MISTY RIVER: Midwinter--Songs of Christmas

Misty River

Midwinter--Songs of Christmas

© 2004 Misty River (678277088221)

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Intimate, pure, beautiful--Midwinter. Misty River's compelling voices, tasteful song selection and creative instrumentation set Midwinter apart from the run-of-the-mill Christmas release.

tracks

1 All That I Want
2 Back Home
3 All Through the Night
4 Cradle Hymn
5 In the Bleak Midwinter
6 Beautiful Star of Bethlehem
7 What Child Is This
8 Don't Take Down the Mistletoe
9 Silent Night
10 Empty Christmas Stocking
11 Peace
12 Merry Merry Christmas

notes

Intimate, pure, beautiful-MIDWINTER.

The second new release in 2004 from the award-winning, acoustic, americana band Misty River, MIDWINTER-SONGS OF CHRISTMAS is a stunning collection of traditional favorites, little known classics, and original songs. The result is a fresh yet intimate celebration of the holiday season, with Misty River’s “spine-tingling” voices, tasteful song selection and creative instrumentation setting MIDWINTER apart from the run-of-the-mill Christmas release.

Although often compared to the neo-bluegrass sound of Alison Krauss, this “indie” band from the Pacific Northwest has a sound all its own. The four women of Misty River are most well known for their compelling vocal harmony. For Misty River fans, MIDWINTER lives up to that expectation. But the 12-song album is also graced with exquisite lead vocals and distinctive combinations of accordion, fiddle, guitar, banjo, piano, ukulele and upright bass. Grammy award-winning guitarist Doug Smith lends his talents to two of the tracks.

From their humble beginnings at an open mic in 1997, Misty River has built a large and enthusiastic following and become one of the most popular bands from the region. After seven years together, 2004 has marked a monumental year for the band. Misty River was selected to represent Americana music at the 2004 Shanghai International Music Festival in China, then returned home to release its third album, WILLOW, to widespread local and international acclaim. The independent band hit the 25,000 mark in CD sales and has been a top seller on CDBaby.com.

Misty River has also met challenges this year. In March, guitarist/vocalist Carol Harley was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a life-threatening disease of the blood and bone marrow. Despite this setback, Misty River has made 2004 its most prolific recording year to date, with the release of the band’s fourth album, MIDWINTER-SONGS OF CHRISTMAS.

MIDWINTER has yet to hit review publications, but reviewers have had plenty to say about Misty River’s other CDs: RISING (2000), LIVE AT THE BACKGATE STAGE (2002) and WILLOW (2004).

* “From its seamless sound, the sharing of the spotlight and the pitch-perfect harmonies, it is clear that Misty River’s impressive flow comes from individual talents streaming together with purpose and grace.” - Scott Lewis, The Oregonian.

* “…goose-bumpy good music.”- Paul Denison, The Register-Guard.

* “Four, phenomenal female musicians…”-Melissa Bearns, The Source

* “If you’ve been looking for fresh female voices in bluegrass-infused music…check out…Misty River [with] abilities to select and write an interesting variety of tradition-based music and create beautiful, soaring harmonies…each member [has] a chance to shine vocally and instrumentally. The results are wonderfully enchanting.” - Linda Paulson, Dirty Linen

* “[Misty River puts] their voices together for lovely harmony, but the real payoff is their emotional commitment [to the music].”-R.L., Sing Out!

* “…one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest groups…Misty River creates a sound that is both traditional-based and all their own. Misty River’s voices will grab you, and keep you locked in until the last song on the disc is gone.” -Allen Price, Victory Review

Misty River consists of Carol Harley of Vancouver, Washington on guitar, banjo and ukulele; Chris Kokesh of Portland, Oregon on fiddle and guitar; Dana Abel of Eugene, Oregon on accordion; and Laura Quigley of Portland, Oregon on acoustic bass. MIDWINTER was recorded by Justin King at Blackberry Hill Studios in Eugene, Oregon.

For more information about Misty River visit www.mistyriverband.com.

