Our Review
On a night when I am just reckless enough to give holiday music a listen--even if it is a bit early for a hardcore Christmas record--it is my good fortune to have on hand Don Latarski's Northwest of December.
Just what the doctor ordered: deep, resounding riffs reminding me more of a cool evening in November than winter's out of breath chill. Latarski's eclectic stylings buoy my spirit. Autumn is my favorite time of year. His treatment of favorite Christmas songs puts me in mind of the holidays without taking me all the way there.
Not that he doesn't do justice to the traditionals--his rendition of Bring a Torch Jeannett, Isabella is one of the most original and moving I have heard. I mention it here because it isn't even a favorite of mine, and yet I enjoyed his noodling on this classic theme, which reminded me a little of Pat Metheny.
But the tremendous power of this record emanates from the strong selection of original material. The title track, Northwest of December, is as refreshing as light rain hitting the roof on a November morning, its delicate beauty completely in tune with my restless spirit. The song has a classic, well-crafted feel, a counterpoint to its cool beauty. On the Wing is a jazzy composition good for any time of year. Ice Party takes us closer to winter, and Snow on the Sound drives on into midwinter.
Latarski so imbues his music with Oregon's crisp freshness that my feet are cold. His music represents the best of the Northwest acoustic genre.
Sometimes, recklessness can pay off in a big way.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2000)
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From the liner notes:
Don Latarski is an adjunct professor of jazz guitar at the University of Oregon. He has recorded with Mason Williams, Dan Siegel, Gary Parks, Mark Alan, and others. A gifted performer, e has recorded a number of albums, has recorded a soundtrack and a children's musical, has composed music for several video games. He has also published numerous books on guitar technique.
Don Latarski
Northwest of December
Artist link
Label: Crescent Records
Length: 44 minutes
Genre: Acoustic
Release: 1995
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| NorthWest of December |
| God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen |
| On the Wing |
| Silent Night |
| Good King Wenceslas |
| Sarabande |
| Ice Party |
| We Three Kings of Orient Are |
| Bring a Torch Jeanett, Isabella |
| Snow on the Sound |
| Ode to a New Angel |