George Winston passed away earlier this year. I will always be indebted to him for a couple of the great piano albums of all time. This song, Thanksgiving, came from his best in my opinion, December. It’s absolutely perfect. I don’t say that often, but this recording is. Melancholy notes, highs and lows, a pace that makes you yearn for a wood fire in the fireplace after a holiday dinner.
My Mom discovered George Winston in our family and introduced the music to us over, yes, Thanksgiving. So I think of his music as family holiday tradition as strong as any other.
I was lucky enough to see George Winston play in Harrisburg many years ago, and it was a treat. He performed barefoot, and he played piano and the ukelele, and he was fantastic with stride jazz, which he was pouring himself into. I am so glad I was able to see him perform.