This is my favorite Autumn-time CD
When I first bought this CD, I had no idea how much I would come to really enjoy it. I force myself to avoid it all year until the leaves start to turn. Then, I listen to it several times a week through Thanksgiving. "Bygone Days" is an extremely relaxing tune, only outdone by the piano master himself, George Wintson, with "Thanksgiving." If you collect holiday-type music, this is a MUST HAVE for the fall season.

It really does sound like Thanksgiving
A wonderful compilation, quiet without being dull yet soulful & a nice, spry Allelujah in the middle of the CD. This CD was an unexpected surprise.

One of the best-listen to this Year-Round and experience the Joy of Thankfulness...
Simply one of the best & most original of the Windham Hill compilations, and I'm very glad Windham Hill thought to release this one. Just as close to perfect as they come, and the only way it could have been any better was to have had a contribution by the always original arrangements & compositions of Barbara Higbee, (or Fred Simon) but perhaps they were not available at the time. Of course, in a compilation like this, you need to have "We Gather Together Together..." but it is particularly touching to hear veteran Paul McCandless' arrangement to open the disc and set a thankful & comforting tone. Tim Story's consistently original & moving here as always, and the true highlight for me is "Amazing Grace" by John Doan. It is "amazing" indeed to hear someone do an original take on this classic hymn which has been recorded by so many, many fine artists over but the many decades of music-recording history. Leave it to Doan and to Dawn Atkinson's masterful production experience & background to pull this off so well. Will Ackerman's "The Gathering" is a typically original piece, very listenable year-round, and Carlos Nakai is a welcome addition with a peaceful cedar flute offering. Finally, (and really, there are so many gems here...) Lisa Lynne adds a sort of Majestic Joyfulness to "Allelujah", which certainly blows the dust off of this great hymn tune, bringing new life to such an often heard melody. Like the very best of the "Solstice" collections, this is a perfectly appropriate collection to hear year round. For example, I have listened to it on Independence Day, and found it strangely perfect for refection on our American roots that gave birth to many of these hymns, and to the spirit of creativity that our Founding Parents passed on to us in America. Simply perfect, Windham.

A Sentimental Reflection
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.

WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT
For most of us, Thanksgiving confronts us with a variety of emotions. Gratefulness should be the primary one; unfortunately getting stressed out and bent out of shape can overtake all the best intentions. Everything from complicated and hurried preparations to being cooped up with unpleasant relatives can ruin the occasion. Some of us endure Thanksgiving alone or practically alone in that those dearest are far away. For a holiday that can mean so much, a lot can go wrong.

In its own small way, this CD reminds us what its all about. The selections generally are soft and soothing as well as gently uplifting. There is nary a vocal to be heard-a plus when you need to get away from all the chatter. The artists are from Windham Hill's diverse stable and no one dominates the proceedings.

No attempt is made to hide the reality of Thanksgiving being primarily of Christian origin as sometimes happens in these affairs. But at the same time no one would mistake this CD for a contemporary Christian recording. The viewpoint encompasses not only giving thanks but memory and returning home as well. Hence, many of the pieces are colored with a hint of sadness.

If you are looking for music to "cut the rug" with this is not it. But if you are looking for music which prompts reflection and joy, this one is the one to buy.