Various Artists - Windham Hill Sampler '84

I hate style classification of music

Call it what you want, smooth jazz, new age, trance, aural, easy listening, whatever. Fact is the musicians on this collection are fantastic and time has proven this true. I picked this up when it first came out back in 1984, and the music represented here stands the test of time almost 25 years later. Well done, well recorded, and certainly good for the soul. Any half way sane person should own this and appreciate what it has to offer and come away felling better after every listen. A good sampling of what this "style" of music has to offer. Get it, you'll be glad you did, and it will open up you ears to the other music these musicians and others like them have to offer. March 6, 2008

Great Intro to Ambient

I bought this album back in '84 when it debuted on tape cassette and still own it today. I was blown away then and remain so today. Shadowdance was my favorite on this album, but the entire tape was pure aural pleasure. February 2, 2008

An essential new-age addition to your collection.

This album brought new age music into my vocabulary and it has stayed a sentimental favorite through the years. Every song on it has something new to offer and it is perfect to sit and listen to, to move to, to meditate to, or simply to relax to. George Winston's chilling and timeless "Thanksgiving" is the gem of the album (sorry, now CD....I do have it on album). The simple piano chord progression plays on memories of winter or home or truly giving thanks. "On The Threshold Of Liberty" is a very unique piece building and building to a patriotic and hypnotic climax. The simple snare and building solo horn make this piece unforgettable. "Shadowdance" is another jewel on this collection. The entire CD is like a symphony and most of the time I only put it on when I know I can listen to the whole thing. You won't be disappointed. Don't be scared off by the date...these artists were hungry then and they did things the right way. Enjoy. October 13, 1998

An essential new-age addition to your collection.

This album brought new age music into my vocabulary and it has stayed a sentimental favorite through the years. Every song on it has something new to offer and it is perfect to sit and listen to, to move to, to meditate to, or simply to relax to. George Winston's chilling and timeless "Thanksgiving" is the gem of the album (sorry, now CD....I do have it on album). The simple piano chord progression plays on memories of winter or home or truly giving thanks. "On The Threshold Of Liberty" is a very unique piece building and building to a patriotic and hypnotic climax. The simple snare and building solo horn make this piece unforgettable. "Shadowdance" is another jewel on this collection. The entire CD is like a symphony and most of the time I only put it on when I know I can listen to the whole thing. You won't be disappointed. Don't be scared off by the date...these artists were hungry then and they did things the right way. Enjoy. October 13, 1998

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