Al Di Meola - Winter Nights 1999

Jazz guitarist Al DiMeola gives new meaning to the phrase world music by working with Ukrainian bandura player Roman Hrynkiv. Here DiMeola explores a special collection of instrumental seasonal works, underscoring them with layered percussion. A number of captivating originals and intricately arranged standards surface here, including "Carol of the Bells, "Ave Maria," and "The First Noel." DiMeola certainly titled the album right: these seasonal songs readily capture the penetrating chill and peacefulness of a star-laden winter sky. Recommended.

Martin Keller, Amazon.com

1. Zima Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv/Hernan Romero
2. Carol of the Bells Al Di Meola 4:13
3. Winterlude Duet No. 1 Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv 1:28
4. Greensleeves Al Di Meola/Hernan Romero 2:47
5. Mercy Street Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv/Hernan Romero 4:55
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Al Di Meola 4:33
7. Winterlude No. 2 Roman Hrynkiv 0:51
8. Midwinter Nights Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv 4:52
9. Scarborough Fair Al Di Meola 4:36
10. Winterlude No. 3 Roman Hrynkiv 0:47 $
11. The First Noel Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv 3:16 $
12. Inverno Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv/Hernan Romero 5:40
13. First Snow Al Di Meola/Roman Hrynkiv 2:43
14. Winterlude No. 4 Roman Hrynkiv 1:32
15. Ave Maria Al Di Meola