Christmas made me realize that obvious synth percussion, when handled with
finesse, worked just fine. The selection of tinkling bells, flute, recorder,
guitar gives In the Glow of Winter's Warmth a beautiful holiday essence.
Hannukah Medley gifts us with Israeli traditional tunes that include the
loveliest of wind solos and duets, contrasted with an irresistable all-out
romp, suggesting the growing mood of celebration. Natal das Criancas
(Children's Christmas) is a Brazilian tune, one of the several treats that
are unfamiliar, but utterly welcome.

Because of the exquisite musical talent and the capacity to transform each
simple gem into a truly crafted and full lovely gem, this seasonal album
transcends its holiday use. Completely recommended for general listening.

TECH NOTES: Excellent recording, Prof. Pkg. 43:53 min. Flutes, recorders,
guitars, cello, basses, drums, and percussion, CD, CASS 1991

Review by Acacia
Heartsong Review (Fall/Winter 1991)

Three stars= our favorites, excellent
Two stars= We like it a lot, it's good
One star= We like it okay