Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 beta 3/9/83; site cwruecmp.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!cwruecmp!bourne From: bourne@cwruecmp.UUCP (bourne) Newsgroups: net.music Subject: Windham Hill Message-ID: <1202@cwruecmp.UUCP> Date: Mon, 1-Oct-84 11:06:51 EDT Article-I.D.: cwruecmp.1202 Posted: Mon Oct 1 11:06:51 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 2-Oct-84 06:17:07 EDT Organization: CWRU Computer Engr. Cleveland, Ohio Lines: 78 Windham Hill is a record label known for its extremely high quality recordings and pressings. When they first came out, distributors wanted them to charge 12 to 15 dollars per album because the albums were of audiophile quality. The guys at Windham Hill didn't want to do that (high quality music for the masses!) and I've purchased their albums for as little as 7 dollars. For those of you unfamiliar with the label and are interested in what's available, I conclude with a mini-review: An Evening With Windham Live: Good starter album as it lets you hear a good selection of the artists, notably George Winston, William Ackerman, and Michael Hedges. The CD version of this one isn't so hot because there is a very noticeable tape hiss. Windham Hill Sampler: There are a couple of these out...I've only heard the '82 sampler. Again, another good starter album featuring some of the lesser known artists. George Winston: December piano solos Very seasonal type of music with variations on Pachelbel's canon, the Carol of the Bells and all those other Christmas-type classical pieces. both the CD and the LP sound great. George Winston: Autumn, Winter into Spring Two more piano solo albums. These two are definitely what I call 'late evening music' requiring a good bottle of wine, a cozy fire, and a member of the opposite sex. Very mellow stuff. Liz Story: Solid Colors piano solos Very different style if you are used to George Winston. This is bright, cheerful music whereas, to me, Winston comes across as being relaxing and soothing. Shadowfax: Shadowfax, Shadowdance ensemble Two albums that kind of break with the Windham Hill acoustic tradition. Here you'll find electric guitars, a lyricon (could someone tell me what the hell this thing is?), and all manner of asian and african percussive instruments. I've enjoyed both albums. Mark Isham: Vapor Drawings Even more bizarre...synthesizers, electronic drums, trumpets, flugelhorns, etc. This album has a more pronounced jazz flavor, compared to the sounds I'm used to hearing from George Winston, etc. William Ackerman: Passage guitar solo Actually, there are quite a few ensemble pieces on this album. The other instruments include piano ( played by Winston), violin, lyricon, and oboe or English horn (can't remember which at the moment). I've played all these albums or CDs for a number of people and I haven't met anyone who didn't like them. Most people ask me for a list of records to go look for! I hope this listing helps some of you find something good to listen to. I would appreciate mail from anyone who's heard the CD versions of these albums. 'December' by Winston sounds very good on CD with less tape hiss than you'd expect coming from an analog master. I wish I could say the same about the 'Windham Hill Live' recording on CD. dave at cwruecmp!bourne