Keyboard Christmas

Pianist/composer Michael Pagan displays a range of influences from Bach to Miles Davis in this solo effort of seasonal melodies performed on an electric keyboard. Jazz fans will note the solo dubbed over a swinging texture in 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear' while late Beethoven may come to mind in the haunting diminished chords of 'Good King Wenceslas.' A light stride feel is the operative for 'Let It Snow' and 'Coventry Carol' swings hard in three. While 'Gesu Bambino' is delivered in a decidedly classical manner, Pagan's take on 'Carol of the Bells' fuses jazz improvisation with a toccata motor rhythm that is reminiscent of Prokofiev. A swinging version of Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' concludes this virtuosic set of slightly over one hour.