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

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