by Michael P Coleman
I need a little Brickman. Right this very minute.
I spoke with pianist Jim Brickman last spring at a book signing in Sacramento, and I coaxed him into playing a few bars of “White Christmas” — in May. “Now I want it to be Christmas!”, Brickman playfully exclaimed.
Well, ready or not, the season’s upon us.
I’ve been a fan of Jim Brickman’s music — especially his holiday collections — since the late 90s, but I’ve always had trouble describing him as an artist.
He’s a masterful pianist, arranger, and songwriter.
He’s the Kenny G of keyboards.
He’s America’s Romantic Piano Sensation! (That’s a line from his publicist from a few years ago. It still cracks Jim — and his concert audiences — up.)
He’s a comfort and a joy. And that’s fitting, since it echoes the title of his gorgeous new holiday CD, Comfort & Joy. The album is classic Brickman, featuring instrumental versions of holiday favorites like “The First Noel”, “Silver Bells”, and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” along with Brickman originals like the title track and “Thanksgiving”.
As he usually does, Brickman has included a few songs with vocals on the new album, including “Night Before Christmas” with John Oates (from Hall & Oates), “Hitch A Ride With Santa” featuring Charlie Alan, and the Grammy-nominated “Sending You A Little Christmas” with Johnny Mathis.
“Hitch A Ride With Santa” closes the album, and is cute enough to be the next “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. “Sending You A Little Christmas”, about wanting to share the holidays with a loved one, made me…misty. Brickman told me working with the legendary Mathis was an experience he’ll never forget.
“I’m a huge fan of iconic singers,” Brickman shared, “and Johnny Mathis is a legend. He’s an unmistakable voice at Christmas, the epitome of a Christmas music artist. It was a pretty amazing experience working with him. He’s a kind, sweet, talented guy.”
Mathis felt the same way about working with Brickman.
“What a nice man Jim is,” Mathis told me. “I was so happy to meet him and he was very kind to me. He loved the song we did, and I’m very happy about the success that we had with that song.”
Between the instrumentals and Mathis, you might get the idea that Comfort & Joy is a mellow Christmas album that’s best enjoyed at the end of a busy shopping day, over a cup of mulled cidar — and you’d be right. However, Brickman is often full of surprises (on record and in concert), and on the new album “Electric Christmas LIVE” (featuring longtime friend and collaborator Tracy Silverman) is sure to shake Santa up if it’s playing on Christmas Eve.
Christmas has always been a big deal for Brickman, beginning with his 1997 album and hit single “The Gift”, and he’s taken his holiday show on the road for years. This season, for the first time, he’s bringing his Christmas show to the west coast. Brickman opens his tour in Sacramento on November 28 at the Crest Theatre.
I’ve been anticipating Brickman’s holiday show for months — well, years actually. In fact, I asked him years ago to consider bringing the holiday show to the west coast — so yes, I take full and complete credit for Sacramento getting a chance to experience Jim Brickman’s magic this Christmas!
“It’s time to kick off the 2015 Christmas season,” Brickman told me via email. “I’m very excited to bring the holiday tour to Sacramento for the very first time! The Comfort & Joy concert feels happy, homey and loving. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.”
After a couple of days of post-Thanksgiving Christmas shopping, Jim’s soothing music will be welcome. I hope that the Crest Theatre has a warm cup of cider waiting for me.
Tickets for Jim Brickman’s November 28 holiday show are at crestsacramento.com .
Jim’s Comfort & Joy album is available at iTunes, jimbrickman.com and Walmart.
Michael P Coleman is a Sacramento-based freelance writer who is Jim Brickman’s biggest fan. It borders on stalking. Seriously. Connect with Coleman at michaelpcoleman.com or on Twitter: @ColemanMichaelP
