Stanton Lanier's new CD "DECEMBER PEACE"

Stanton Lanier's passion is to bring listeners peace and rest in a hurried world. His 5th album "Unveiled" (2008) reflects his desire to discover truth and beauty on life's journey, combining signature piano melodies with a stellar ensemble of guest artists. "Unveiled was produced by Windham Hill Founder Will Ackerman who describes it as "...soaring inspiration and remarkable peace." Stanton's live performances blend solo piano, visuals and stories to inspire audiences of all ages. His story illustrates how each of our lives is like a tapestry being woven together to make a beautiful picture, even though there are times when life doesn't make sense and requires us to live by faith. In arranging and composing for his latest cd, December Peace, Stanton's goal was to offer peace and rest for your holiday season through a distinctive collection of traditional and original piano melodies. The album also features the beautiful work of Jill Haley on English horn, Eugene Friesen on cello, Jeff Oster on flugel horn and Noah Wilding with angelic vocals.

Official Website

Available Recordings

John Rutter's 'A Christmas Festival' CD - 2008

There is no composer currently alive who has been more closely associated with Christmas music than John Rutter. For more than 30 years his seasonal choral music has gained him an international following. This major new album of over a dozen new compositions and arrangements together with Rutter's selection of favourite carols was recorded at London's Cadogan Hall and is the first all new Christmas release from Rutter's celebrated Cambridge Singers for 20 years. Accompanying the superb choir are the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and with contributions from the Farnham Youth Choir this is an album with a sales potential far, far beyond the average choral release. The Cambridge Singers are indeed in fine voice and bring to light the soaring melodic cadences of the new Rutter works like "Rejoice And Be Merry", "New Year" and "I Wish You Christmas". His new arrangements are strong too though there's only so much he could do with an over-jolly melody like "Nos Galan (New Year's Eve)", better known to you and I as "Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Holly". Having said that, the haunting Appalachian carol "I Wonder As I Wander" and the quite beautiful "The Shepherd's Carol" are two of the finest examples of Christmas music you'll hear this or any year. Reviewed by Tony Cummings

SHOP here for Rutter's A Christmas Festival 2008

Rutter on the WEB

SHOP The Cambridge Singers directed by John Rutter