WINTER SESSIONS

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.

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