03 December 2024: Chris Squire's Swiss Choir; California Guitar Trio; Markus Reuter

Be sure to follow KMXT FreeForm Radio on Facebook and Bandcamp.  

Please support FreeForm Radio and KMXT by going to www.KMXT.org and pledging your support.

The music you hear is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages, websites, and Spotify

We urge you to support the musicians you hear on FreeForm Radio.

 

From Wikipedia:

Chris Squire's Swiss Choir is the second and final solo album by Chris Squire. An album of traditional Christmas music, it was released in 2007 and includes former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, future King Crimson drummer and keyboardist Jeremy Stacey and the English Baroque Choir.

All tracks were arranged by Chris Squire and Gerard Johnson

Review by lazland
PROG REVIEWER

3 stars Whilst browsing the site, I was surprised to see this LP hasn't been rated.

It is not a true prog album, but it is a fine musical treat, especially at Christmas time. I had it brought for me at 2007 Christmas, and we all enjoyed listening. The album certainly highlights what a fine vocalist Squire is in his own right - Run With The Fox (easily the most recognisable prog track) is fantastic and has attracted quite a bit of UK radio airplay.

The album does what it says on the tin - a collection of mainly Christmas songs arranged, with a distinct rock twist, with Swiss Choral choirs, except there is no Swiss choral choir on it!

Steve Hackett is the most recognisable and distinct guest on the album, and I can't wait for their next promised collaboration.

You will likely only get this LP out at Christmas, aside from Run With The Fox, but you will be rewarded with an enjoyable collection of songs and arrangements from one of the finest musicians of his or any other generation.

Fun! 


 California Guitar Trio - 10 Christmas Songs

AllMusic Review by

Not that there is an abundance of progressive rock-tinged acoustic guitar trios among the ranks, but this aggregation stands tall among its peers as the guitarists' inventiveness surges forward with this altogether warmhearted reckoning of Christmas carols and other pleasantries. The guitarists' nimble yet at times forceful approach is wholly evident during their highly rhythmic spin on "Jingle Bells." They perform the classic "Greensleeves" with a sensitive, chamber-like approach while also tackling the Lennon/Ono favorite "Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)." However, part of the magic resides within the trio's ability to delve into the inherent frameworks of each song, while also reformulating themes and rhythms into personalized statements. Essentially, the artists have produced a rather poignant Christmas outing, awash with interweaving lines and lilting harmonies, as they complement their superior artisanship and forward-thinking deployments with a cheerfully rendered collection of holiday favorites.

Winter Solstice EP from Markus Reuter:  Soundscape versions of traditional songs usually associated with this time of year, at least here in Germany. In addition to the meditative soundscapes (which are based on the series of pitches of each tune) I've also overdubbed straight versions of the original melodies. Enjoy this parallel universe... It's strangely hypnotizing. Only available from December 1st to December 31st.

 
5.1 surround mix available here:
surroundmusic.one/album/winter-solstice/

credits

released December 17, 2018