AMG Review of Remembrance: A Memorial Benefit

Jonathan Widran
All Music Guide

The new age pianist's massive popularity, combined with the proceeds going to the September 11th disaster relief fund, should ensure strong sales for this unique six-song sampler showcasing all of his musical talents in just under a half-hour. Those who love the quiet graces of his ivory tickling will gravitate to the melancholy "Lament" and somewhat more hopeful "Remembrance," but the real surprises here come from his slack key and harmonica work. He runs Windham Hill's Dancing Cat imprint, producing numerous top slack key guitar players. Winston shines on the sparse, high-toned "Where the Sun Rises First," which was written by genre masters Moses Kahumoku and George Kahumoku, Jr.. He also concludes the set with the sweet strains of "Daughters and Sons," also a slack key classic. His harmonica solo medley of "Farewell," "Kindness Emerging," "America, My Country Tis of Thee," and "Taps" features a dual-toned, lingering note approach which approximates Scottish bagpipes -- a perfect patriotic elegy to the victims.