Search - Various Artists :: Simple Gifts: A Windham Hill Collection

Simple. Sweet. That nicely sums up Simple Gifts, another holiday compilation released under the Windham Hill banner. Long-time fans of the label will be pleased to discover this package that, outside of the two vocal tracks involving Ugandan musician Samite, largely exudes a classic Windham Hill feel--meaning minimal schmaltz, refined folk-pop-classical compositions, and thoughtful performances. Highlights: A lovely solo piano take on "Joy to the World" by Jim Brickman (an alternative to the orchestrated version he includes on The Gift); a small slice of regal romanticism from pianist Liz Story ("Forevergreenman") that hints at her grand Solid Colors period (more, please); and a warm, wonderful duet on acoustic guitar by Janis Ian and Philip Clark ("Winter Fire"). George Winston takes a slight left turn with a melancholy, jazz-tinged version of "Greensleeves" in another nod to Vince Guaraldi. Only three tracks are overtly holiday related, and pianist-keyboardist Suzanne Ciani applies a benevolent, atmospheric sheen to two of them ("Adeste Fideles/Come All Ye Faithful" and "Oh Holy Night"). The packaging is bare-bones and not every piece is a gem, but enough of them are to make Simple Gifts a worthwhile seasonal addition. --Terry Wood