A Solo Piano Christmas

Chad Lawson is one of my favorites among the newer piano artists of late. His A Solo Piano Christmas is among the solo piano holiday releases I received for review this year. As a traditionalist, and I have to admit that I am when it comes to holiday music, I was looking forward to this talented artists take on classic carols, and he certainly doesnt disappoint. Featuring twelve arrangements of mostly religious standards with two secular favorites tossed into the mix for good measure, Lawson amply displays the beautiful, warm, and subtle playing style that I first heard and appreciated on his debut, Set On A Hill. This is an instantly engaging disc best appreciated during quiet times and, along with Adagio Christmas, represents an ideal choice for relaxation at this most stressful time of the year. Starting off with a sublime version of What Child Is This? and continuing through a softly energetic take on The Holly and the Ivy, one of the best arrangements of Ill Be Home For Christmas Ive heard, and ending with a gently rollicking Its The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Lawson ushers in the holiday season in delightful fashion. Far and away, this is the cream of 2011s crop of solo piano holiday recordings. --Bill Binkelman - Zone Music Reporter One of the most anticipated works of Chad Lawson. Notes are hidden behind easily recognizable polished twelve of the most popular Christmas tunes, some seem to have taken a new direction within the sensitivity and warmth that characterize, Lawson has been able to take each of them to their land, making them his own. With its unique and exquisite touch, the artist gives us intimate and poignant moments, perfect for dates approach. "What Child is This" is the opening theme for this album. Without deviating too much from the original entries, Chad caresses this carol at his piano, showing the simplicity and passion that identify this popular topic. The sway of passion in music is the hallmark of Lawson, and so appears at the touch of The First Noel. Playing the melody on his piano, Lawson exciting moments interspersed with sweet caresses of notes and chords, an absolutely perfect combination!. A dance of emotions arise when listening to It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. Warm melody that awakens the best in people, something that only Lawson can make with your hands. Magic!. The first time I heard this issue was on the Christmas album of pianist George Winston, since then, Im completely in love with & The Holly and the Ivy. Lawson has created one of the adaptations that will be as favorites in this popular Christmas carol. A masterful version!. Intimate and with a touch of smooth jazz shows & Ill Be Home for Christmas, a perfect piece to listen in the company in the dim light of a candle. Chad has turned personal and romantic subject, truly one of the best on the album. With a deep technical, pianist presents Sing We Now of Christmas. Absorbed in his notes and penetrating beauty, the melody is a continuous alternating bass notes that accompany the main melody played by the right hand, a wonder that sounds like a sweet echo. The tender While Shepards Watched Their Flocks. This adaptation is a whisper to the ears, the music reveals tenderness and innocence, that magnify feelings in the hands of Lawson. One of my favorites!. One of the nicest introductions to Joy to the World Ive heard on this CD. Although the melody does not vary in excess of the original, the passion with which it is played the part and offers a lovely touch and different, and if we add to the originality of Lawson, the listener becomes something great. Emotional and melancholy is the famous O Come, O Come Emmanuel in the hands of Chad. The silences are important between notes and chords, leaving the listener to breathe gently music and the artist retains the passionate. How sweet!. Another major part of A Christmas Solo Piano is God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Ive always loved the melody accelerated and Chad, without breaking the tradition, does the front of the piano itself, repeating chords disconcerting keep the public uneasy and expectantly. Fabulous!. The more gentle and loving adaptation of the album is Jesu, Joy of Mans Desire. Able to establish a smile on the listener, the melody is filled with joy and brightness only. Lawson uplifting, overflowing optimism and establishes love with this great version. Chad is committed to conclude a perfect title Its the Most Wonderful Time of The Year. Again, Lawson radiant music plays, where rapid and surprising touches filled with light chimes come from the upper part of the piano to shudder. Splendid end! In order to make the holidays more friendly, intimate and full of good wishes, composer-pianist Chad Lawson shares with his audience one of his most intimate and personal album, perfect for dates near. Christmas In A Solo Piano music we can find a warm and full of feeling, ideal for listening in the warmth of home with the joy of the family. A Christmas Solo Piano is one of the best albums of Christmas songs Ive heard in a long time. Superb! 5 out of 5 stars. --Reviews New Age Chad Lawson has been a busy man of late, with new piano-music flowing endlessly from the hands of this gifted pianist. His latest offering is a beautiful Christmas album, entitled Solo-Piano Christmas. Like a fine, mature wine, this is music to be savoured, with Chad engaging the listener with his own unique interpretations of a range of festive classics. These range from well-known pieces like The Holly and the Ivy to perhaps lesser known works such as Sing We Now of Christmas and Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. A favourite is Bachs Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring. Theres something for everyone in A Solo-Piano Christmas, and with one of the most beautiful album covers youll ever see as an added bonus, Chads latest effort comes highly recommended. --Piano Heaven (UK)