Our Review
Helicon's brand of hypnotic celtic-inspired dance rhythms make a heady brew when mixed with this wide-ranging set of carols and winter songs. The set list includes Irish, South American, Kenyan, Danish, Jewish, Chinese, Russian, Ukranian, Mexican, French, and American tunes. That Helicon's stylized treatment can tame and blend this eclectic set is a tribute to the solid musicianship of this talented trio.
There is a Chinese medley in the middle of the CD around which the entire work seems to revolve. It was my favorite selection because of the way it highlighted Helicon's ability to integrate, to interpret, and to make accessible four exotic and unlike pieces. Featuring Robin Bullock on both cittern and fiddle, I especially admired Spring Morning, which somehow managed to be both doleful and uplifting. Underlain by Ken Kolodner's work on hammer dulcimer and Chris Norman's flute, the Chinese identity of the piece is maintained and augmented by Helicon's unique style.
Helicon made some unusual choices for inclusion on A Winter Solstice, but their warm, understated take on the season will be a welcome relief for many from the droning familiarity of popular Christmas carols.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2000)
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Helicon
A Winter Solstice with Helicon
Artist link
Label: Dorian
Length: 52 minutes
Genre: World
Release: 1999
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Erev Shel Shosanim (Evening of Roses) |
| Tincu|Pawell |
| Kenyan Christmas Carol |
| Murchy|Rasmus Storm|Fransk Morgenstjerne |
| Shalom Chaverim|Patapan|Ding Dong Merrily on High |
| The Happy Farmer|Spring Morning|A Girl Raises her Sheep|Dancing and Singing in the Village |
| Dawn Dear Dawn|Carol of the Bells|New Year's Eve|Ukranian Etude |
| Las Perlitas |
| Pretty Little Gal|Oklahoma Rooster|Round the Horn|Two White Nickels |
| Il est ne|Gesu Bambino |
| Hush My Babe (I Shall Arise) |