December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map and being the new age album most likely to find its way into music collections of all ilk. In spite of being relentlessly overplayed during the holidays, the solo piano recording has aged quite well. Winston shapes holiday war-horses and original compositions into a captivating contemporary statement. His spare, understated style captures the feel of the dark season, employing ample resonance to evoke a reflective spaciousness. The album's straightforward simplicity conveys both the celebration and quietude that characterize the best of the Yuletide spirit. --Richard Price
A quintessential example of George Winston's "folk piano" style, December speaks to the spirit of the season. Mixing traditional carols, a couple of classical works, and his own originals, Winston drops notes with icy clarity into a winter silence, rippling through "Carol of Bells" and coaxing dark, introspective moods from his own suite, "Night." The pianist's liner notes are also a trip as he cites the numerous sources for his music. Who would've thought that the gentle melodies of "Peace" were inspired by the soundtrack to TV's The Outer Limits? This 20th anniversary edition, which includes two bonus tracks, is a vast sonic improvement over previous releases. --John Diliberto

Customer Rating:
Summary: Good Music Bad CD
Comment: This is a great CD. However, the copy that I bought from Amazon -- along with the CD Forest would not play properly. I have never had this problem before but it would make me think twice about buying a CD, especially as a gift, from Amazon. Since I already own copies of these albums, I thought my gift was a sure thing. What a disapointment!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: sooo relaxing
Comment: Sooo relaxing. I could be studying for finals at 2 AM and 20 degrees F outside, and when I listen to this, all my stress goes away, and I just want to go outside and walk around. It really does change your mood, instantly, giving you the goosebumps and that little special feeling. I LOVE this CD and LOVE George Winston - by far his best CD

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, folksy way to welcome the Christmas season
Comment: When I listen to this music, I find it hard to believe it is 20 years old. There is a rustic feeling to the playing that reminds me of Christmas growing up singing carols around the upright piano with the candlelit tree behind us. Beautiful way to welcome the Christmas season.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT SERVICE in a TIMELY MANNER!
Comment: I had lost my FAVORITE Christmas CD and tried to find one at the stores in town to no avail. So, my daughter suggested Amazon and as soon as she did I got online and within a few days, I was listening to it.

Thank you
Claudia

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Absolute Christmas Essential
Comment: What to begin to say about this album? First off....

"Thanksgiving": This song is ALWAYS the first thing I hear early Thanksgiving morning just before sunrise while the world is calm, quiet...and typically quite cold!...outside. This sets the tone and mood like nothing I've ever known.

I won't go into a complete review of each song (and I absolutely could), all I can really say is that I believe the most common trait amongst all of us here writing reviews for this album is that no matter where each passing year finds us, the collection of melodies (though that word barely does them justice) sincerely allows time for an end-of-year reflection. You simply cannot help but be swept up in what George has composed here, and for those of us that have known this album for quite some time now, that's an extremely unique and special thing to have in one's winter season rituals. George, you outta be paying me stiff for the endorsement(!!!), nonetheless, this album is beyond worth every cent. May it touch your life as it has ours. Enjoy, and God Bless.

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