Just saw the latest on Sting’s new winter-themed album due out October 26 of this year, featuring traditional music of the British Isles (whatever that is) along with songs, carols and lullabies. I must say that I’m disappointed for several reasons. First, there will be no new material, just reinterpretations of other’s music as well as a couple of Sting’s old songs from “Mercury Falling”. Second, it’s all about the winter, which is my least favorite season of all! It’s hard to like the winter in central Illinois, although I do understand it would be easier for winter to be Sting’s “favorite” season with homes in Malibu and Tuscany. That would indeed soften the blow of winter for me too. Third, it’s not going to rock, I’m pretty sure about that from the description, although I was quite relieved not to see “lute” anywhere in the description either!
Isn’t anybody else besides me concerned that it’s been nearly six years now since Sting released any new music? “Sacred Love” came out in October of 2003, for goodness sake, and Sting has never had so much time between new rock music album releases before! I’m really ready for Sting to put pen to paper and get back to what he does best – songwriting – with some great new material for that next album that is supposed to be out in 2010 some time.
Here is the info from sting.com on Sting’s upcoming winter album:
Sting set to release new recording ”If On A Winter’s Night”…
To be released October 26, 2009 on Deutsche Grammophon – (Germany: 23 October, USA: 27 October, UK: 2 November)
This fall, Sting will release a new album dedicated to his favorite season – Winter – a season which has inspired countless songwriters over the centuries and produced a wealth of music exploring all of its many guises. If On a Winter’s Night… presents an arc of songs that conjures the season of spirits, resulting in a haunting, spiritual and reflective musical journey.
“The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material,” comments Sting; “by filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new.” He continues, “Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons.”
In collaboration with esteemed producer and arranger, Robert Sadin, “If On a Winter’s Night…” features traditional music of the British Isles as its starting point. Sting and guest musicians interpret a stirring collection of songs, carols, and lullabies including The Snow it Melts the Soonest (traditional Newcastle ballad), A Soalin’ (traditional English “begging” song) Gabriel’s Message (14th century carol), Balulalow (lullaby by Peter Warlock) and Now Winter Comes Slowly (Henry Purcell).
Two of Sting’s own compositions are also featured on the album, Lullaby for an Anxious Child and The Hounds of Winter, which originally appeared on his previous release Mercury Falling, alongside Hurdy Gurdy Man, – a musical reworking and English translation (by Sting) of Der Leiermann from Schubert’s classic winter song-cycle Winterreise.
For this exploration of the themes and emotions of Winter, Sting is joined by friend and long time colleague, guitarist Dominic Miller. Additional guests include an ensemble of three remarkable musicians from Northern England and Scotland: Kathryn Tickell (fiddle and Northumbrian pipes) Julian Sutton (melodeon) and Mary MacMaster (metal string Scottish harp), along with Daniel Hope (violin), Vincent Ségal (cello), Chris Botti and Ibrahim Maalouf, (trumpet), Cyro Baptista and Bijan Chemirani (percussion), the Webb Sisters (vocals) and Stile Antico (vocal ensemble).
If anyone can lift me out of the doldrums of a winter’s day it is Sting and his phenomenal music. I am really looking forward to this album, and thoroughly enjoyed Labyrinth. I think it is in these realms of music that we really see how truly gifted a musician he is, of course I speak from experience being a musician myself. Rock (to generalize) is a simplistic and rudimentary form of music, though Sting even far exceeds when writing his style of ‘rock’ – he delves into a wide variety of musical influences on every album and I for one am excited when he comes out with anything new knowing that it will be expertly done no matter what the style.
I agree with you, Michael, and appreciate your comments.
I’m listening to the album as I’m writing this (just got it today from amazon). It’s very good for what it is – namely, a primarily acoustic, fireside companion. The medieval atmosphere is definitely still there – in many ways, the german carols and the old Newcastle folk songs are not that different than dowland to the 21st century listener’s ears. I, too, wish Sting came up with new, original material instead – but I’d much rather him releasing this kind of album than coming up with second rate material, or worse – re-hashing old musical ideas. This album is very fresh in its particular way, regardless of its lack of grooves, contemporary pop-rock production and life-changing choruses. If sting has said his last in the world of significant contrbutions to today’s original adult contemporary music (and I don’t thing he has), that’s a great way to change direction.
Just got the album myself last night. Even though I am desperately craving a new rock album from Sting, I really admire If On A Winter’s Night. It is beautifully crafted and expertly executed. I agree that without the ability to digest many different musical genres, a Sting fan might be put off by this album though unfortunately. Sting’s voice is brilliant on these songs, that is reason enough to get it !
Watching David Letterman tonight I was delighted to hear that Sting would be introducing the “Winter” song. I usually use TV to fall asleep as background, being that my Bday is 12/21 the first day of winter and the fact it was Sting, hip fracture, terrible summer, blah, blah, blah, I turned off my computer. Wanting to hear. I turned up the TV to listen to an artist I have always been touched in my heart with the music of his will… to get through mine.
Thanks Sting!
I, too, heard Sting’s song on Letterman last night. I like everything he does because of its eminent smoothnes with background players beyond reproach. Always a class act, yet there must come a time in a musicians career when he decides to forge new ground or rest on his laurels.The question is what do people want to hear? The answer is new Sting for the 21st century, just dive right in. I vote for a little more space age R&B dirtection. I could listen to that for “A Thousand Years”. You dig?
Thanks to you all for your comments. I am pleased to hear that other Sting fans are enjoying this new album!
Kathy,
To say that some rock songs are simple i.e., easy to play, is true. To say that rock is “simplistic” is a bit of a slight to the form. There is, though, elegance in simplicity, Mozart will tell you that. Sting’s music has never been complicated, only unique and impeccably crafted. His music is sometimes serious and often playful. I suppose therein lies another Mozart reference…… .
I am half-way through the album and I must agree with the minority, a very dissapointing album. What a waste of money. I really expected something good after such a long time without an album. I can’t make out half the time the words he is singing. I think he’s days are numbered as a singer.
MD, thanks for your comments. I can certainly understand where you are coming from and suspect there are many other Sting fans out there with the same opinion. I’m eagerly anticipating the next new Sting release, which should go back to his traditional rock/pop roots. And it can’t happen soon enough!
Hi everybody, I am from Nicaragua and I am a huge Sting fan, got all of his albums (The Police included), even vinyls, but I ve never seen him live. Now that is 2010 I am really sure Sting will release a new album with new songs, can u tell me how can I see Sting live? I mean what is the best way for me to get tickets to go and see him touring in the US? Thanks so much for any info.
Enrique, I have found good luck with Sting concert tickets through the Sting Fan Club. They do a fabulous job with presales for most concerts to the fan club before they go on sale to the general public. There is an annual charge to join, but I find it well worth the cost and renew my membership annually. You can find more information at https://signup.sting.com/ . Good luck and I hope that you do get to see Sting in concert!