For more CD reviews, read on:

* “ a chorus of angelic harmonies…Misty River is a four-woman collective of songstresses who have an incredible talent for precision layering of live voices…this is music which is heavily steeped in the bluegrass, folk and country traditions. But there's also a modern edge to the music which resembles the neo-bluegrass style of Alison Krauss or EmmyLou Harris.” -Minor7th.com (Acoustic Guitar’s Webzine)

* “The world would be a much better place if we all bought into the concept of harmony singing. There is nothing quite as mollifying as a multitude of sweet voices laced tightly together with perfect pitch and the harmonies of emotion. [Rising has] 10 songs rooted in the depth and breadth of American acoustic music and informed by the tenderness of Celtic and Irish music…the album is angelic in the way only the high-lonesome sounds of bluegrass and folk music can be.” -Don Campbell, The Oregonian

* “…if you are in the mood for something outside the bluegrass mainstream, you could hardly do better than this very attractive album…the four women are excellent singers and their voices blend like milk and honey.” -RA, Bluegrass Unlimited

* “Beautiful and tight, this live performance is filled to the seams with expression and exacting musicianship. The songs can fire you up or calm you down."-Pamela Rooney, CD Baby Magazine

* “The vocal versatility of these women is astounding, so much so that the rich, earthy, harmonies could stand alone on several of the tunes…These women have a gift to share that is rare and fine indeed, and Rising will definitely be among the ‘well worn’ CD's in our collection.”-Jane Collier & Gary Cook, www.BluegrassRules.com


SELECTED LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

* “When these four women weave their lovely harmonies, it is spine tingling. OREGON ART BEAT broadcast a segment on MISTY RIVER, and the response was amazing. Our phones and web site were jammed with requests to know where they were playing and how to buy their CDs.” - Jeff Douglas, Executive Producer, Oregon Art Beat, Oregon Public Broadcasting

* “An unforgettable experience…I had tears streaming down my cheeks…the walloping charisma…their good humor and jocular stage patter, their laughter and kinship…We clapped and cheered and stomped and jumped to our feet in a rousing, enthusiastic standing ovation for the combined talents of the Misty River band.” - Diane Schulstad, Victory Review

* “…Misty River…a must see band...holds audiences spellbound with glistening harmonies and fresh enthusiasm….”-Karolyn Laster, Portland Songwriter’s Association

* “Every song is like Gatorade for the soul; a soft compelling and delicious concoction that you didn’t know you needed…. The sound in person is as pure and wonderful as the sound the CD makes coming out of your speakers at home.” -Rae Gordon, Positively Entertainment

* “The trademark of their sound on the CD and in performance is lush, pitch-perfect harmonies and gentle, tasteful arrangements, with a fresh interpretation of songs…” -Heidi Muller, Victory Review

reviews

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  • MidWinter-Songs of Christmas
    author: Karen Minear

    I have all of the Misty River CD's and I love them. I heard them in concert at Astoria, OR in 2006, When I need to relax I put all of them on. The new Christmas CD is just as beautiful. Their voices blend together so perfectly it gives me a warm feeling all around my heart. Karen M.

  • great service, pretty harmony
    author: lisa

    First time mystic river listener. Very pretty harmonys. Loved in the bleak midwinter, one of the best renditions of that piece. Thanks

  • Wonderful and refreshing
    author: Kathleen Hunter

    This is the first recording of this group I've heard. It is a refreshing and enjoyable collection of Christmas music; I am not familiar with most of the songs here, but I will be by the time I am finished listening. I will be getting other recordings of this group soon.

  • Gentle, beautiful music performed with grace
    author: Susan Harvey-Schmitz

    I'm convinced....there would be less need for blood-pressure medication if everyone could shut their eyes and listen to Misty River for even 15 minutes a day! I never tire of their voices and the near perfect harmony and balance in their music. Nor do I tire of their unique and marvelous arrangements. This CD is no exception. There's nothing "schmaltzy" about this holiday CD. It's beautiful; it's peaceful; and it's not just for Christmas. Like other works of Misty River, it's a treasure.

  • Totally Enjoyed this unique CD.
    author: Gloria Andrus

    I ordered this CD a little late for christmas, but have played it multiple times on my walks. Wonderful lyrics and music. I'm ready to put it away for next season but it will be one of my main CD's. Love it.

  • Loved this CD
    author: Jean Phillips

    I always like something different for Christmas, other than the same old songs. This fills the bill nicely. In my opinion, one of the best versions of Silent Night that I have ever heard.

