WINTER GARDEN: Five Songs For The Season
by Loreena McKennitt

Loreena's first full project at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios near Bath, England, this five-track EP began as an exploratory exercise and was recorded over five days in July 1995. A Winter Garden features musical collaborations between McKennitt, her touring band and an international cast of guest artists.

The innovative, brightly-hued arrangements of three Christmas favourites (God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas and Coventry Carol) conjure up a distinctly Middle Eastern musical atmosphere in which, says Loreena, I hope some of the scent of frankincense and myrrh comes through. Elsewhere, Loreena's own haunting musical setting of the traditional English lyric Seeds Of Love and the Archibald Lampman poem Snow (an earlier recording of which is found on her second album) offered hints as to the directions The Book Of Secrets would later take.

1 Coventry Carol
2 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
3 Good King Wenceslas
4 Snow
5 Seeds Of Love
This recording is the result of a collaborative few days, in July 1995, between some of the musicians I regularly work with and some special guests. The primary purpose was to explore the potential in our musical chemistry. I used the vehicles of some familiar and lesser-known Christmas and winter carols, as well as a traditional English lyric that I set to music in 1982 ("Seeds Of Love").

Conducted in the very rural and comfortable environs of Real World Studios in Wiltshire, England, it became one of my most enjoyable recording experiences. The company and musicianship were superb and stimulating and a special thanks goes to all involved. - Loreena McKennitt

Produced by Loreena McKennitt
Assistant producer: Brian Hughes
L.M.: Vocals, harp, keyboards
Brian Hughes: Guitars, guitar synthesizer
George Koller: Bass
Rick Lazar: Percussion
Hugh Marsh: Violin
Donald Quan: Tablas, viola, accordion
Caroline Lavelle: Cello ("Seeds Of Love", "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen")
Aidan Brennan: Acoustic guitar ("Good King Wenceslas", "Seeds Of Love", "Snow")
Dan Ar Braz: Acoustic guitar ("Good King Wenceslas")
Hossam Ramzy: Percussion
Waiel Abo Baker Ali: Violin ("God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", "Good King Wenceslas")
Robert A. White: Pipes

USD $28.24

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