Track Listing

1. Dubuque - George Winston
2. Wedding Rain - Liz Story
3. If You Believe - Jim Brickman
4. Children's Song - �ystein Sev�g,
5. As for Us - Fernando Ortega
6. In Flight - Michael Harrison
7. Inside Out - Liz Story
8. Rocket to the Moon - Jim Brickman
9. To the Well - W.A. Mathieu, , Bobby McFerrin
10. Past Voices - Taylor Eigsti
11. Morning With the Roses - Richard Dworsky
12. Loreta and Desir�e's Bouquet, Pt. 1 - George Winston
13. Montana Half Light - Philip Aaberg

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7925 in Music
• Released on: 2001-06-05
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Amazon.com
This tribute disc to the 25-year piano legacy of Windham Hill was assembled during a time of administrative reorganization for the label, which may explain why a showcase for such an influential catalog of music has been compressed into a single 54-minute disc. Such relative brevity does not negatively impact its quality or appeal, though label founder Will Ackerman, who sold the label in the 1990s, penned the liner notes and apparently chose the tracks. Label legends George Winston, Jim Brickman, and Liz Story are each represented by two tracks, though nothing from Winston's genre-defining Autumn release is found here. However, Story's superb Solid Colors ("Wedding Rain") is represented, a nod to a grand 1982 release that ranks as the label's finest moment. Among the less familiar names here (five tracks are lifted from past new-artist samplers), Richard Dworsky ("A Morning with the Roses") and soulful 16-year-old Taylor Eigsti ("Past Voices") merit special notice. Back in the early 1970s, every Windham Hill recording merited special notice. Each new release was a revelation to rock- and pop-rooted listeners, presenting a startling mix of new-acoustic purity, intelligence, and emotional expansiveness. Here's hoping the next 25 years generate some similar sparks. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews

The music is very nice but this compilation is weird
I always thought that the best way to listen to new age is in compilations. With very few exceptions (like George Winston) this kind of music becomes monotonous and boring after twenty minutes with the same artist. So, I have most of the windham hill compilations, piano, guitars, samplers, vocals, and I like them all. Since piano is one of my favourite instruments I bought this one without hesitation.

What a surprise it was to find that 5 out of these 13 tracks are taken from other samplers by the same label. I understand that this label is not the same it was 15 years ago, it was bought by BMG and they are really trying to cash on this popular and selling music, but we must say to them that this is too much, just way too much! A sampler from samplers, and at full price!

The music is good and if you don't have any windham hill cd, you could start here, although George Winston has some better tracks and there are a few more piano tracks in the windham hill vaults that could be added to a CD that is only 53 minutes long. I guess BMG prefers to do a vol.2 than give you value for your money.

I prefer the 'Piano samplers', vol. 1 and 2, with more tracks and more music to this one. And also the "first Ten years" dbl cd compilation is great. Other windham hills compilations that I recommend are the "Winter solstice", specially vol. 1, 2 and 3. There are too many Windham Hill cd's to buy before this one.

Showcase for Windham Hill's Finest
As part of Windham Hill's 25 Year anniversary celebrations, this CD has been released in recognition of the prominent part pianists have played in the company's success over the last quarter of a century.

How they can do this in a single 53 minute disc is beyond me- the company has distributed some amazing piano music that is surely worthy of a longer compilation. However, to their credit, what they have chosen is of the highest order.

The CD features many well-known pianists and some not so familiar, but each track is strong in its own individual way. It even features a 16 year old's debut piece, "Past Voices".

Oystein Sevag's "Children's Song" holds some curious addiction to me; a very simple melody that you can't help but listen intently to.

Michael Harrison's "In Flight" perfectly captures the subject of the title- I see birds migrating as I fly along side them on their beautiful long journey.

"Rocket to the Moon" had to be included. It was the piece that launched Jim Brickman's career and will be instantly recognisable to many.

Another favourite is "To The Well" by Walter Mathieu. On this piece, Mathieu is accompanied by vocalist Bobby McFerrin. The founder of the company, Will Ackerman, states in the insert that this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music he has heard- and I would agree. It is one of those examples of music that you'll either love or hate; for me it is definitely the former. I tend to find that voice and piano does neither any favours; one gets in the way of the other and you end up not being able to concentrate on either. This is a rare example of when this doesn't happen. Instead, they complement one another, mainly because the piano is still the prominent sound and the vocals are wordless. They add a haunting, yet strangely beautiful quality to the music.

Beautifully presented, this CD is a must if you are a piano lover. Congratulations, Windham Hill, and here's to another 25 years of creating some of the best instrumental music around.

Very highly recommended.

AAAHHHH, how sweet it is.....
For a long time, Windham Hill has been putting out magnificent piano music. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that this collection highlighting some of the label's most distinguished pieces would be nothing less than perfect. If you like solo piano, then take my word for it: this is a beautiful, captivating album.

Each track is a finely-crafted original work and represents a significant piece of Windham Hill's legacy of piano music. This soothing collection of tunes is splendidly suited for a romantic evening by the fire, a morning stroll in the park, or an afternoon of lazy daydreaming. Whatever your condition, Windows is guaranteed to uplift your spirits and rejuvenate your soul. The album is that good. I recommend it without reservation to anyone who relishes the sweet sound of solo piano.