The Saviour's Universal Prayer/And Again Heavenly Father - Traditional
Silver Salmon Bear - Nakai, R. Carlos
Heaven Within - Halley, Paul
Caranna - Story, Tim
Allelujah - Traditional
Amazing Grace - Newton, John [Compo
Blessings - Story, Liz
Wagoner's Lad - Traditional
The Gathering - Ackerman, William
Thanksgiving - Winston, George [1]
Thanksgiving generally is a pleasant and likeable affair. Its features include a charming, gently propulsive take on the traditional piece "Allelujah" by Celtic harpist Lisa Lynne; a delicate rendering of "Amazing Grace" b... more »y John Doan on a 20-string harp guitar; and a church-ready version of "We Gather Together" by a trio of Paul McCandless (oboe), Philip Aaberg (piano), and Michael Manring (bass). A midalbum three-song stretch, though--from the heavy stringing (cello, violin, guitar) of William Coulter and Barry Phillips to R. Carlos Nakai's flute soliloquy to a saxophone meditation by Paul Winter--lingers overly long in a melancholy state. Later, a thoughtful harmonica outing by former Lovin' Spoonful member John Sebastian aims for Americana yet delivers more spaghetti Western. Still, the album ends with pieces by Will Ackerman and George Winston--and what could be more classic than that? --Terry Wood« less
Thanksgiving generally is a pleasant and likeable affair. Its features include a charming, gently propulsive take on the traditional piece "Allelujah" by Celtic harpist Lisa Lynne; a delicate rendering of "Amazing Grace" by John Doan on a 20-string harp guitar; and a church-ready version of "We Gather Together" by a trio of Paul McCandless (oboe), Philip Aaberg (piano), and Michael Manring (bass). A midalbum three-song stretch, though--from the heavy stringing (cello, violin, guitar) of William Coulter and Barry Phillips to R. Carlos Nakai's flute soliloquy to a saxophone meditation by Paul Winter--lingers overly long in a melancholy state. Later, a thoughtful harmonica outing by former Lovin' Spoonful member John Sebastian aims for Americana yet delivers more spaghetti Western. Still, the album ends with pieces by Will Ackerman and George Winston--and what could be more classic than that? --Terry Wood
E. M. Holderman | Perryville, Kentucky USA | 04/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thanksgiving is a wonderful blend of different Windham Hill artists, which of course display a wide variety of instruments....piano, violin, flute, cello, oboe, fiddle, and a variety of stringed instruments. This certainly would be an asset to a Thanksgiving Day celebration, but I also enjoy it throughout the entire year. It's beautiful, meditative and serene. I especially like the very moving, sentimental Eileen Ivers, "Bygone Days," the beautiful rendition of John Doan's "Amazing Grace," and what a treat to end the cd with Will Ackerman's "The Gathering," and George Winston's "Thanksgiving." What more can be said! This collection opens the gamut of a wide variety of emotions, which is what I expect when listening to music.....an emotionally provoking experience. (Sometimes, that doesn't happen with certain artists) I highly recommend this cd and think it would make a wonderful gift for any music lover.....yourself, a relative or a friend. Even if you only enjoyed half of the songs in this collection, I still think it would be worth the purchase, but I'll go as far to say that I don't believe that would happen. I think you'd truly enjoy the entire bit. It's a nice break from the hustle and bustle of life. Picture yourself....a cup of steaming hot tea or coffee, kicked back in your most favorite chair, and listening to "Thanksgiving....." I hear it now."
Evocative and soulful offering
Leigh Deacon | Andover, MA United States | 12/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This compilation of some of Windam Hill's most talented artists is lovely and, at times, bittersweet. Bygone Days by Ivers is reminiscent of some of the lovelier music from Titanic. The Saviour's Universal Prayer by Coulter & Phillips is truly meditative and touching, reminiscent of Barber's Adagio for Strings, and just as likely to bring forth a tear or two. These pieces will often transcend the contemporary and bring you to a place remembered of family, gathering, simplicity, and safety. Buyers should be aware, though, that Winston's beautiful Thanksgiving is an abbreviated version of the full-length track found on his recording December."
An excellent holiday album.
E. M. Holderman | 11/10/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recent compilation by Windham Hill's artists is filled with the joy of thanksgiving, not only for the holiday, but for all year round. It is spiritual without being pushy about it, and its production values remain some of the highest in the industry. Highly recommended."
A Sentimental Reflection
Paul Gray | Melbourne, Florida, USA | 11/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on friends, family, and blessings. At this time of year, we celebrate our families, we think of those who are less fortunate, and we reflect on the solemnity of the season and what it means to be truly thankful.
"Thanksgiving" is a compilation of that reflection in music. It celebrates the gathering together of those whom we hold dear, the solemnity and courage of the human psyche, the spirituality of the human soul, and the season when everything must change.
The CD progresses through a series of reflections, from "We Gather Together," a traditional hymn that emphasizes the gathering of friends and family, to George Winston's "Thanksgiving," moving through all the emotions of the Thanksgiving season with feelings of humility, prayer, blessedness and thankfulness.
A mood piece throughout, "Thanksgiving" will help you take your own personal journey of introspection, inspiration, peace and spirituality.
"
Alone in the kitchen basting the turkey...
D. K. Heinemeyer | Philadelphia Area | 11/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have many Windham Hill albums, but this one is an all time favorite. Songs are relaxing and reflective, and I start playing it when the leaves turn colors and evenings become cool. I remember holiday seasons past, and look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas whenever I hear these beautiful melodies. I actually heard this album for the first time during a massage session, so that gives you a hint as to how soothing this music is!"