REVIEW: CATHERINE MARIE CHARLTON - Simple Gifts: Solo Piano for the Holidays

CATHERINE MARIE CHARLTON
Simple Gifts: Solo Piano for the Holidays

 

Catherine Marie Charlton is not your “typical” solo pianist in the new age (or other associated genres), if there is such a thing. Her discography is segmented (on her website) into the following categories: jazz, ambient, classical crossover, relaxation, and solo piano. I have reviewed many of her releases and have always come away impressed with her unique approach to composing, improvising, and technical mastery of the instrument itself. Now, after a ten-year absence from releasing a solo album (her last collaboration with someone else was five years ago), Catherine Marie returns with a splendid, yet a true archetypical release (for her) holiday music collection, Simple Gifts (subtitle – Solo Piano for the Holidays). Before going into any detail, basically, if you have enjoyed her solo albums over the years, you will love this.

 

The relatively short recording features nine tracks: seven traditional carols, one holiday staple, and a twist selection, which is emblematic of Catherine Marie’s unique taste. Overall, the album is quiet, introspective, and subdued, with only a one or two brief forays into drama (most notably in her version of the “Ukrainian Bell Carol”). As a result, I’d imagine that this is a great late-night listen, when kids are all snuggled in the beds with those sugarplums prancing in the dreams. Because this is a reflective and quiet album, it requires a particularly skilled production team. Charlton herself produced it and she also lists herself as “Recording Engineer.” She does a flawless job. Mastering was handled by Phil Nicolo who perfectly captures the warmth and intimacy of Catherine Marie’s deft performance.

 

The first two tracks perfectly convey the special nature of Simple Gifts, i.e., songs carry enough of their signature melodies that one should easily hear it and say “Oh, that’s ‘Greensleeves.’” However, if one is a purist for whom any straying from the traditional melody of the classics (think Perry Como, Ray Conniff, or Nat King Cole), then be prepared for some imaginative arrangements (to say the least). This is where the more subdued nature of Charlton’s performance is complemented by the superb technical aspects of the recording. Her affinity for both jazz and minimalism is on display on more than a few selections, e.g., her take on the Vince Guaraldi classic “Christmas Time Is Here.”

 

Before closing, the “twist selection” is fitting if you have heard any of Charlton’s jazz albums. The Thelonious Monk bebop jazz standard “‘Round Midnight” drops as the second to last piece and by its very nature, it may seem like an odd choice for a Christmas/Holiday album. But the second time I listened to the album, and absorbed some of the other times jazz riffs which are dropped into a carol (e.g., the aforementioned “Ukrainian Bell Carol” and the middle of “Christmas Time Is Here”), while “‘Round Midnight” may sound out of character, I look at it as being thematic, i.e., the track is a semi-finale to the holiday itself, the end of the day of celebrating. Well, that’s my take on it…grain of salt and all that. 

Simple Gifts heralds a welcome return to solo albums by the incredibly talented pianist and I can only hope we won’t have to wait another ten years for the next one. Glad to have you back, Catherine Marie.

CREDITS

All songs traditional/ public domain except “Christmas Time Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelsohn
All piano arrangements by Catherine Marie Charlton
Produced and mixed by Catherine Marie Charlton
Mastered by Phil Nicolo
Art Direction by Catherine Marie Charlton
Artwork and Design by Charles G. Sheely
Catherine Marie Charlton is a Steinway Artist

REVIEW: DANA CUNNINGHAM: - Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy

DANA CUNNINGHAM 

Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy 

Fountain Creek Music (2022)

With so many holiday/Christmas music offerings out there, even in just the new age/contemporary instrumental genres, it always helps to distinguish oneself from the “pack.” Dana Cunningham does that in two distinct ways. One is her playing which is the epitome of a blend of nuanced control and technical proficiency. The other aspect, and the most important for this review, is to arrange traditional carols in a way that they are both recognizable and yet completely fresh, without losing the carols’ seasonal appeal. In this latter way, Cunningham’s Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy is a testament to the artist’s composing and performing skills.

As seems to be the norm these days, Cunningham features nine traditional carols and three “seasonal-sounding” originals. As to the latter, it’s difficult to adequately describe what makes an original song “fit” on a holiday album, but in this instance, whether it be tone, tempo, or melody, they do.  Regarding the subject of traditional carols, Cunningham’s arrangements are certainly imaginative, but each one does retain enough musical “references” to be recognizable. In some cases, more than others, her alterations (for lack of a better word) actually enhance the backbone of the “standard” arrangement. It’s obvious that this album is intensely personal to Cunningham and her carefully nuanced playing, which either flows with a lyrical sensation or flirts in a sparser approach, conveys discernible intimacy. I hesitate to refer to the album’s mood as fully introspective, but it’s closer to that than cheerful or celebratory.

Two guest artists appear on certain tracks - Max Dyer on cello and Mike Sakash on saxophone. While their background playing provides soulful and extremely complementary elements, Cunningham’s piano is always in the forefront on the carols and songs. It’s the core of the listening experience. For myself, I think this is a great late-night soundtrack or, perhaps, on a cold, grey, even stormy days (a snowstorm, of course!). Lastly, from a technical standpoint, the album is excellent, thanks to Gerry Putnam’s production.

Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy would be a welcome and worthy addition to anyone’s holiday music collection. It is one of more heartfelt Christmas albums I have reviewed in many years.

Homecoming is available for purchase via the artist's website here

CREDITS

All piano arrangements of traditional carols by Dana Cunningham. Original songs composed by Dana Cunningham

Album produced by Dana Cunningham

Album recorded, mixed, and mastered by Gerry Putnam at CedarHouse Sound and Mastering, North Sutton, New Hampshire

Art direction and design by Bruce Kennett

Cover painting "Winter Forest" by Michelle Courier