Jim Brickman, Susan Ashton - The Gift

Jim Brickman's 1997 holiday package is all satin bows and glowing hearth embers, precisely the approach his romantically inclined legions would have wished him to take. Those with less sentimental ears might argue that at times the pianist's approach is a touch too sweet. "Joy to the World" would be more affecting as a solo work, for instance, and we could have done without the strings and music-box embellishments heard in "Angels." Yet Brickman compensates by delicately tracing a path to our heart-of-hearts in the album's two superb, nonholiday originals, "Fireside" and "Winter Peace." Three vocal tracks surface here: a breathy Kenny Loggins sings on the album's obligatory lullaby ("Starbright"), the female gospel group Point of Grace takes a bow ("Hope is Born Again"), and country vocalist Collin Raye performs a heart-clutching duet with Susan Ashton on the title track. It's not Brickman's finest record, but it's a very pretty one. --Terry Wood Amazon.com

Mellow blend of traditional and original Christmas music for piano

If you are looking for mellow (and fairly sentimental) piano music for Christmas, try Jim Brickman's "The Gift."

I have had this CD for a long time and it is one of my favorites. I play it when I want quiet, soothing music in the background while I read or do other activities. I also listen to it in the car as it does not make me speed!

Approximately half the tracks are traditional Christmas carols arranged for solo piano by Jim Brickman. The rest are original pieces written by Jim Brickman alone or with co-writers; two of these have vocals. I enjoy both the traditional and original and they are blended together well in the track order.
December 16, 2008

Jim Brickman Christmas CD

We love this CD. It is beautiful music. We bought more to give as gifts. February 7, 2007

Good Christmas music but not the vocals

I'm not fond of the vocals on any of Jim Brickman's work and this is no exception. His playing is lovely as always but I wish he'd stick to instrumentals and not have vocalists on his albums. They always seem to ruin the mood. December 31, 2006

Jim Brickman CD "The Gift"

A friend loaned me her CD and I absolutely loved it......but I could not purchase it ANYWHERE.....my daughter suggested I contact you.....results, results!!!! Thank you! A most outstanding seasonal soft listening CD. February 23, 2006

Christmas Music at its best!

Jim Brickman makes the piano sound like bells and how appropriate for Christmas music! This CD is a must have in your holiday music collection! December 20, 2004

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