Piano Christmas

Description

Piano Christmas, sub-titled 15 Classic Piano Carols, is an acoustic instrumental album by the American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and arranger Tom Howard, released on Kingsway Music in October 2009.

Tom Howard, the renowned pianist, composer and arranger sadly passed away in early 2010. This special album was his last recording and unlocks the secrets and upgrades the impact of timeless Christmas classics like “Silent Night,” “Joy To The World,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Every track emerges refreshed and re-inspired.

Tom Howard is of course a near legendry figure in the evolution of Christian music, once recording with Jesus Music pioneer Larry Norman before going on to make a good living composing music for films and recording a slew of instrumental albums. He is also one of the finest contemporary pianists around. As you approach the end of the year, one thing that appears to be guaranteed is you will be exposed to numerous Christmas releases designed to enhance the season – some valid, some not so valid. So it’s refreshing to listen to a disc that is beautiful in its simplicity, and offers a slightly more thoughtful approach to the carols we are all so familiar with. Present here are the popular «The First Noel», «Silent Night» and «Joy To The World» along with those not so often heard such as «Bring A Torch» and «Lo How A Rose», all played expertly by Tom and thankfully without strings or other orchestral backing which would destroy what this disc does best, focusing the mind on the simple message of Christmas. Ideal listening late at night or possibly when reading the Christmas story. [Stephen Luff, Cross Rhythms, December 2009]

This final release by pianist and string arranger Tom Howard, who died in January, is a testament to the entrancing effect of a well-played solo album. No fuss, nothing showy, no kitsch, this is simply a collection of favourite Christmas music, unhurriedly played and full of feeling.

The less familiar «How Low a Rose» shows how deeply sensitive he is to the melody, as Howard loses himself in the music. It is easy to picture him here in his conductor role, his body leading the players in the swells and dips that make music come alive.

Sometimes we get the improviser and arranger. «It Came upon a Midnight Clear» plays freely with a lesser-known melody; a bell-like section introduces «The First Noel» and reprises in places; and Howard plays the verses of «God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen» with a definite jazz attitude. It may be here that those familiar with his debut album ‘View From the Bridge‘ will most easily recognise his style.

But when tunes need a straightforward and sensitive approach, he delivers it, such as on the beautifully unadorned «In the Bleak Midwinter» and «What Child is This».

With refined simplicity and an arranger’s heart, Howard’s swansong works as a fine background to Christmas just about anywhere (apart from the office party!) [Derek Walker, The Phantom Tollbooth, 2011]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/piano-christmas/568148629)

CD tracklist:

01. Carol Of The Bells – 3:36
02. O Come All Ye Faithful – 4:00
03. Lo How A Rose – 4:03
04. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear – 5:53
05. The First Noel – 3:52
06. We Three Kings – 5:17
07. Angels We Have Heard On High – 4:44
08. Coventry Carol – 3:32
09. Bring A Torch – 3:24
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – 3:25
11. In The Bleak Midwinter – 3:32
12. What Child Is This – 5:47
13. Silent Night – 3:56
14. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – 3:59
15. Joy To The World – 2:58