Warm Winter

Not everyone has a cold and snowy winter. Or at least that's what we've heard. (We're in Wisconsin, you know.) As a matter of fact, Teresa's mom is a Cajun, born and raised in Louisiana. When asked about winters in the south, she had many fond memories of flowers, greenery, brief spells of cold and snow, and sunshine. This gentle folk song focuses on those wondrous characteristics of nature in warmer places.

This is the first time we have used a 12-string guitar on any of our recordings. We felt so strongly about it, that we went out and bought one for this purpose! This is also the first time we have featured two of our favorite string players - Phil Palermo on violin and Mike Strauss on viola - as a "fiddle" duet. The combination of these textures is very relaxing and comfortable, like a warm winter.

The vocals are broken into two parts. As usual, the second part is optional, but if you even assign it to a few singers, it will be most effective and lovely. During the verse, the melody is sung in unison and dips down to the A below middle C. It should, nonetheless, be sung in a head voice to keep it sounding light. Don't let singers belt or force this one. Have them listen to the singers on the recording. This will also help them understand how to perform the nuances, such as the scoops, which are indicated on the vocal line.

At the end of the song, there is a ritard. One of the several guitars leads the ritard with eighth note movement. Listen to it for guidance.