Album Notes

Listen to the CD that started the Discovering Origins/Building Traditions Project, a series of multimedia ritual shows developed and performed by Kari Tauring and Friends throughout Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1998 I was inspired to record the songs I had written for the Winter Solstice Season, heard randomly at gigs and dinner parties. This led to the shows and the rest is history! Read about it on my vast website.

This CD for the Winter Holy Days begins with musical meandering from the solitude of hibernation season to a Yule party of carolers and merry makers. These polarities tug at us through the dark days of winter. The impulse to isolate and the necessity to congregate.

"I Sing of a Maiden" can be heard at nearly every Discovering Origins/Building Traditions Ritual Show and in many churches throughout the Twin Cities area as it has grown to become a favorite. Pairing 13th century lyrics of praise for the Mother of God with a simple and catchy tune perfect for solo voice or voice and drum.

"Yule Poem" (aka "Underworld Grave") is a jazzy spoken word piece that explains the mythology behind winter starting on Halloween, the new year and beginning of Winter on the agricultural calendar. "Winter's Come" is another favorite. Haunting and cold, the violin and vocals chill you to the bone.

The astronomical points of the solstices and equinoxes hold Earth changes that affect everyone from the most pagan to the most atheist, from the trees to the chickens.

Do you need support in balancing out your life? Pay attention to the cycles of the Earth, sun and moon for a year and observe your feelings, habits, and rituals.

“The Wheel” is a danceable and lively song that affirms - the only stable thing is change! Do it lovingly and with music!

Blessings,

Kari


Reviews:

"'Winter's Come' is '...ethereal, lonely, introspective, and beautiful as a winter snowfall.'"

"'Starlight Yule Bright,' a truly lovely and harmonic melody with a gentle lullaby tempo. This one is sure to gain repeat play throughout the holiday season and also be selected by listeners well into the coming years."

-Murrday Fisher, reviewer for allmusic.com