Review and More

Our Review

In the early morning hours of mid-November, awake before other family members, I am listening to Jeff Ball's Songs of Winter, instrumental new age music that is designed for contemplative times like these. The music centers on the American Indian flute, and Ball certainly knows his way around that haunting and distinctive voice. The overall effect is calming, yet invigorating, and I am well-positioned to absorb this lovely music without heading back to bed.

Songs of Winter differs from many new age holiday releases in several important respects. First, new age "mood music" often features a solo instrument, and Jeff Ball's fine ensemble adds others: guitarist Randy Ball, guitarist/pianist Sennen Quigley, and drummer/percussionist Ted Natale (and handbells by Lynn Bogovich on one cut). As a result, the sound has richer variety and balance. Second, new age music can be so hushed and introspective that listeners are in danger of nodding off (especially at this hour). Not so with Ball's release, which maintains a relatively high intensity with percussive fluorishes that drive the music forward. Third, I have reviewed several offerings centering on the Native American flute this season alone, and they tend to center more uniquely on the voice of that instrument as opposed to other players. Ball's flute is more of a "team player"; he often carries the melody, of course, but his participation is better integrated into the ensemble's whole than on other releases.

The album includes four well-developed and emotive originals that naturally fit within the framework of familiar holiday tunes. Of these, I particular enjoyed the flow of Through the Eyes of Innocence, from its lovely piano intro, which enriches with other instrumental voices as the song proceeds, to the driving percussive framework and the especially cool Native American flute, which flutters and sighs through a journey of rich contemplation. It is perhaps my favorite track on the album. Other highlights include God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, a grand version that incorporates a cathedral organ and handbells. Even the familiar tunes are ones not often found on holiday releases; John Lennon's iconic Across the Universe, for example, is not strictly a Christmas number, but does make sense in the context of Songs of Winter. Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head, is a lesser-known traditional carol from Appalachia; I loved the minimalist approach of piano and flute--gorgeous.

If you enjoy new age music with a Native American twist, Jeff Ball's Songs of Winter may be just the ticket. The album certainly did the trick for me this morning; I face the day (and the upcoming holidays) feeling refreshed. Enjoy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

More

From the liner notes:

Musicians:
Jeff Ball: American Indian Flute
Randy Ball: Electric and Acoustic Fretless Bass Guitar, Fretted Electric Bass Guitar, Dobro
Sennen Quigley: Electric Guitars, Six- and Twelve-string Acoustic Guitars, Piano, Strings, Table Bells, and Cathedral Organ
Ted Natale: Drum Kit, Djembe, Thunder Drum, Mallet Toms, and Percussion
Lynn Bogovich: Handbells on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Executive Producer: Paul Brotzman
Produced by: Jeff Ball, Randy Ball, Ted Natale, and Sennen Quigley


From the Website:

When you hear Jeff Ball play the Native American courting flute...the solemn beauty of it is inescapable. Jeff Ball, calling the Washington DC area his home, started out as a soloist, but through the writing and recording collaborations on his previous 3 albums, he has ended up with a band.

The current incarnation of the band has in a way been in the making for some 10 years. The musicians have known each other through the very diverse local music scene in the Washington area...supporting each others' endeavors in the past...crossing paths along the way in the studio, at clubs, and festivals. All have released their own works separately in different genres. They have ended up together, feeling compelled to collaborate with a distinctive energy blending their musical styles into a near mystical sound.

John Natale plays guitar and keys, Randy Ball handles the bass, and Ted Natale plays the drums and percussion. The players borrow inspiration from a myriad of musical backgrounds. You will hear the distant influence of Pink Floyd or detect a fleeting moment that leaves you thinking Zeppelin. With a range of influences from Bela Fleck/Martin Medeski & Wood...to RadioHead/StevieWonder...
"There is always something distantly recognizable"...says Ball.

The band, (simply deciding to use their flautist/front man's name)...wanted to build a tasteful bridge between the tonal emotions and spiritual melodies projected by this ancient instrument and the modern world of more contemporary style. By exploring the boundaries of the instrument...they have done just that without forsaking the haunting, stilling, sound of the flute as the focus of the orchestration.

As for his personal inspiration for playing an instrument that few in the western world have become acquainted with...Jeff looks to known masters like Douglas Spotted Eagle, R. Carlos Nakai and John Ranier Jr. His hope was to incorporate the elements of what he liked best in their styles so that he could produce a style that he felt was unique to his playing.

Jeff Ball

Songs of Winter

Artist link

Track List