16 December 2025: Holiday Show #2: A Winter Solstice Celebration: California Guitar Trio; Markus Reuter; Cousin Silas

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

You can now listen to the livestream of the show through the KMXT app; it's available through the Mac App Store or Google Play. The stream is also available at www.kmxt.org

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

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages and websites. (links below) 

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

 California Guitar Trio - 10 Christmas Songs

AllMusic Review by Glenn Astarita

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

christmas jul merry natale noel weihnachten weihnachtslied yule yuletide Berlin

Cousin Silas - Variations on a Theme of Winter

There are many things that 'inspire' the music I do, but perhaps one of the most endearing is Winter. Apart from the usual cliches of transformation, and the memory echoes from childhood with its association with Christmas. It's also the way in which, at night, sounds are strangely muffled, morphed almost and how the landscape glitters and glows as though we have two full moons.
I guess all that sounds a little pretentious, but as I say, I do have a rather abiding passion for Winter.

My thanks to Thomas Mathie for the cover/artwork.

credits

released November 16, 2020

Cover/Artwork by Thomas Mathie 

 

ambient electronic experimental guitar sound alchemy soundscapes thomas mathie cousin silas United Kingdom  

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

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 Glenn Astarita

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

christmas jul merry natale noel weihnachten weihnachtslied yule yuletide Berlin

20 December 2022: FreeForm Holiday Special #3: A Winter Solstice Celebration with Markus Reuter

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

You can now listen to the livestream of the show through the KMXT app; it's available through the Mac App Store or Google Play.

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

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages and websites. (links below) 

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

 

 Comet is the follow-up to "Winter Solstice" is my second release of ambient versions of melodies that are associated with Christmas here in Germany. My intention was to present these melodic cells in a new context. I hope you enjoy the results.

Much love,
Markus

credits

released December 9, 2021

Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars® AU8, Guitar Synth, Dual Looping System
Recorded live at home in Berlin on Saturday, November 20 2021.

Stereo version mixed and mastered by Markus

Surround mixes by Jan Printz
surroundmusic.one/album/comet/

---

1 Comet
based on a melody by Johann Abraham Peter Schulz ("Ihr Kinderlein kommet")

2 Amid The Thorn
based on a traditional melody ("Maria durch ein Dornwald ging")

3 Rose
based on a traditional melody ("Es ist ein Ros entsprungen")

4 The Gates Draw Wide
based on a traditional melody ("Macht hoch die Tür")

5 Here I Stand
based on a melody by Johann Sebastian Bach ("Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier", BWV 469)

6 Cometh
based on a melody by Mike Oldfield ("The Time Has Come")

all rights reserved 

5.1 christmas christmas music free download natale quad surround weihnachtslied x-mas Berlin

 

Winter Solstice:  Bizarre 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

1. Silent (Night) / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
2. Chorus of Youths / Tochter Zion
3. Snow (Children Song) / Leise rieselt der Schnee
4. Joy / In Dulci Jubilo
5. Night (Silent) / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht

 

christmas jul merry natale noel weihnachten weihnachtslied yule yuletide Berlin

 

14 December 2021: Twisted Christmas with Bob Rivers, The Fools, The Capitol Steps, and more

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

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

Join us this week for the Annual FreeForm Radio Twisted Christmas.  This show will feature clever, irreverent parodies of traditional Christmas songs as well original satirical Christmas songs.  Note that some material may not be suitable for children and anyone who does not have a sense of humor about Christmas.

 Disclaimer:  tonight's show is not in any way associated with the War on Christmas.

Among the featured artists are the Bob Rivers Twisted Radio Troupe, The Fools, The Capitol Steps, some cows, and, of course, Elvis Presley.

So pour yourself an eggnog fortified with the spirits of your choice, throw a log on the fire, and sit back for a hearty Ho Ho Ho!

NOTE:  No chipmunks were harmed in the making of this show.

07 December 2021: An Ambient Winter Evening with Markus Reuter and Cousin Silas

 

Note that tonight's show may begin later than 9 pm Alaska Time due to the live broadcast of a public meeting here in Kodiak.  FreeForm will begin immediately after the meeting if it runs past 9 pm. 

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

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

The music you hear on tonight's show is available on the artists' Bandcamp pages (links below) and makes a great gift for the holidays as well as brightening the musicians' holidays.  

 

Markus Reuter Winter Solstice

Bizarre 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

1. Silent (Night) / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
2. Chorus of Youths / Tochter Zion
3. Snow (Children Song) / Leise rieselt der Schnee
4. Joy / In Dulci Jubilo
5. Night (Silent) / Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht

 

christmas jul merry natale noel weihnachten weihnachtslied yule yuletide Berlin

 

Cousin Silas - Variations on a Theme of Winter

There are many things that 'inspire' the music I do, but perhaps one of the most endearing is Winter. Apart from the usual cliches of transformation, and the memory echoes from childhood with its association with Christmas. It's also the way in which, at night, sounds are strangely muffled, morphed almost and how the landscape glitters and glows as though we have two full moons.
I guess all that sounds a little pretentious, but as I say, I do have a rather abiding passion for Winter.

My thanks to Thomas Mathie for the cover/artwork.

credits

released November 16, 2020

Cover/Artwork by Thomas Mathie 

 

ambient electronic experimental guitar sound alchemy soundscapes thomas mathie cousin silas United Kingdom