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The holiday music market is relatively crowded with solo piano offerings, and the demand is understandable. After all, in the busy press of modern society, with tensions from the mundane to the unimaginable, beautiful solo piano music invites the brain to a calm place of serenity. The real trick is discerning the differences among these similar CDs as one searches for the best in holiday music.

Jim Gibson presents Carols for Christmas, an extremely appealing improvisational offering of solo piano music for the holidays. Gibson, a superb musician and music professor who has been impressing audiences in the Atlanta area for many years, distinguishes his exceptional release in several ways. First and foremost, he employs a completely improvisational style that is created on the spot, but is not jazz. It is a versatile classical style, polished yet warm. Given this innovative approach, one imagines that if Gibson played these 14 tracks all over again today, he would create a second holiday CD filled with brilliant new inspirations! Second, Gibson is on his piano; no synthesizers bend the natural sound production here. Third, the song selection is largely ancient carols, and the core of these traditional melodies looms large in Gibson's improvisations. The musicianship is consistently outstanding, and the production values are flawless.

And the album's effect during the harried holidays? The mood throughout Carols for Christmas is soothing, elegant, and never boring. Among the innumerable piano offerings I have heard over the years, Gibson's work will occupy a spot of special prominence. Bravo, Jim Gibson!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Jim Gibson, Solo Piano Improvisations
All arrangements by Jim Gibson

Christmas memories abound, but of them all, the old carols truly capture the special spirit of the day. In this graceful collection of much-loved songs of the season, Jim Gibson shares his special, easy touch. Perhaps this recording will help you find the quiet place where the real spirit of Christmas lives.

Too often the Christmas season becomes harried and frantic. That's when the spirit of the season gets lost in the rush. In these graceful, melodic improvisations, Jim Gibson recaptures the quietness and peace that once characterized the holidays. You will hear the echoes of classical music, the subtle freedom of jazz. . . and pleasant attention to melodies that have been loved by many generations all over the world.

It's too bad that Christmas has become the most commercialized of all holidays, but it's true. And Christmas music is part of the massive marketing machine, with new pop holiday songs created (and forgotten) every year.

That's why I think it's so important to keep traditional music as part of our celebration. The songs on this recording have been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Millions of people associate them with the Christmas season because these are wonderful melodies with powerful words. In many ways, these songs are the spirit of Christmas.

So, I hope you enjoy these classic Christmas songs and that they help bring the quiet spirit of Christmas to you and your home.
--Jim Gibson, Atlanta, GA 1996

From the Web site:

Jim Gibson's Music: A Unique Solo Piano Style

At Hickory Cove Music, the question we most frequently hear is, "How did Jim develop his style? I've never heard anything exactly like it."

Jim's music is relatively new to the CD and tape market, but he's spent years in active professional playing . . . he's played literally thousands of events of every description. These years of commercial piano playing are important, because performing for a wide range of audiences teaches flexibility and builds useful musical skills. Thus, Jim can shift instantly from style to style, and be masterful in each of them. This versatility adds to the appeal of his playing, and his appreciation for melody is obvious in all his recordings.

What's in a Style?
Jim's style is flowing, different and unique. If you like piano music, we know you'll enjoy these recordings. (And, if you're a musician, you'll appreciate the fact that Jim doesn't just play in the 'easy keys.' He zips through them as easily as he zips through styles, tempos, and musical ideas.) Jim's music isn't new-age, although it is quiet and peaceful. It's not classical, although at times it has restraint and structure, and it displays polished technical ability. (And sometimes you'll hear quotes from the classics.) And it's not jazz. . . though it is all completely improvised, created on the spot.

In addition to his piano-playing, Jim has written four books on the music industry and has taught in Georgia State University's School of Music (most recently for two years as a full-time visiting professor). He lives in Atlanta with his wife and has two children in college.

Jim Gibson

Carols for Christmas

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Track List