Few albums recorded in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks are as poignant as George Winston's EP, Remembrance. A benefit album, Remembrance reflects a loss of both life and innocence. Solo piano tracks "Lament" and "Remembrance" are pensive works with Winston playing open-ended melodies over simple, mournful chord structures. Winston also plays three acoustic guitar tunes, a rarity on his CDs. The most surprising track is an eight-minute solo harmonica medley that culminates in "America/My Country 'Tis of Thee/Taps." Winston gets a tortured sound in one of his most emotionally conflicted performances. Remembrance doesn't just serve a good cause, it also serves good music. --John Diliberto

Japanese exclusive release.

Japanese exclusive release.

the unitiated will cringe that this is not a carbon copy of Decemeber, and has the nerve to feature other instruments besides piano, but folks, this CD has more soul than anything I've heard in years. The mix of solo piano, guitar, and harmonica tell an amazing tale of passion and emotion. The guitar work invokes comparisons to John Fahey, while the harmonic mimics a bagpipe band. George's piano work speaks for itself.

This cd IS George Winston at his best, and I am grateful for his gift.

I dont get G Winston sometimes. I love his piano work, it is at times breathtaking. December is one of my favorite CDs ever. I even loved his remake of the Doors music. But the harmonica? My COuntry Tis of Thee? C'mon I could almost do that. I saw him in concert and he did the same thing, pulled out the harmonica and the dreaded "slack key" guitar... George wake up! We all paid to see you play the big black 88 tooth monster you are sitting in front of.

First: Too much money for too few tracks.

Second: What on earth was he thinking with the harmonica?

I'm a George Winston fan, but this CD was a disappointment. Worth the money only if you're a sufficient Winston fanatic that you want this CD on principle, to complete your Winston collection. Otherwise, spend the money on a different Winston album, because this one just doesn't display his talent.

I am a fan of George Winston and usually expect high quality music from this very talened man. But, Remembrance is the worst CD he has created. I kept thinking, "George Winston did this?" The piano music is very beautiful but the harmonicas trying to sound like bagpipes is the most painful noise to come out of a speaker. I tried to listed to the CD twice to give it a chance but had to stop when it got to the harmonica noise. The CD is now in my donate to the Goodwill box if anyone would want waste a dollar to buy it. At least my purchase price went to a good cause.

I agree with some of the other reviewers about track 5 (the dreaded harmonica track!) that it really doesn't belong on this CD. For just some reason, it is kind of like grating fingernails on a chalkboard compared to the other tracks. I for one like GW playing guitar. I have seen him in concert many times, and I have always enjoyed him playing slack key. If you are one of the die hard fans of George, you still should invest in this CD. If you are new to him, December, Autumn, Summer, Winter into Spring, or Forest are great first time intro CD's to GW. Still, this is a good effort and for a great cause. I don't regret purchasing it, but he has done better.