Winter Nights

Winter Nights

Jazz guitarist Al DiMeola gives new meaning to the phrase <i>world music</i> by working with Ukrainian <i>bandura</i> 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. <i>--Martin Keller</i>