Jim Brickman Albums (23)
'The Hymns & Carols of Christmas'
Release Date 10/6/2009
Tracks 15
Label CMD
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
After a string of vocal collaborations, Jim Brickman returned to solo instrumentals (the style that earned him a place in the upper echelon of new age/classical crossover artists) for 2009's Beautiful World. Inspired by the universal concepts of music and friendship, Beautiful World subsists primarily on Brickman's soft, melodic piano cues, but guest appearances from Jon Secada, Orla Fallon, Melinda Doolittle, and Mark Masri help to expand Brickman's simplistic yet effective pieces into expansive, atmospheric tone poems that will please newcomers and longtime fans alike. [The CD was also released with five bonus tracks.] ~ James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Swimming in a sea of Jim Brickman's holiday, children's, Disney, and vocal duet collections, it's his solo piano albums that sometimes get lost amid the more commercially packaged, targeted-for-the-masses albums. When in reality, it's those very solo piano songs that made him who he is today, a sensation in every sense of the word, the good guy who you, your mother, and your children all love. Back in his sweet spot, Brickman shows once again why he is the master of his craft. Unspoken was his first all-solo CD in 15 years, the only such disc since his debut No Words. And despite the places his career has taken him in those years, Unspoken sounds like the same old Brickman. The album is romantic, poignant, understated, delicate, and performed with exquisite perfection. If anything, Unspoken reveals his soothing passion with a more deliberate tenderness. Tracks like "New Beginnings," "Whisper," and "After the Rain" showcase his seductively simple arrangements as well as anything he has written in over a decade. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The warmth of Jim Brickman's eloquent and heartfelt piano music is a perfect fit for the Christmas season, and his third holiday collection in ten years -- following 1997's The Gift and 2003's Peace -- offers a similarly engaging mix of piano solos, easily rhythmic instrumental ensemble pieces, and songs featuring well-known vocalists. On the instrumental side, the mix of warm and melodic Brickman originals ("Thanksgiving," "Gathering," "Bethlehem") and his inimitable "Brickman-ization" of songs we all know, love, and can't resist hearing him do ("Silent Night," listed under its original title "Still Nacht," "Deck the Halls," "Auld Lang Zyne") works brilliantly once again. The vocals are likewise inspiring, beginning with "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" sung by the pianist's frequent collaborator Anne Cochran and featuring the breezy acoustic guitar of smooth jazz star Peter White. While the spiritually driven ballad "Coming Home for Christmas," featuring former Lonestar lead singer Richie McDonald, was an instant classic focal track, the beautiful lullaby "My Angel (Christmas)" is more poignant for reasons beyond the emotional pull of its melody and lyrics -- it was the late R&B artist Gerald LeVert's last vocal recording. Brickman and LeVert -- who both attended Shaker Heights High School in Cleveland -- recorded it for the pianist's 2006 album Escape. Brickman had hoped that they could rework the song with a Christmas lyric for this project, but LeVert passed away before that could happen. It's a beautiful final testament by one of contemporary soul's great artists -- and a fittingly poignant inclusion on yet another seasonal gem from the wonderfully romantic realm of Brickman. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pianist Jim Brickman delivers a solidly beautiful collection of his signature primarily instrumental, adult contemporary pop tunes on Escape. His first album for Sony Jazz after leaving his longtime label Windham Hill, Escape is a heartfelt, somewhat melancholy, and always pretty album that more often than not achieves a cinematic quality. In that sense, tracks such as "'Waterfall," "Paradise," and "Barcelona" are sparkling soft rock ballads that bring to mind the best of Dave Grusin. There are also some superb guests here such as on the country anthem "Never Alone" featuring vocalist Sara Evans. Similarly engaging is the dark and intimate "Winter Waltz" showcasing violinist David Klinkenberg. Add in some pristine and tasteful production that makes room for orchestral moments as well as Brickman's skillful keyboard chops, and you have an album that offers much for longtime fans and newcomers alike. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On The Disney Songbook, Jim Brickman applies his famously smooth touch to new and old classics from the revered animation studio. Brickman chooses Disney songs that work perfectly with his style, ranging from the soothing sweetness of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Reflection" to wittier, livelier tracks like "Cruella De Vil" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." He also recruits a cast of singers to help bring the songbook to life, including Wayne Brady, Kassie DePaiva, and two American Idol alumni, Kimberley Locke and Josh Gracin. Brady's "Beautiful" and Locke's "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" compare favorably with Disney's own pop versions of songs like "A Whole New World," while Gracin's "When I See an Elephant Fly" and Lila McCann's "I'm Amazed" add some country charm to the album. A good-natured listening experience, The Disney Songbook may not be among Brickman's all-time best albums, but it's never less than relaxing and sweet. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Like the majority of his oeuvre, Jim Brickman lays down an instantaneously successful combination that assures airplay on adult contemporary stations and feel-good new age programs for years to come. Like his works on his Ballads, Vol. 1 and holiday records, Brickman selects a few of his favorite traditional religious hymns and invites a few guest vocalists to perform on several compositions which helps to break up an otherwise instrumental-heavy record. Contributions from vocalists Ginny Owens, Mario Frangoulis, Selah and Chris Korblein all provide pleasant counterpoints to Brickman's airy piano arrangements. But it's the inclusion of soft rock staple Michael Bolton and his powerful performance on "Hear Me (Tears Into Wine)" that is the icing on the proverbial cake as far as vocal contributions go. While all of the vocalists add a pleasant touch to Grace's overall feel, Brickman's instrumental arrangements are the true stars of the show here, especially with his gorgeous revision of "Ode to Joy" (here called "Joyful") and the stirring "Holy Holy Holy." It's not Brickman's finest album, but it most definitely is an enjoyable addition to his already impressive body of work. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
