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Our Review

In 2008, Aaron Meyer released a show-stopping Christmas offering entitled The Holiday Spirit (reviewed here). One year later, his brand new Do You Hear What I Hear arrived at my door, and I was understandably excited to see more work by this uber-talented violinist. He seems to have gathered virtually the same array of players for this go-round, and the music is the same, exciting, progressive orchestral rock along the lines of a "refreshed" Mannheim Steamroller. I like this release at least as much as The Holiday Spirit; in fact, I might like this new offering a bit more!

Meyer is world-renowned for his violin mastery, but this is no constipated classical release. The violin soothes, soars and roars, and Meyer's masterful friends do their magic on strings (including guitars & cello), percussion, and vocals (the excellent Brown Sisters make a reappearance here). The offerings show a lovely range--from the minimalist, low-key loveliness of Still, Still, Still and This Christmas Day to the rousing Brown Sisters tackling the ragtime, honky-tonkin' spiritual My Sisters and Brothers--terrific! Most pieces here are instrumentals, and the instruments all speak volumes, particularly Meyer's violin.

Do You Hear What I Hear ends very well with the title track building in drama and accelerating in speed and intensity, complete with mysterious Middle Eastern undercurrents. I was sorry to hear the song fade to silence.

Your holiday house, on the other hand, does not have to sit in silence. Check out either holiday release by Aaron Meyer--you cannot go wrong.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Aaron Meyer - violin, viola
Tim Ellis - acoustic, alto, electric & hi string guitars, electric sitar, mandolin, tiple
Jamin Swenson - bass
Jean-Pierre Garau - electric piano, organ, synth
Carl Smith - percussion
Anthony Jones - drums, percussion
Mike Snyder - drums, orchestral percussion
Justin Kagan - cello
The Brown Sisters - vocals (Leah, Rachel, Dorcas, and JoAnna)

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
Graphic Design: www.impactads.net
Cover Photo - Scott Roberts


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.

Aaron & guitarist/producer Tim Ellis have recorded some of their favorite holiday songs and arrangements releasing their 4th record together.

Aaron Meyer

Do You Hear What I Hear

Artist link

Track List