WINTER SOLSTICE
John Eric Klemesrud wrote both songs, performed on all the instruments (except for the mandolin on Happy Winter Solstice).
Winter Solstice connects to most of the winter holidays with a history that goes back thousands of years. I hope you’ll make these songs a part of your holiday tradition!
PRODUCER: John Eric Klemesrud
ABOUT THE SONGS
This is one of my earliest compositions. It started as a classical guitar style piece inspired by Bach. It always had a holiday vibe and lends itself well to the additions of bells, horns, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and temple blocks. Vocals are performed by Felicia Hallen of Sweden, and Angel Teran of Venezuela plays the mandolin. Winter Solstice is a part of my holiday traditions and I hope this song makes it more a part of yours.
This used to be two separate songs with the verses and pre-chorus being one and the chorus being the other. They were both missing something. As I was rewriting the lyrics on the first one, I decided a new chorus segment was needed. I pulled a short piece out of the archives, dusted it off, and realized that it fit like a glove! I didn’t even have to change the tempo or key! I excitedly got to work on the lyrics for the new chorus. Every year I learn more about the science of the solstice (declination of the Sun) and explore new and old ways of celebrating it. I’ve discovered that the sources warmth and light in your life can be more apparent during the darker colder darker days. This song expresses that. The last line of the chorus is reminiscent of a line from Deck the Halls: “Sing we joyous all together … Heedless of the wind and weather.” Solstice Night vocals are performed by Dan Osborn of Canada.
