Peter Mayer folk - Midwinter (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Depth, meaning and beauty from Peter Mayer

N. Silva | waltham ma | 12/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Mayer is perhaps the most inspirational singer-songwriter on the circuit today, and this collection of finely crafted songs is another gorgeous Mayer production. From the uplifting warmth, whimsy and optimism of "Christmas Morning" to the transcendent beauty of "My Soul", this CD cuts right to the heart of what is truly important in life. Peter writes with keen insight and his songs are full of integrity and wonder, focusing on the big picture while remaining firmly grounded in the rich complexity of the human experience.

Peter is a fine guitarist as well, and the production on Midwinter is beautifully sparse, tastefully complementing without distracting from the elegant simplicity of the arrangements. The ecclectic mix of melodies and the vocal nuances speak to his depth and maturity as a musician. If you are looking for inspiration and meaning amid the hype and materialism of the holiday season, this CD may be just what you're seeking, but don't be surprised if it remains in the CD player long after the last cold winds of winter have blown."

Winter heaven, with a bit of Christmas music

music girl | 02/06/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard the song "Green" by Peter Mayer on the Twin Cities Public Radio station 89.3 "The Current". They introduce me to all kinds of different music and songs that I would not be able to hear on other radio staions. The song "Green" stuck with me, so I ordered the "Midwinter" CD. It is not a dissappointment, it is a folksy blend of music, with a lot of guitar accompaniment, the tunes are great to listen to, the words have meaning and I am singing along (always a good sign)!!

It is still winter here in Wisconsin, so the tunes go right along with this beautiful season. Hope others of you will enjoy this too."

The Real Meaning of...Winter

Carol Roede | 12/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD stays in my player throughout the dark months of the year. It is soulful in a way that traditional Christmas music isn't - because it goes beyond Christmas traditions to get at the heart of what it means to be human and part of the natural world. It's a beautiful blend of humor and depth, versatile acoustic guitar and warm vocals. My favorite lines: "Maybe peace hides in a storm/ maybe winter's heart is warm/ maybe light itself is born/ in the longest night of the year.""

Hopeful Music You Won't Hear in the Mall

kkm1224 | 12/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently heard Peter Mayer for the first time singing live on the final broadcast of The Morning Show on The Current, 89.3 FM. He was singing a song called "Holy Now" which I immediately loved. When I looked to see what else was available by Peter Mayer I saw this Winter/Christmas album and downloaded it too.

If you're looking for another "Santa Baby" or some "Fa La La La's" to sing along to forget about this album. If you are interested in expertly crafted acoustic music that expresses the real meaning of Christmas beautifully and goes beyond that to what it means to be human and live in our present day society this album is for you. It's full of the wonder and mystery of the season and is going to be one resource to help get me through another Minnesota winter. I'm so glad I found it."

Mayer's Best Yet

Timothy Rethlake | Credit River, MN. | 12/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Midwinter" by Peter Mayer again show's this folksy Minnesotan's ability to blend intelligent lyrics with complex guitar chords. This is his first album since recovering from a repetitive strain injury to his hand from years of guitar playing and his intricate playing style is solidly back much to the relief of those of us who never miss his live performances.

"Midwinter" is an old word for winter solstice the longest night of the year. Consequently,several tracks will resonate with those of us spending a lot of reflection time indoors by the fire these frigid evenings. "The Houses Of Winter", "Green" and "The Longest Night" will have all you cowards who migrated south of the Mason-Dixon line wishing you were once again back up in a north woods cabin watching the snow fall.

No question this is also a Christmas album with "Stables", the lead track, beautifully written with a haunting french horn opening by Patrick Hughes.

"Heavenly Child" tells the story of Christ's birth from the perspective of one of the three kings and reminds us that we all still seek the heavenly child in the faces of every son and daughter in this very kingdom.

No Mayer album is complete without at least one light hearted song and "Make My Christmas Day" takes a humorous poke at Christmas kitsch.

"My Soul" showcases Mayer's ability to musically explore the relationship between our "tiny selves", our "giant souls" and the greater universe around us. I believe I'm safe in saying this is probably the first song ever written with the word "infinitesimal" in the lyrics!

"Midwinter" is well produced tastefully employing Michelle Kinney's cello on several tracks. Additional artists contributing to "Midwinter" are David Wilcox, Dan Schwartz and Mark Anderson. If you have intelligent friends who enjoy intelligent music, this is one for their Christmas stocking."

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	Peter Mayer (folk) Midwinter Genres: Folk, Special Interest Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 Stables Christmas Morning The Houses of Winter God is a River Green Heavenly Child The Longest Night Make My Christmas Day My Soul Looking for the Dove Magical World Where is the Light
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