Brian Hobbs is an American songwriter who has been living in Sweden for the past 14 years. Originally from North Carolina, Brian studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After his studies there Brian moved to New York City where he “paid his dues” by working as an accompanist in an “open mic” bar, selling clothes at Macy’s, and even trading silver and gold options on the New York Commodities Exchange. But music has always been the focus. He was selected as a member of the ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop in 1982 and the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop in 1985-1986. Applicants to these workshops are chosen by audition, and Brian was one of two composer/lyricists selected out of a total of 20 composers or lyricists who were selected from over 1,000 applicants. He was also selected to participate in the ASCAP Pop Music Workshop in 1989 and the R&B Music Workshop in 1991. Brian wrote the music and lyrics for POE (a musical based on the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe), which received a showcase production with the Soho Repertory Theater in NYC in 1989. Brian moved to Sweden in 1992 and was signed to MCA Music Publishing. In 2001 he signed an exclusive publishing deal with Multiplay Music Ltd., based in London. During his time in Sweden Brian has had his songs recorded by Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Belgian, Spanish, British, Australian, Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, German and American artists. In 1999 he co-wrote and produced the album, Alabaster Nights, with a female duo; Charlotte & Dea, which was released in Japan and Singapore. He produced his first solo instrumental album with relaxation music in 2001, Music for Balancing Body & Mind. His second instrumental album, Impressions of the Outer Banks, was released in 2003. That same year he co-wrote and produced the debut for Swedish country artist, Monica Silverstrand (Been there, done that). He also wrote a special commemorative piece for wind band, which was performed at the Wright Brothers’ First Flight Centennial on December 17, 2003 in Kitty Hawk, NC. He has just finished a Christmas CD, Candle in the Window. CANDLE IN THE WINDOW “Candle In The Window” features traditional Christmas songs wrapped up in completely new packages as well as original pieces inspired by the holiday season. Brian Hobbs describes the songs on the CD: “Going to Town” was inspired by the memory of us piling into my grandfather’s old Ford, going downtown and shopping along Main Street. Of course we had to put up with the clothes stores and shoe stores, but if we were good we got a big bag of popcorn at Grant’s and got to look at the toys in Woolworth’s. “Angels We Have Heard On High” is probably my favorite Christmas Carol. The chord changes and melody in the “Gloria” section always grabbed me. “The First Noel” is another favorite. I wanted to try something different so here I play it in 4/4 instead of the usual 3/4. “Go To Sleep” is from a children’s musical I wrote back in 1983. The song is sung here by the very talented, Mia Lofgren, as Mary’s lullaby to the Christ child. “Candle In The Window” is the title track. When I wrote it I didn’t have the title but once I got the concept for the album this one felt nice and warm and inviting, which is what the title refers to. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is an old English carol that I’ve dressed up in a smooth, jazz quarter swing version. “Christmas Suite”: the 3 pieces that make up this suite are my impressions or remembrances of Christmastime: “Snowfall On The River”, “Dancing Lights” and “Winter Reflections”. “The Greatest Gift Of All” is an original Christmas song sung here beautifully by Monica Silverstrand. “Deck The Hall” and “Good King Wenceslas” are usually done in a very traditional sing-along way. I wanted to try something different. Hope you like it. “Out Of The East” is another original, an impression of the Wise Men’s journey to see the Christ child. “Ave Maria” is a beautiful piece. The piano part was written by Bach. Later on Gounod added the beautiful melody. “The Christmas Story” is taken directly from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. I improvised the background music. With “Silent Night” I’ve taken an “Erik Satie” approach to the accompaniment and then reharmonized certain sections. It’s a beautiful melody that holds up no matter how you arrange it. For more information about Brian Hobbs and “Candle In The Window” please visit: www.brianhobbsmusic.com or www.myspace.com/brianhobbseidolon