Misty River Midwinter Songs Of Christmas CD

Intimate, pure, beautiful-MIDWINTER.The second new release in 2004 from the award-winning, acoustic, americana band Misty River, MIDWINTER-SONGS OF CHRISTMAS is a stunning collection of traditional favorites, little known classics, and original songs. The result is a fresh yet intimate celebration of the holiday season, with Misty River’s “spine-tingling” voices, tasteful song selection and creative instrumentation setting MIDWINTER apart from the run-of-the-mill Christmas release. Although often compared to the neo-bluegrass sound of Alison Krauss, this “indie” band from the Pacific Northwest has a sound all its own. The four women of Misty River are most well known for their compelling vocal harmony. For Misty River fans, MIDWINTER lives up to that expectation. But the 12-song album is also graced with exquisite lead vocals and distinctive combinations of accordion, fiddle, guitar, banjo, piano, ukulele and upright bass. Grammy award-winning guitarist Doug Smith lends his talents to two of the tracks.From their humble beginnings at an open mic in 1997, Misty River has built a large and enthusiastic following and become one of the most popular bands from the region. After seven years together, 2004 has marked a monumental year for the band. Misty River was selected to represent Americana music at the 2004 Shanghai International Music Festival in China, then returned home to release its third album, WILLOW, to widespread local and international acclaim. The independent band hit the 25,000 mark in CD sales and has been a top seller on CDBaby.com.Misty River has also met challenges this year. In March, guitarist/vocalist Carol Harley was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, a life-threatening disease of the blood and bone marrow. Despite this setback, Misty River has made 2004 its most prolific recording year to date, with the release of the band’s fourth album, MIDWINTER-SONGS OF CHRISTMAS.MIDWINTER has yet to hit review publications, but reviewers have had plenty to say about Misty River’s other CDs: RISING (2000), LIVE AT THE BACKGATE STAGE (2002) and WILLOW (2004).* “From its seamless sound, the sharing of the spotlight and the pitch-perfect harmonies, it is clear that Misty River’s impressive flow comes from individual talents streaming together with purpose and grace.” - Scott Lewis, The Oregonian.* “…goose-bumpy good music.”- Paul Denison, The Register-Guard.* “Four, phenomenal female musicians…”-Melissa Bearns, The Source* “If you’ve been looking for fresh female voices in bluegrass-infused music…check out…Misty River [with] abilities to select and write an interesting variety of tradition-based music and create beautiful, soaring harmonies…each member [has] a chance to shine vocally and instrumentally. The results are wonderfully enchanting.” - Linda Paulson, Dirty Linen* “[Misty River puts] their voices together for lovely harmony, but the real payoff is their emotional commitment [to the music].”-R.L., Sing Out!* “…one of the Pacific Northwest’s finest groups…Misty River creates a sound that is both traditional-based and all their own. Misty River’s voices will grab you, and keep you locked in until the last song on the disc is gone.” -Allen Price, Victory ReviewMisty River consists of Carol Harley of Vancouver, Washington on guitar, banjo and ukulele; Chris Kokesh of Portland, Oregon on fiddle and guitar; Dana Abel of Eugene, Oregon on accordion; and Laura Quigley of Portland, Oregon on acoustic bass. MIDWINTER was recorded by Justin King at Blackberry Hill Studios in Eugene, Oregon.For more information about Misty River visit www.mistyriverband.com.For more CD reviews, read on:* “ a chorus of angelic harmonies…Misty River is a four-woman collective of songstresses who have an incredible talent for precision layering of live voices…this is music which is heavily steeped in the bluegrass, folk and country traditions. But there's also a modern