Christmas Day Ida Moarnin/Un Flambeau, Jeanette, Isabella - John McCutcheon, Traditional
Erev Shel Shoshanim - John McCutcheon, Hader, Josef
Willie's Waltz - John McCutcheon, McCutcheon, John
Christmas in the Trenches - John McCutcheon, McCutcheon, John
Star in the East - John McCutcheon, Traditional
Old Christmas Morning/Breaking Up Christmas - John McCutcheon, Traditional
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head - John McCutcheon, Traditional
For Unto Us a Child Is Born - John McCutcheon, Handel, George Frid
Huron Carol - John McCutcheon, Traditional
Detroit, December - John McCutcheon, Kahn, Si
Down in Yon Forest/New Year's Eve - John McCutcheon, McCutcheon, John
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 b... more »oot: 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« less
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
"Christmas In The Trenches" - The True Yuletide Experience
Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 03/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"'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!"
Ah Nostalgia!
RainHeart | 09/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Simply a beautiful collection
Robyn Slayton | Near Flagstaff | 11/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
WINTER WINNER!
David E. Bowman | BALTIMORE,MD USA | 12/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!