Neoclassical musicians, especially pianists, will often say they were inspired by George Winston.  That begs the question - who is George Winston?

George Winston is one of the best-known pianists in the neoclassical music genre.  He is recognized not by only those in the genre, but across the board in all genres, for his talent and innovative piano compositions.  It has been said he is the defining artist for the “Windham Hill” production label, founded by William Ackerman. 

George Winston was born in 1949 and grew up in Montana.  He did spend some of his years in the south as well, but his recent album “Montana,” shows his love of the state he called home.  Winston is a private man, preferring to reveal himself through his musical paintings, which have been called “emotional,” “seasonal,” and “innovative.” 

Winston’s first album, “Ballads & Blues,” was released in 1972.  He has released eight more since, preferring to spend time on the quality of each, rather than quickly producing compositions that he is not pleased with. 

pOn Winston’s reaching out to others in times of crisis, his Web site says,

“In September 2005 George started recording GULF COAST BLUES & IMPRESSIONS - A HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT, an album of piano solos to benefit hurricane relief efforts. Back in November 2001 George released REMEMBRANCE - A MEMORIAL BENEFIT, a 6-song CD of piano, guitar and harmonica solos, to benefit those affected by 9/11. He has also recently worked with George Levenson of Informed Democracy on three projects: a solo guitar soundtrack for SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES, and soundtracks of piano, guitar and, harmonica solos for PUMPKIN CIRCLE, and BREAD COMES TO LIFE.” 

Currently, George Winston is working on his tour dates, composing solo piano works, or working on solo guitar as he revives slack key guitar, a traditional Hawaiian guitar method exclusive to Hawaii.

George Winston Official Web Site

Dancing Cat - Slack key guitar from Hawaii by George Winston

Neoclassical or New Age Music, is hard to define.  In the attempts to explain what it is, a list is compiled of what it is not.  Or the definition sounds more like an attempt at poetry or psychological analysis. 

Much of understanding music, and what kind you like, is understanding music itself.  You don’t have to be a scholar to appreciate music.  A few basics will help you recognize various qualities that you enjoy and will also help as you look for more music to enjoy.

I have found an article for you to read that will help in your understanding of basic musical terms and styles.  And you won’t have to be a musical scholar to understand it!  I recommend it for reading as you continue to pursue and enjoy your neoclassical music collection.

What Kind Of Music Is That?

I must like solo piano a lot more than I realized.  I have found myself listening to the Internet radio station, “Whisperings,” a lot.  You can visit Whisperings on the Internet and learn more about them.  I play it through the VIP player found at live365, which is my absolute favorite player.  Tonight, listening to Whisperings, I found David Nevue. 

Nevue is a pianist who says, “I am a seeker - seeking after my God, striving to serve Him, to understand His ways and His Word. My music is kind of a soundtrack for that journey.”   This is a good summary of a musician and the gift of music.  You can learn the mechanics of a piano, for instance, but never have the gift.  It is much like an impressionistic painter - the portrait is seen through the eyes of the artist.  The music is written and performed through the talents of the musician, or in Nevue’s case, the seeker.

Nevue was not driven to music from a young age, but found inspiration when he heard George Winston during his college years.  “Prior to hearing George Winston, my idea of ’solo piano’ went no further than classical music, a form a music I’ve never felt much connection with. Winston’s impressionistic style was at that time unlike any music I had ever heard. My roommate played Winston’s music all the time, and it just sort of seeped in. I found myself playing around with a few melodies at the piano and I just never stopped.”

We are very fortunate he didn’t stop.  His music is wonderful.  The first composition I heard of Nevue’s was, “When the Hard Rains Come,” and I am sure that piece of music would mean different things to different people, but to me it spoke of what we hold on to when life is a little tough and the obstacles seem a little high.  It was music of hope and endurance. 

Visit David Nevue’s site and you will find information about him, his music, sheet music, and a very plentiful supply of free mp3s.  I was very pleasantly surprised at the mp3 downloads and the availability of sheet music.  Checking out Nevue’s MySpace, you can find his tour schedule and other information of interest.

Stop by and listen to some samples of David Nevue’s music.  I am sure you will be downloading the mp3s.  I plan on listening to his music tonight as I wrap up my evening.  What a delightful way to close the day!

David Nevue Official Web Site

David Nevue at MySpace

I discovered something today that I think is really neat.  It is good for the artists and it is good for the listeners.  And it won’t cost you a dime.  The best part, in my opinion, is that you will learn about new artists in the neoclassical, or new age music field, early.  It’s fun to watch follow someone’s career.

Download.com has a whole section of music downloads.  I stumbled into it (quite literally) while I was looking for some software that eventually wasn’t suitable for my computer and kept me offline for a day.  But every cloud has a silver lining and this was a really good one.  I had no idea that these downloads were available.

Visit Music at Download.com and wander around through the neoclassical music.  Listen to samples and then download the artists that you like the best.  You can then rate musicians and build a nice collection of music that you really enjoy listening to - all free.

On the left side of the page, you will see that they call the category New Age Music, which is typical for the industry.  It is then broken down into sub-genres.  Keep in mind that with neoclassical (which they consider to be a sub-genre of new age) is very subjective.  What you might call solo instrumental, they might call contemporary instrumental or meditative, so check out all of the categories to find as much music as possible.

It is an easy site to navigate, and with the opportunities to listen to samples, you will find music that you will enjoy for a long time.  Be sure you have room on your hard drive (I have a separate hard drive for music) and download your favorites.  Then turn on your speakers and enjoy!

Neoclassical Music at Download.com