  • Wonderfully differant from most Christmas CD's.
    author: Kristan Warrior-Bunnell

    Really enjoy this CD because it's not your traditional Christmas music. These women are amazingly talented and I love the mix of instruments.

  • ...and 1/2 .... Warm and pleasant sounds for a fireside Christmas with families
    author: Joe Ross

    Playing Time – 40:02 -- Remember when, before 1980, that every major artist had a Christmas album? Then, record labels and radio programmers cut back on holiday music. Fortunately, the dearth only lasted about a decade before Christmas music experienced a major resurgence. With the 2004 release of Misty River’s “Midwinter,” Santa’s reindeer and elves have much to rejoice. My favorite Christmas albums have a healthy dose of angelic singing, sparkling instrumental work, and meditative messages. Misty River succeeds on all counts, with their lovely and creative works that twinkle like colorful lights on a Christmas tree. Guitarist Doug Smith offers some buoyant lead work on “All Through the Night” and “What Child is This.” If I’d been producing “Midwinter,” I might’ve recommended a few additional seasonal instruments in the mix. For some reason, I just heard a song like “Cradle Hymn” embellished with the likes of perhaps some hammered dulcimer, concertina, whistle and/or flute. There’s a story behind this beautiful song that was learned from a Seeger Family holiday recording. Misty River dedicates the song to Eva and Nina, twins born prematurely to well-known Northwest musician Leah Larson. While Eva lived only a few short weeks, she will be forever remembered as they sing “Hush my babe, lie still and slumber...all the angels guard thy bed....” When one listens to “Midwinter,” we become akin to close friends of the four women in the band. Their confident voices immediately command our rapt attention. The surprise treats in our stocking, however, are the four notable originals on this album. Perhaps it was a band-imposed homework assignment, but it’s an exceptional statement about the band members’ creative energy in that each of the four contributes an original self-penned song. Laura Quigley’s “Back Home” is an enchanting ballad with a nice melodic bounce. Chris Kokesh’s “Don’t Take Down the Mistletoe” just reinforces why she is an award-winning songwriter. “Peace,” composed by Dana Abel, is a call to children for a coming together beyond the horizon. Carol Harley’s “Merry Merry Christmas” is the one-minute a cappella closer with their wishes for your good health, long life, happiness, and holidays filled with cheer. “Midwinter” is an album with warm and pleasant sounds for a fireside Christmas with your families and friends. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

  • Unconventional and beautiful.
    author: Dave walker

    It's way before Christmas and I play this CD often times. Keep it up. Dave

  • One of the best that I have!
    author: Ellen

    Misty River's MidWinter is captivating. It has some old favorites as well as some new delights. The arrangements that they have chosen for the well-known carols are beautiful. This has become one of my favorite Christmas albums.

  • excellant service-fast service
    author: Robert D. Pauley

    I've never received such fast service. Love Misty River. I have all their albums. They are so relaxing for a tense day. I'll probably wear the four CD's out within sevreal months. I'm looking for Merle Haggard-My Love Affair with Trains-1976 vintage. Can you help??? Thank you Robert

  • Misty River is the best, always puts me in a good mood to listen.
    author: milly stepp

    I love the old favorites but as usual M R came up with something new and fresh and beautiful. I was not disappointed. Looking forward to the next album. Milly Stepp in O'Brien, OR

  • Great selection of songs sung and played to perfection
    author: Port Angeles

    I love Christmas albums and this is one of the best. Great renditions of some traditional songs (Silent Night & Greensleeves) and some nice new original songs. My two favorites, Cradle Hymn and In the Bleak Midwinter, are incredibly beautiful in both the vocals and the instruments. Spellbinding stuff as usual from Misty River!

  • Fabulous - Another wonderful harmonic CD from MR
    author: Jennifer

    Fabulous - Another wonderful harmonic CD from Misty River. It is wonderful to have them produce a Christmas CD. It makes a wonderful gift and introduces other to the band.

  • absolutely wonderful!
    author: Diane

    Absolutely beautiful music!

  • Great music.
    author: John Mina

    As always, I enjoyed this Misty River CD. I was a bit dissappointed, though, that there were so many solo's and not much harmony. I do recommend this to Misty River fans.

  • A differnent "folky" style.
    author: www.rolandbowman

    A differnt "folky" style. Christmas music that is charming and romantic.

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