More like poems for piano than traditional, structured songs, the music of George Winston plays like a lyrical soundtrack to the natural world's rhythms, and nowhere is this more brilliantly enacted than on his third album, Winter into Spring. There are wondrous, beautiful melodies here, but what's amazing is Winston's intense inspiration that spills from his spirit and flows straight to the keys. He uses simple techniques that would hardly impress the most intellectual of music critics but can bring any listener with an artist's heart to tears. Tense and full of motion, his Steinway urgently rolls through songs like aspen leaves fluttering in the wind. From the first sparse, tinkling notes of "January Stars," Winston pulls you into his solitary dreamscape and doesn't let you go until the CD's end. During "January Stars" it's hard not to imagine standing in crunchy snow while staring up at stars glittering in a black, expansive sky. Another standout, the 10-minute "Rain," may be the most archetypal of Winston pieces. Beginning with serene, deliberate melodies, the piece jumps into a chiming complexity that grows until the listener is drenched in streams of urgent, rushing-watery notes. It's fitting Winston named this album after a transition because the music couldn't take you to lovelier places. A masterpiece. --Karen Karleski

It's a replacement for a cassette tape version. The recording is very clear and lifelike.

Winter Into Spring, by George Winston, is another fine offering from this gifted pianist. IF you are new to Mr. Winston, welcome, you are in for a treat. If Mr. Winston is old hat to yopu, enjoy the opportunity to own these once fantastic albums of now even greater CDs. Simply another 5 star CD from Mr. Winston. This is a CD to put on in the background and play all day.

I love Gerorge Winston. This is not my all-time favorite album of his, but it's very good. (Just my personal taste) I think December is one of his best.