For my Christmas CD, I had the idea of balancing what was essentially a jazz recording with one that was also easy for the general public to listen to. Attempting new versions of the old familiar classics and starting with a palate of simple chords and forms, the extraordinary musicians who worked with me on this album brought this music to life beyond my greatest expectations - during two hot days in August, nonetheless! As in viewing an art collection, there is no need to be enamored with every piece. I decidedly threw a few wrinkles in the holiday cheer with meter changes in "Winter Wonderland", a melancholy “Blue Christmas” (trying to fittingly portray the lyric,) a straight-ahead bebop jazz original “(Christmas) Afternoon,” a 7/8 version of “Christmas Time Is Here,” and some bar-style blues for “White Christmas.” However, I do hope that you can enjoy listening to these songs for many holidays to come. One final note… I certainly use and enjoy the benefits of our wonderful modern recording methods. However, as opposed to most of the currently computer-created popular music, these musicians are playing real instruments that need no electronics or technology to be played - only a lifetime of dedication and practice! Thanks so much for your support! Eric