The recent release of Christmas Moods for Piano marks my second effort to reinvent cherished carols. Reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi, Tori Amos, and George Winston, these distinctive arrangements provide the perfect backdrop for the holidays. The collection includes favorite tunes such as “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Joy to the World.” I arranged a sprightly medley of “Jingle Bells” with “We Three Kings.” I also wrote two original tunes, for a total of 12 tracks.
Stylistically, the music blends jazz and impressionistic piano. “The First Noel” features an upbeat swing vibe. A fresh and exhilarating interpretation enlivens “What Child Is This.” The original tune “Christmas Eve” sets an intimate mood, its melody morphing into “O Come All Ye Faithful” followed by the joyful pealing of bells. The arrangements are distinctive, with interesting musical departures, creative harmonies, and spirited rhythms. Not your ordinary holiday album.
My previous holiday album, 10 Shades of Christmas, featured multiple instruments in addition to piano. This time I wanted to create a more intimate experience just for piano alone. The new album contains several re-recordings of tracks from the the first album. Most stayed true to the original arrangement. In one case, though, I created a completely different interpretation. Contrast the two versions of “Joy to the World.” Which one do you prefer?
My favorite track is “Deck the Halls.” It strikes the perfect balance with warm intimacy, peacefulness, and a fresh sound. I wanted to accomplish precisely this with the collection of 12 tracks.
Where to Get the Music
The album is available at all the usual online retail and streaming services. See below for some specific links.
Tired of the same old versions of Christmas tunes? I curated two Spotify playlists to bring a fresh sound for your holiday enjoyment, incorporating some of my tracks as well as those of other artists. A Perfect Piano Christmas features instrumental tracks oriented around the piano. Christmas out of the Ordinary features both vocal and instrumental songs: distinctive arrangements of holiday favorites, less frequently heard carols, and songs you’re not likely to encounter everywhere. You can access both playlists through a Spotify search.
“O Christmas Tree” music video
