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review by Michael Debbage There is no doubt that George Winston fans will salivate over this Anniversary Edition which includes several special features to celebrate the occasion. Most importantly, Windham Hill took the time to include a complete solo piano soundtrack without the narration of the classic childhood book The Velveteen Rabbit. This narrative story soundtrack was one of four such projects that George Winston was involved in. This particular project featured the elegant and classy storyteller Meryl Streep. Combined with the unassuming and tasteful playing of George Winston, the project was even extended to a PBS special that garnered a 1986 Grammy Award Nomination. The actual story revolves around an old-fashioned stuffed rabbit that grows old while his owner, the boy, grows up and ultimately falls ill. The story is very warm and sentimental and it will touch many ages from youngsters to the let's say "not so young" (I revisited our family's copy prior to doing this review). But the attraction this time around is to hear the soundtrack without the narration for the first time. For Winston fans there will be some very recognizable condensed tracks such as "Carol Of The Bells" (a.k.a "Christmas") and "Loneliness" featured in their entirety on Winston's solo album "December." Other familiar compositions include "Alone" which is also featured on the "Autumn" album. Perhaps not as readily recognizable is "The Rabbit Dance" that is a highly diluted version of the gorgeous "Tamarack Pines" also appearing on the "Forest" CD. Otherwise, most of the songs featured here were specifically composed to complete the soundtrack of this storytelling project; thus the tracks are very short. For the uninitiated, a better place to inaugurate yourself would be via the "best of' album" entitled All The Seasons Of George Winston. While many of the songs there have also been edited, it is a wonderful overview of this pioneering artist of contemporary instrumental music. As for you diehard fans, Windham Hill further entice you by including the new bonus track "Night Thoughts," which clocks in at 4:33 (the longest on the album). Add to the fact that it is an enhanced cd with the ability to secure printable sheet music, Windham Hill has without a doubt gone out of the way to make this a memorable re-mastered 20th Anniversary Edition. |
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