Icarus (live) · Paul Winter Consort

[@shudson156]

Most beautiful piece ever composed..

[@larryseyer]

I bought this record from THEM at the concert they played in Cape Girardeau Missouri Semo University when they toured that year and played. I remember our Band Director Leroy Mason WALKED OUT of the concert. He didn’t appreciate the music. But I sure did. It has been one of my favorite songs of all time for over 50 years now.

[@YvonneBariatricgirl]

I saw them live in college when I was a music major playing Cello and got to meet with them the next day in a workshop. David Darling was my hero! They allowed us to record them live and even played a song that hadn't been released yet. I still have that tape.

[@March1953]

Mr. Winter performed this song live at the memorial service for John Denver in October 1997...that is where I first was introduced to it. I was fortunate to have found it on CD back then. Thanks for your post.

[@joyceellingsen6466]

Flying towards the sun on wax wings...this songs comes very close to perfection & the sun in this world. Thank you.

[@PaulKnapp]

Played this at my brother's funeral...bittersweet...

[@christinericart4554]

truly the most beautiful tune ever

[@jacksellers7199]

I heard these fellas at Mars Hill College in about 1978 This tune was one of the highlights he had a cello player with a stick of a cello and the entire concert was mesmerizing. Also they had instruments from around the world that were employed throughout the concert. stunning.......

[@stevevalk1]

Thank you for posting. I had the privilege of hearing Icarus live in the early '70s. It is truly one of most beautiful and moving pieces of music. Right up there with Debussy's "Claire de Lune," and Beethoven's Third Symphony.

[@sierrasix2003]

XHRS played this on the air. A true classic by any means!

[@Jammersohn]

Couldn't agree with your comments more. What an exquisite song and performance. Ralph Towner is right in that the recording of Icarus on Road is the best. I owned a vinyl LP and it is in poor shape from a lot of playing. You are right that it is incredulous that Road has never been released digitally in its complete form.

[@vapsong]

Thank you so much for releasing this version. It IS the "definitive recording" of the song. I lost all my albums in a 2010 house fire and have since been looking for this version for years. Again, I thank you!

[@theodoregomez8025]

Paul Winter, the Master who always delivers a truly lifting experience to your senses and allows your spirit and soul to fly free and experience freedom.

[@ecmcomichael1]

I agree with you, Chuck. In my opinion, Paul Winter, and later Oregon are among the most overlooked artists of that era, and wrongfully so. I've ALWAYS loved this piece dearly since first hearing it early in the early 1980's and finally divorcing myself from AM radio music. I'm an old guy, and about five years ago began playing oboe and English horn in part because of Paul McCandless' work - I was able to find sheet music on line for this piece for free (not this version), but I do plan in the future to have it transposed so that I can one day recreate (to the degree possible) this with other musicians, so that it could be shared with the millions who have never yet heard this incredible composition. Thank you for this post, Chuck. As you can see, this composition touches many people deeply.

[@cathytai]

Thank you for this upload - Lifelong Paul Winter fan( and like some of Oregon's work too), but even now with all his fame, nothing stirs me like this groundbreaking early album. The freshness and energy has never been duplicated.

[@reallaciefae4672]

This brings back such wonderful memories! I grew up not far from where Paul Winter lived. In the summertime, we'd get the word through the grapevine that the consort was playing in some meadow or pasture somewhere, and we'd all get there as fast as we could. My first time hearing the songs from this album was in just such a "venue." A couple of summers later, I was at one of the pasture concerts, as I called them, when Ralph Towner got married. Some years later, I had become a recording engineer, and was working at a jazz studio in New York. I had the good fortune to work with many amazing musicians, including Paul Winter, Paul McCandless and Ralph Towner. Until I read your description, though, I had no idea how lucky I am to have this on vinyl and CD! Thank you for this wonderful contribution to KZbin.

[@AlannahRyane]

Oh man! Took me right back to the 70's and my little bach apt in 'The Village' in Toronto with my little record player on the floor beside my pull out as I wore this out thank you!

[@Gimmer3]

I heard this live in 1973 and have loved it ever since!

[@yodaworks]

thanks for posting..... this inspired me in many respects. Later to "free fly"........ soar.... it's what dreams are made of....

[@easong2148]

This song took me to Ralph Towner and from there to the entire ECM records stable. The best of the 70's progressive jazz scene. Much of the old catalog still available, and Manfred Eicher's label still goes on.

[@Paramount531]

This was the imaging theme on XHIS radio, broadcasting from Tijuana to the San Diego market, my favorite station of all time, that changed formats at the end of 1973. I have not heard this since then. It is one of the most beautiful recordings of all time. I finally found out the title and here it is! Thank you!!

[@Dark.Shingo]

That's exactly the same that happened to me! They used this as a promo 10 seconds cut in two radio stations in Mexico, and for years I couldn't find what song it was. A mystery finally solved!

