Reviews: When I See Winter Return Click to read what these publications have to say. Country Folk Radio Show Buende, Germany Richard Banks, internet reviews Powersound - 10 choices for under the tree Victory Review Acoustic Music Review Magazine Dirty Linen, USA            When I See Winter Return After being spanked by an irate publicist recently for apparently knowing nothing about the autoharp--criticism which was remarkably accurate--I'll come clean and admit to consulting a dictionary to learn about two of the instruments used by this wonderful folk duo. I'm not sure too many people will fault me for not knowing a bodhran is an Irish goatskin drum. But maybe I should have known a hurdy gurdy is a lutelike instrument played by turning a crank attached to a rosined wheel that scrapes the strings. And now I'd like to see one. I'll invite William Pint & Felicia Dale to Austin, Texas, if I may see them play bodhran and hurdy gurdy, and guitar and mandolin and tinwhistle. They play in an unusually romantic style. Their vocal harmonies are earthy and appealing. The eleven songs that comprise When I See Winter Return were refreshingly unfamiliar to me, but for two. I enjoyed the opening number, The January Man.  On the surface a lyrical tribute to the cycle of the seasons, it also seemed an apt metaphor for life and aging. Another highlight of the record was the wistful Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, where Ms. Dale introduced me to the hurdy gurdy. Pint & Dale's rich vocal and instrumental harmonies, their use of ancient instruments, and their warm, medieval style put me in mind of the Irish-inspired Faerie kingdoms of Emma Bull. The duo capped the record with an inspiring (I want to say haunting, too, but in a good way) rendition of Auld Lang Syne, by the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. I enjoyed the sweet, peaceful feel of their music, and I appreciated its unique midwinter appeal. Richard Banks http://www.onr.com/user/rbanks/xdale.htm "When I See Winter Return' for me is a jewel among the albums I have received and played so far this year from all of the record companies." Michael Schroeter Country Folk Radio Show Buende (Germany)  "A splendid Yuletide tribute bursts from this compact disc in living color. Northwest artists William Pint and Felicia Dale have created sounds to warm the darkest winter's night. Pint's voice is rich, full and resonant with the passion of a true bard of yesteryear. (Dale's) vocal harmonies are fabulous and effective. Hurdy-gurdy, guitar, mandolin whistle, and bodhran are nicely blended and well used. They did a marvelous job collecting songs celebrating the winter season. The album includes old favorites like "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming," and some very obscrure songs, not the least of which is a French song written in the 13th Century, "Quant Je Voi Yver Retorner," on which (Dale) sings an exquisite lead.  "The Woodcutter's Song" is a lovely and instructive song that teaches the listener about smart choices when gathering wood to warm the winter. "Over the Hill and Over the Dale" proved to be the most enchanting and mysterious tale of The Three Wisemen that I have ever Heard. Oh the whole album is enchanting; just go buy it and make this holiday season a special one!" (Marilyn O'Malley) Victory Review Acoustic Music Review Magazine  "WHEN I SEE WINTER RETURN-- Here's an album perfect for the season. William Pint and Felicia Dale combine their voices in a tribute to the turning of the season. These winter songs include rarely heard Christmas songs, a 13th century French composition, and several songs ringing in the New Year.  Instrumentation includes a hurdy-gurdy, guitar, octave mandolin, whistle, and Irish drum. Highlights include the beautiful "January Man" and a great arrangement of "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day." Great listening on this one." Bob Powers Powersound - 10 choices for under the tree  "When I See Winter Return" is a similar recording, (to Telynor's Off the Beaten Track) but has a more folky and less medieval feeling. It relies more heavily on William Pint's firm but gentle fingerpicked guitar than on any other instrumental sound. Felicia Dale's hurdy-gurdy adds a continental European flavor, and the octave mandolin, bodhran and whistles put a Celtic spin on some songs. Both Pint and Dale are good singers, not flash, but direct and expressive. They're also good at dressing their material in shiny new clothes; songs so common as to be banal, like "Auld Lang Syne" and "I Saw Three Ships," are given new and unusual arrangements. Less frequently covered traditional material, like "the Trees Are All Bare," a descriptive piece from the Copper family's collection, and "The Woodcutter's Song," are likewise performed with appropriate but unexpected settings.  Dave Goulder's "The January Man" and J. M. Neal's "Over the Hill and Over the Dale," are among the songs by well known composers, and O'Carolan's harp tune "Planxty Loftus Jones," whose opening notes sound like those of "Joy to the World," is included for a lark. Finally, the couple are not above crafting verse of their own, as when they supplement the 13th-century French song "Quant Je Voi Yver Retorner" with new lyrics describing themselves and their music. All of it is done tastefully, and the results of their efforts are beautiful. In short, this is another yuletide feast." (SW) Dirty Linen, USA