Comments for Ralston Bowles, Winter In West Michigan

An impresive array of "local" singer/songwriters have come together to produce a CD for the betterment of those in need( a fund raiser for homeless shelter - "Heartside" ) and the improved holiday listening for the rest of the world as well. Do yourself and others a favor by checking this very creative collection of orginal holiday tunes.

What should anyone say that is bad about a noble effort to benefit those unfortunate among us? Please do not take this to be a kill joy on the season. I would only say first there are some tunes which perhaps need a bit more thinking through before attempting to re-arrange for the sake of new. Which makes me wonder what some of the "new" takes seem to be trying to acheive i.e Christmas Song - Mel Torme; Away in a Manger - It has nothing to do with the vocal abilities or musicianship of any of the artists on the disc, more on arrangement sensibilites and musical fittings. An exception which seemed work in it's favor was dropping the pervasive PA RUM PA PUM PUM every line in Drummer Boy - good call. Actually that made what is a annoying song for me more listenable this year. And How can you miss with Silent Night? Over all the cause is great and well worth the money paid for the original tunes and the fact that it is helping people in a time when the spirit of peace is a much needed declaration. Buy it and burn off the songs you like to another disc. (oops is that OK?)

I was quite suprised at the quality. Everything from the packaging to the original songwriting. For a local project it has an over all consistant flow from cut to cut not usually heard on projects of this nature. Cut 13 a song about Christmas noodles: reminiscent of Paul McCartney ballads or a Randy Newman narrative, also cut # 18 which offers a melodic instrumental. I was also impressed by the innovative arangement of cut #12. All in all a wonderful collection of holiday tunes which run the gamut of winter reflections, channuka and traditional Christmas carols. A nice addition to anyones collection with refreshing arrangements.