[@Paramount531]

Antonio Francisco Magaña Gómez I vaguely recall hearing it on a radio station on a visit to Tijuana in the early 80s. Thanks for the reminder, that one had been long forgotten.

[@andythomas706]

I had the original album that this comes from back in the day. God knows where it is now..........but whoever's got it............I Want It Back!

[@saxofof]

Awesome ! I've been looking for this version for a long time ! Many thanks

[@eltonej]

I still have my original vinyl of Icarus. I never was able to see them live but I love this and all their work.

[@mcfeerr]

This song is a "Little Miracle". To me, it defines HOPE...

[@savagerick6171]

Thank you for posting this song... It brings back alot of memories.

[@ChrisDutch]

one of the first concerts I ever went to in college and I had the album as well. What a tremendous group. This gos out to WFUV DJ Pete Fornatele, who passed away this past week at age 66. He always closed his Mixed Bag show out with this.

[@chrisshoppechamos2758]

❤oh I still love this playing in head out flying on my horse on trail

[@paulsovereign3048]

I heard them the first time in concert at the College of the Ozarks back in 1969. I recall them playing a totally imrpovised piece in the dark that lasted about 15 minutes. I really love this one!

[@garytaylor2084]

Thanks for posting. A beautiful song.

[@JimBaughOutdoors]

It is awesome. I did a piano accompaniment to another on of my fav PW tunes, common ground. I just love all these guys, totally awesome music. Thanks for posting.

[@czflute]

Thank you for sharing this. I first heard this recording when I was a student at Interlochen and it remains one of my favorites! I love it!

[@maureenfox7610]

Love this music. I haven't heard this since I was in Virginia. I had heard them play in Alexandria and went to a friend of a friends house who had it on vinyl in 1985! What a brain flip!

[@deepindercheema]

I just found the LP Road a few days ago. There was a letter included from Paul Winter sent to a record company exec (A & R) bemoaning the latest recording with George Martin was rejected by their label and hoping that they can take up the tapes and release it. He mentions that Icarus (off the Road LP) was on a tape taken by Apollo 15. The exec was none other than Don Ellis.

[@emersonkid8850]

wow this just such a soothing piece of music had it on vinyl but solld all of lp"s a long time ago

[@Jinshiling01]

Mesmerizing. Used as a Segway between shows on WNEW FM. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

[@dashalovesmusic]

Thnx for sharing. Was one of my dad's favorites and took me forever to find it.

[@5171967cafk]

A BEAUTIFUL morning song !!!

[@composer369]

This can not be considered a song as it has no words, voice part not lyrics to be sung; it is rather, a piece or work of music.

[@GarGri]

I came hear because George Martin (famous as the record producer of the Beatles) wrote in his autobiography "All you need is ears" that the album Icarus by Winter Consort was "the finest record I have ever made." He also noted that one of the Apollo astronauts took a copy of the single to the moon.

[@ncpetable]

I used it as my theme song way back when I was a DJ at KUNC.

[@theodoregomez8025]

Saw them one fine day at Westchester State College in Pennsylvania with all their instruments almost 50 years ago and I still remember.

[@garywhitford6417]

There is, of course, the version on the PWC Icarus album produced by George Martin, who once said it was his favorite non-Beatles album project. However, I totally agree that The Road version is the penultimate and I appreciate your upload.

[@martibergeron2781]

It's so beautiful - thank you for sharing

[@HowardMCohen]

My all time favorite tune.

[@JonSkelton]

Believe it or not, in 1980 I was in a Drum and Bugle Corps that played this song. The Florida Vanguards. Although we did a great job, it in no way compares to the original. However, it shows how much this song and others of PWC were respected that they transcend medium.

[@carlaharrington5120]

Jon Skelton Hi Jon, I marched that year as well. Reminiscing about those days is what brought me here to find this video.

[@debrasimms6821]

This was the first Paul Winter Consort album i purcashed 44 years ago while attending Marquette Senior high school in Michigans Upper Peninsula. It was Amazing then and it still is. That's the thing about MUSIC, it is Timeless and hopefully someday it will also be recognized for establishing W 🌎RLD PEACE. Think about it .Let's work on it 🌎🐛🦋🎶🎶🎶🎶🚴

[@patanderson8725]

I like it a great deal as well; it soars, it opens one up and you can imagine floating "above it all," grounded in some sort of serenity. Just got it in CD format on a whim at a hospice store for 40 cents. Some days are luckier than others! ROB PETERS, Benicia

[@summitwinetrail]

My friend, Paul Schafer, used to play this song on his three 100 watt radio stations out of TJ and San Diego. It was the station ID music, and I believe, picked out by his son, Rob Schafer. Since it was not very well known, Paul Winter sent Paul a personal thank you. I was finding this music as Icarus is one of the streets coming up this year at Burning Man. The video reminds me of my work in the past with my video synth: kzbin.info?search_query=denise+gallant+documentary. We used to put on music at that time and play with it through an oscilloscope.

