Cheap Feast of Seasons (Music) (Steve Bell) Price

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Customer Reviews of Feast of Seasons

Bell reclaims the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany
First of all, I have to admit that I am hardly an unbiased reviewer on this one. Close to a decade ago, I sat with Steve in a North End Winnipeg diner, and listened as he began to dream of creating an alternative to the run-of-the-mill seasonal pap. This one would go beyond the usual contemporary retakes of familiar Christmas carols; would go beyond focussing narrowly on Christmas; it would even go beyond the usual distinctions between contemporary and traditional.

And so that chilly fall afternoon an idea was born, which would eventually produce "A Feast of Seasons." And you know what? Steve managed to meet his own challenging goals! In short, the album works. There is enough familiar material to hook the listener, but it hardly stops at well-known (or is that "worn out?") carols. In fact, before getting anywhere near a Christmas carol, this disc walks you through the season of Advent, and that Advent material is arguably the strongest of all. "Ready my Heart," with its incredible production values and swirling Eastern textures, the haunting quality of "Magnificat," and Jim Croegart's "Angel Gabriel" all stand out.

Only after the themes of Advent(wakefulness, watchfulness, wonder) are considered does Steve turn his attention to Christmas. Yet even the Christmas material is unsentimental. "A Stable Lamp is Lighted," from a poem by Richard Wilbur, challenges the listener to be anything but sentimental about the life of the one born in Bethlehem. Even "O Holy Night," a piece more often overdone than simply performed, is (at least by the usual standards for this one) understated.

Even the Epiphany, a part of this seasonal cycle which is often forgotten in our times, is given a nod. "Old Sage" is at once the story of one of the biblical wise men and a personal reflection on the shape of life and learning. It also ranks as one of the more upbeat and radio friendly tunes ever to come from the writer.

If you love Christmas, but find yourself left cold by the commercialism and sentimentality that has come to surround it in our society, then buy this one. In fact, buy one for your mom as well, 'cause chances are she'll love it too!

Steve Bell soothes and calms
Steve Bell, the Canadian Christian Juno Winner provides a welcome respite from the traditional Christmas offerings with his acoustic and warm renditions of favorites.

I have been following Steve Bell for a number of years now, through my Canadian relatives and all his music is enjoyed year round. I am glad to see his CD's are now available to all of us in the states.