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Our Review

The violin's the thing on The Holiday Spirit, but it is definitely not the only thing. Concert rock violinist Aaron Meyer wails on his instrument of choice, but his talented friends add lovely layers of strings, percussion, and even vocals (on a few tracks) to the mix. This album is a string-centric, less synthesized version of Mannheim Steamroller; the music is exuberant, life-affirming, and exquisitely-executed.

The artist describes the music as orchestral progressive rock, and I suppose that's a fair characterization for this spicy meld of jazz, rock, and classical, all subject to world influences. I enjoyed everything here. For example, Deck the Halls is outstanding, particularly the cool violin/piano dialogues and guitar interludes. The boppin' beats underlying Drummer Boy had me tapping and swaying. At just over six minutes, the track is almost the longest on the album, and it features stand-out solos on the violin and guitar, and a particularly hypnotic percussion segment in the latter half. So cool! The spritely I Saw Three Ships--Sailor's Hornpipe had me afloat on a beautiful holiday sea, and Meyer's "classical" spin on the Vivaldi cut is a hard-rocking delight.

Although the album is largely instrumental, the beautiful Brown Sisters (Rachel, Leah, & Dorcas) deliver excellent harmonies on a few tracks. Their vocal chops seem perfectly suited to gospel, which creates an interesting contrast with Meyer's contemporary approach.

The Holiday Spirit is a unique, high-flying pleasure that showcases Aaron Meyer's extraordinary violin talents, while expanding the stage to include a whole host of remarkable musicians. If you don't have the holiday spirit yet, this album will likely put you in the appropriate frame of mind. Enjoy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Aaron Meyer - violin
Tim Ellis - acoustic, alto, hi string, & electric guitars, cavaquino, mandolin
Jamin Swenson - bass
Jean-Pierre Garau - acoustic & electric pianos, organ, synth
Carl Smith - percussion
Mike Snyder - drums, orchestral percussion, cajon
Reinhardt Melz - drums, djembe
Nancy Ives - cello
The Brown Sisters - vocals, (Rachel, Leah, & Dorcas)

Produced by Tim Ellis & Aaron Meyer
Recorded/mixed by: Dean Baskerville at Kung Fu Bakery Recording - Portland, Oregon
Mastered by: Bob Stark at Kung Fu Bakery Recording - Portland, Oregon

Cover photograph: Dean Rand, www.discoveryvoyages.com - Photographed in Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Graphic Design: www.impactads.net


From the artist's Website:

Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer performs cutting edge original music and arrangements with virtuosity and passion. Aaron brings his fresh and invigorating instrumental style to the stage and genuinely connects with audiences of all ages. Meyer's unique brand of music bridges world, contemporary progressive rock and classical genres. A classically trained violinist since age 5, Meyer debuted with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 11, and has soloed with major international symphony orchestras and ballet companies, in addition to performing for many world leaders and Dignitaries. Meyer has worked with vastly contrasting artists such as Pink Martini, Smokey Robinson, Aaron Neville, The Temptations, Leftover Salmon, 2002 Miss America - Katie Harman, and the platinum record selling band, Everclear.

The arrangements for, "The Holiday Spirit" are all the work of violinist Aaron Meyer & guitarist/producer Tim Ellis. Taking traditional holiday favorites such as Carol Of The Bells, Deck The Halls, and Drummer Boy, they have interjected their own original ideas combining world, contemporary progressive rock, and classical styles of music. Tim and Aaron also incorporate melodies and musical styles from various cultures exemplified in the song, "Light Of Shalom", which borrows a traditional Hebrew melody. The CD culminates with an orchestral rock performance of Vivaldi, followed by the powerful and inspirational vocals of gospel singers, The Brown Sisters.

Aaron Meyer

The Holiday Spirit

Artist link

Track List