[@astralmarmoset]

Just bought the Earthdance album for 0.99 cents at a record store on a whim. I don't even have a record player yet, but I should be getting one today actually. I'm pretty stoked to listen to the whole album on vinyl. :)

[@reneeradar]

My favorite of all of Paul's songs. I think I have the LP somewhere.....

[@CherylFlynn1]

I figured it out on keyboard. The first thing I did, when I found this recording on KZbin was run to my keyboard and figure it out. Whew.

[@electrictex]

I have an album signed by Paul Winter called Icarus.....used to eat acid and float with it.............

[@BradLeech]

I have a copy plus a cassette version and I love it.

[@lisaguerra6084]

Pete,Fornatale was the the DJ on WNEW

[@myrddred]

I remember a concert I saw where they referred to this as a "song of hello" It made me purchase the album and write lyrics to the tune...

[@wellingtontaylor2001]

First heard this on Synergy (Larry Fast) Sequencer album in 1976 intermingled with Largo from New World Symphony by Anton Dvorak. Beautiful piece although I didn't realize it was first performed by Paul Winter Consort.

[@shadeshiest22]

i have this album on a record (vinyl) its on paul winters earthdance album, and on the record sleeve it tells the story of the astronauts taking this album to the moon with them and the whole story of them naming the two moon craters after there two favorite songs on the album, icarus and ghost beads!! its pretty intresting!!

[@robertironside290]

LOve to get a remastered copy of the "Road" album. The whole album is incredible and timeless.

[@davidtrotman5990]

It's probably not financially viable to remaster. I saw them at the Fillmore East back in day and I have my original vinyl that I picked up then.

[@eplanchart]

thanks

[@edkellybchs]

@bokkenneth2 The "Amadinda" was an African instrument made with 2X4s similar to a marimba.....saw the group at Western Connecticut State College in 72....

[@PaulA-qe6om]

This album, Road, is compromised of Ralph Towner's Oregon. Another good version of Icarus is found on 1974's Matchbook by Towner and Gary Burton.

[@rcleary765]

+Paul A Actually, Oregon is the group that emerged from the Paul Winter Consort.

[@njmaryannez]

DAVID Darling; and yes, he is!

[@edkellybchs]

Charles Darling was an incredible Cellist!!!!!

[@stockvaluedotcom]

I saw them in South Bend Indiana in the 60's and he played a solo piece describing Vietnam. I can't find it but it was incredible.

[@bucketofbarnacles]

FYI, you can purchase the album on Bandcamp.

[@albionvideo]

Paul Winter is still going super strong at 81! He's posted a lot of his catalog on Bandcamp, including his new 2020 album: paulwinter.bandcamp.com/ If you "Follow" Paul there, he periodically sends out links to free downloads. These have included several of his classics from this "Icarus" era, which are otherwise unavailable as digital music, and are (as noted earlier in this thread) insanely expensive on vinyl or CD.

[@JonSkelton]

A Tone Poem.

[@RLennyPincus]

Icarus also appeared on the next Winter Consort album after Road--called Icarus. Electric bass was odd.

[@zelderatapatiachannel3650]

Esa música lo usan en una emisora de radio de fórmula melodica Like si eres de Guadalajara y lo escanearte la música con la ayuda del Shazam

[@raynocera1731]

This is not live but a track from the Epic album "Icarus" by the Consort.

[@brittanyclark9140]

Winter 7. 20009

[@raynocera1731]

Sorry, I take that back - it is live.

[@vinylrules69]

do you know what paul winter albums were recorded by Tom Duffy?

[@FarewellmyFriend.]

Produced by the genius of George Martin

[@Dark.Shingo]

Is it me or there are two versions? I looked and got a 2 min version with some drums added.

[@ChuckBrownStuff]

Yes, there is another version on the album titled Icarus. It's not nearly as good as this arrangement, in my view.

[@Dark.Shingo]

Indeed, that's why I asked. So this one comes in which album then?

[@ChuckBrownStuff]

Chuck Brown This album was called Road. As far as I know, it's still out of print. It was also on a compilation album called Earthdance. I'm not sure, but I think that's out of print as well. As far as I know, this version isn't available anywhere. But, I haven't checked their web site in awhile.

[@cathytai]

Icarus is a signature piece - I think this, on Road, is the original. There are many versions on different albums and in concerts -

[@alisonhalerich]

Wasn't it originally done by Oregon? I used to own the LP...

[@ChuckBrownStuff]

Oregon's version actually came after this Paul Winter version. Ralph Towner wrote the song, and was in both bands.

[@alisonhalerich]

Chuck Brown Thanks for the info.

[@rcleary765]

+Alison Rich Oregon is the group that emerged from this group.