Full of mirth and merriment, this album can be enjoyed during the Christmas season and quite possibly throughout the year. "The Moon of Wintertime" bears a freshness of spirit for the winter season. It's a wonderful addition to winter holiday collections, expanding the usual Christmas faire into pieces from medieval Italy, France, Scotland and England. "Bring Us In Good Ale" includes vocals by The Blessed Lady's Pub Chorus and ends with peals of laughter.

The cover art and text portray its spiritual and traditional origins and in many ways add to the overall experience. The tunes and songs here are derived from many sources and times and yet they combine old and new compositions. The title track has music from France, lyrics dating from around 1643 with an English translation in 1926 and an adaptation in 2002 by McCauley.

From this mixture she has produced lyrical magic that will uplift the spirits. On "Gifts of the Magi," she takes full control, writing and arranging. The result is a 21st century song that would not have raised eyebrows in medieval courts. "Good King Wenceslas" and the former track make this an ideal Christmas album if one is looking for traditional with a twist, but this is an all-year-round album so don't restrict your enjoyment to two weeks a year.

On hearing McCauley sing this song so sadly seen only as a carol, you must recognise it as a classic of good composition. The music may date from 1582 but this is 2003 sound."Childgrove" and "Ideo Gloria" are two exceptional instrumental tracks that will haunt your mind and transport you back in time to a glorious age of madrigal and courtly love. McCauley takes an Appalachian song, "Down in Yon Forest," and gives it an interpretation that is probably closer to the original tune that traveled to the U.S. There is a very special bonus on this track. McCauley sings her version of the song, which is followed immediately by an arrangement by Brian Cunningham. This shows how an old song can be interpreted to give two or more distinct songs. Listen only to this track and marvel.

1. The Moon of Wintertime
2. Ideo Gloria
3. Gifts of the Magi
4. Good King Wenceslas
5. Childgrove
6. Down in Yon Forest
7. Star of the East
8. Farewell to Glasgow
9. Trotto
10. Bring us in Good Ale

Listen to: the entire album.

Release date: 12/17/2010
Lydia McCauley lives in Washington USA

Tagged as: New Age, Folk, Christmas

1. Christmas Through the Gateway by Osamu Kitajima and Chris Mancinelli: pan pacific ambient dance masters
2. Funk Factor by Jive Ass Sleepers: chilled out grooves & uptempo funkathons
3. Eastern Expressions 2 - Gomera by Ruben van Rompaey: passionate Eastern percussion
4. Mozaic by Ruben van Rompaey: passionate Eastern percussion
5. CD1-Bach Cello Suites by Vito Paternoster: cellist extraordinaire
6. Lines Build Walls by Ehren Starks: piano and cello/jazzy new age
7. Mews by Jasmine Brunch: a secret garden of lucid musical dreams
8. Unspoken by Jami Sieber: enchanting cello compositions
9. Romantic Dinner Classical Compilation by Magnatune Compilation: the best music from Magnatune
10. New Age and Jazz by Magnatune Compilation: the best music from Magnatune
11. A Christmas with Magnatune by Magnatune Compilation: the best music from Magnatune
12. Debussy on Guitar and Ukulele by Daniel Estrem: colorful classical guitar
13. Christmas Guitar by Jeff Wahl: acoustic new age and jazz guitar.
14. Mojo Trippin' by Alan Marchand: Toe Teasin' Jazz Tunes For All Occasions
15. Keep Your Head Up by The Old Recruits: a new take on old funk
16. Eric 2 by Eric Kamen: Urban Flamenco
17. Acoustic Dreams by Manuel Ochoa: jazz and tango from where else, Argentina
18. Conversations Galantes by Ensemble Mirable: rare and extraordinary music of the Baroque
19. New Jazz Galaxy by Jive Ass Sleepers: chilled out grooves & uptempo funkathons
20. Eastern Expressions by Ruben van Rompaey: passionate Eastern percussion

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