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Diane Zeigler's December in Vermont is a magnificent holiday gift for those who favor acoustic folk music with verve and guts, highlighted by a husky voice of crystal. Given my musical preferences, Zeigler ("Zig") manages to push all the right buttons. This is one holiday album that will undoubtedly deck my halls frequently this Christmas season.

The song selection is beyond reproach. The 14 tracks, including one well-executed medley, encompass the well familiar ("Do You Hear What I Hear," "Joy to the World"), less familiar gems ("The Cherry Tree Carol," "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"), and one Zig original (the title track "December in Vermont"). Perhaps because I love New England in general, and Vermont in particular, the title track has a special pull. The lyrics are sweetly made ("Where would you rather see snow on the evergreen, softly and tenderly falling down?...Ever returning to December in Vermont"), and the homey melody immediately seems like an old friend.

Although the song selection is superb, Zig's voice is even better. Its rich alto exudes warm and earthy intonations. Nothing brash or brassy here; it's a cozy and comfortable blanket on a cold winter's night. The instrumentation is the simplistic and folksy call of strings (guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro, lap steel), keyboard, and percussion. This light accompaniment elevates the pristine quality of Zig's pure voice. David Crossland brings the softest touch to the subtle vocal harmonies.

I love this album from stem to stern. The medley (We Three Kings*O Come O Come Emmanuel*God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen* Riu Riu Chiu) is especially exciting. It's beautifully constructed and executed with a haunting, almost mystical, quality. The various internal numbers flow effortlessly from one to the next. The rhythmic finish ("Riu Riu Chiu") features excellent harmonies (including Geoff Sather's deep bass) and a lively, driving beat. As the piece fades, Zig interweaves lines from the earlier medley components. Excellent!

Other excellent selections include "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," one of my all-time favorite carols. Zig's treatment is creative, emotive, and very personal. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" opens with a little-known verse, giving an old chestnut a refreshing twist. When Zig nails the first note of "Joy to the World," it is like dropping a pearl onto velvet--such splendor! To be honest, there is not a false note to be found on this album; every cut is a treasure. The album closes with the gorgeous Polish carol "Lulajze, Jezuniu" ("Lullaby, Jesus")(the underlying story, as related by the liner notes, will bring tears to your eyes).

Diane Zeigler is an outstanding folk talent, and her December in Vermont will certainly be one of my "Top Picks" this year. Thanks, Zig, for the superb jaunt to New England!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Appearing on the album:
Diane Zeigler ("Zig"): vocals, guitar
Geoff Sather: bass, harmony, percussion, 2nd guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals
David Crossland: harmony
Adam Frehm: dobro, lap steel, mandolin
Mary Jane Reynold: keyboard
Gregory Douglass: harmony

Produced by Geoff Sather and Diane Zeigler.
All songs arranged by Diane Zeigler.
Engineered and recorded by Diane Zeigler and Geoff Sather in Montpelier, VT (except for Adam Frehm's tracks, recorded by Adam at his studio in Essex Junction, VT).
Mixed and mastered by Alan Stockwell at Soundesign Studios, Brattleboro, VT.
All lyrics adapted from tradition by Diane Zeigler, except where noted.

"December in Vermont": words and music by Diane Zeigler.

From the Website:

With the release of her fourth CD 'December in Vermont", Diane Zeigler is established as an important voice in acoustic music. The winner of 6 national songwriting awards, Diane is a also a skilled performer with a quick laugh, and her live shows offer a full spectrum of entertainment and inspired musicianship. She combines a crystalline vocal style with distinctive open-tuning guitar work, crafting songs that have earned her respect among songwriters and critics as "one of the most talented singer-songwriters New England has produced." (The Music Matters)

Diane Zeigler

December in Vermont

Artist link

Track List