WINTER SESSIONS

A jazzier shade of Lana Lane

Winter Sessions is an album very much in the tradition of the two "ballad collections" (especially Ballad Collection, Volume 2). As such, there is once again a mixture of covers and original material, and the focus is clearly on the softer and more laid back side of the band's sound (compared to their normal studio output). Though, a few of the songs are more rocking and would not be out of place on any regular Lana Lane studio album. What makes this album stand out however, even from the two ballad collections, is the strong jazzy feel of several songs and the frequent presence of saxophone and flutes. The 'winter' part of the album's title is indeed apt, but one should not be led to think that this is a Christmas album. It sounds "wintry", but not necessarily "Christmassy".

Most people will recognize Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade Of Pale and The Beach Boy's California Dreamin', but the band's own compositions are the more interesting ones. Many songs were written by Lana herself (which is not the norm), and some by Erik Norlander (which is the norm). The highlights for me are December Moon and the closer Terminus Pro Tempore. December Moon was performed live and featured on the excellent live album and video 10th Anniversary Concert. I prefer the live version.

Personally, I think Winter Sessions falls somewhere in between the two ballad collections in quality. It is better than Ballad Collection, Volume 1, but clearly less good than Ballad Collection, Volume 2. Compared to the regular studio and live output of the band, all of these special albums are somewhat less exciting. Still, this is high quality music that will definitely please the fans of the band (including this fan). But since there are so many fantastic Lana Lane releases, this one should be far down the list of priority. My advice is, therefore, to pass this one over until you have accumulated all, or at least most, of the other official albums, including Ballad Collection, Volume 2. If you (like me) still want more of Lana Lane after that, Winter Sessions is for you.

3.5 stars, really. Despite what the title may suggest, this is not one of those "Christmas" or "holidays" albums that plague so many artists career one time or another. It´s a rather "quieter" CD from great singer lane Lane. And a very underrated and maligned work. I guess lots of people - me, included - were disappointed at the time of its release by the lack of the usual powerful mix of classic/hard rock/symphonic prog mix she became famous for. But nowadays I can say I appreciate this record very much. Much of the problem here seems to lay on the poor tracklist sequence and a couple of bad song choices. Other than that this is a fine record.

The CD opens with two rather slow and slightly bland numbers: What a World and Spirit Of The Gypsy. Not bad songs in any way, but, really, you should start an album with something powerful to win the listener over and the fourth track (December Moon) would do that with flying colors. I really don´t understand why she and her husband producer Erik Norlander did not pick this one up as the opener. There are also four covers here. As usual they chose some challenging material, since both A Whiter Shade Of Pale and California Dreamin´are very well known (and overplayed) classics. And, again as usual, they handle them with such respect and power you´ll enjoy them even if you heard them a million times already. However, the two other covers, the jazz standards I´ll Be Seeing You and Ill Wind, are out of place here and although very well performed, are not Lane´s best style and break the CD´s continuity. Twice.

Other than those missteps, the remaining stuff is excellent, with the cover of Rocket Scientists (Norlander´s previous band) Carry Me Home being a highlight. Also they produce one of their best and most poignant ballads in the form of Winter Song, a track I´ve cherish since the very time I heard it. NOt surprisingly you´ll hear terrific, tasteful arrangements and the high quality production values of Mr. Norlander, one of the best keyboard players nowadays. He never overplays and knows how to handle those vintage instruments like few people can do.

Conclusion: personally I´d like to give Winter Sessions a four star rating, but really the two jazz covers and the poor track list sequence spoils the potential greatness of this work. But still it is still a very good record and if you like melodic, well arranged and impeccable performed stuff, you should try this one.