Music for shifting times. Four years ago, when we chose the title for this series, we could not have known what lay in store. There is no need for me to rehearse those events for you, and in any case, you will see them as you choose. Several threads which I would encourage you to follow, though, and which run through the music we have been sharing with you over these years are respect, reflection, connection, integrity, and peace.

Winter. It is a time, at the turning of the year, for looking back, and looking forward. It is a time for silence and solitude, for gathering in community and sharing with friends, as well.  

Harsh weather sometimes comes along; at this writing, harsh political and social situations abound. Yet there is, there can be, hope. That may be found in the solitude and in the community the turning of the year invites. 

December: it is a time of darkness and light, star-filled nights and bright celebrations.

As the calendar of the year begins to turn, December is a time of reflection.

As winter sets in, December is also a time for community, and for solitude. 

See how the work of these musicians encourages you to reflect on all these things...

Winter is a season for gathering together, and for solitude, for savoring connection and dealing with distance, for, as the song says, greeting a friend and welcoming a stranger. Music can be both timely and timeless about all this.

In the midst of change, news that's challenging, unsettling, or inscrutable, it is often good to take a step back, to pause and let such things settle in the mind or in the heart while thinking over what's next. Music can be a useful and interesting way to take such a pause. Here are four ideas of music to invite or go along with such times of reflection.

As autumn turns to winter, it becomes a time for reflection, for connection, for celebration. Music makes a good companion for the questions, connections and celebrations this season invites.