Windham Hill Winter Solstice at 40 Collection
For four decades, the world of instrumental music has found an enduring, contemplative home in the sonic landscape of Windham Hill Records. The A Winter’s Solstice compilations have long served as a quiet antidote to seasonal chaos, swapping bombastic holiday cheer for the soothing tones of fingerpicked guitars, reflective piano solos, and pure instrumental beauty. Now, this legacy is reaching a vibrant new peak as the label marks its 50th birthday, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original collection with a stunning new offering.
To commemorate this milestone, a special project titled A Winter’s Solstice Celebration has brought together a constellation of artists who have defined the label’s intimate sound. This 14-track album is a masterful reunion, extending the legacy while weaving a beautiful bridge between the artistic roots of the past and the creative energy of the present.
The foundation of this celebration rests on the extended musical family of Windham Hill. It features the founder, Will Ackerman, alongside legendary pianists Liz Story and the late George Winston, alongside guitarists Alex de Grassi, multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie, bassist Michael Manring, and pianist Jim Brickman. This is a gathering of musicians known for their ability to create music that feels both intimate and transportive.
The project was brought to fruition through dedicated collaboration, with Dawn Atkinson, a longtime Windham Hill executive, and former staffer Bob Duskis serving as executive producers. The effort was fueled by a successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised over $65,000, ensuring that the artists retained full ownership of their recordings.
The new collection is rich with poignant connections to the history of the Windham Hill sound. It showcases unique contributions, including Philip Aaberg’s “Carol for Ukraine,” which was premiered live, and the belated release of George Winston’s solo piano piece, “Winter Sunflower.” The album also features a gorgeous new recording of Michael Manring’s “Welcoming,” reuniting the Montreux ensemble of Darol Anger, Barbara Higbie, Mike Marshall, and Manring in a stunning performance.
Will Ackerman himself reflects on the theme of the collection, describing his contribution, “The Longest Night,” as ultimately hopeful—a recognition that the longest night is merely a turning point, signaling the shift from winter to spring. It is a profound meditation on cyclical change and enduring hope.
The effort to curate and sequence these recordings was a labor of love, ensuring that the work honored the history of the label while looking forward. It is a testament to the idea that instrumental music, when done with intention, possesses a timeless quality that connects listeners across generations.
The celebration culminates in a grand event, as Windham Hill marks its 50th anniversary with a daylong gathering on November 1st at the Freight in Berkeley, CA. The event will feature a live performance by many of the label’s key artists, engaging conversations, archival footage, and a sneak peek of the forthcoming documentary about the label’s journey.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
