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Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

The warmth of Jim Brickman's eloquent and heartfelt piano music is a perfect fit for the Christmas season, and his third holiday collection in ten years -- following 1997's The Gift and 2003's Peace -- offers a similarly engaging mix of piano solos, easily rhythmic instrumental ensemble pieces, and songs featuring well-known vocalists. On the instrumental side, the mix of warm and melodic Brickman originals ("Thanksgiving," "Gathering," "Bethlehem") and his inimitable "Brickman-ization" of songs we all know, love, and can't resist hearing him do ("Silent Night," listed under its original title "Still Nacht," "Deck the Halls," "Auld Lang Zyne") works brilliantly once again. The vocals are likewise inspiring, beginning with "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" sung by the pianist's frequent collaborator Anne Cochran and featuring the breezy acoustic guitar of smooth jazz star Peter White. While the spiritually driven ballad "Coming Home for Christmas," featuring former Lonestar lead singer Richie McDonald, was an instant classic focal track, the beautiful lullaby "My Angel (Christmas)" is more poignant for reasons beyond the emotional pull of its melody and lyrics -- it was the late R&B artist Gerald LeVert's last vocal recording. Brickman and LeVert -- who both attended Shaker Heights High School in Cleveland -- recorded it for the pianist's 2006 album Escape. Brickman had hoped that they could rework the song with a Christmas lyric for this project, but LeVert passed away before that could happen. It's a beautiful final testament by one of contemporary soul's great artists -- and a fittingly poignant inclusion on yet another seasonal gem from the wonderfully romantic realm of Brickman.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Fans of the subtle, atmospheric and highly melodic contemporary intrumental composer will enjoy this thirteen-track collection of (pre-2003) career highlights, but those looking for a more comprehensive compilation should pick up Windham Hill's excellent 2006 overview, Pure Jim Brickman. [This Greatest Hits release contains two bonus tracks.]

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

All new recordings from Jim Brickman - 12 tracks featuring all new Brickmanized versions of Christmas classics and three new holiday originals! Jim Brickman's solo piano sound wraps around holiday favorites for the 2006 holiday season. Jim's melodic touch brings warmth and celebration to seasonal classics that touch your heart. Light the fire, enjoy time with family and friends, and make new memories with the Brickman sound of Chistmas. Track listing: I'll Be Home For Christmas O Holy Night Winter Wonderland The Holly & The Ivy O' Tannenbaum Do You Hear What I Hear Snowflake Greensleeves We With You A Merry Christmas Canon In G Silver Bells Even Santa Fell In Love (Featuring vocals by Jim Brickman)

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Contemporary instrumentalist Jim Brickman take on the new age genre is one of subtlety and gentle, lilting melody. The pianist, composer, and former commercial jingle writer's ten albums for Windham Hill have run the gamut from amorous soundtracks of affection (My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman) to children's songs (Disney Songbook). Pure Jim Brickman collects 18 tracks of melodious tranquility that flow together nicely, allowing room for both solo instrumentals and full band workouts to co-exist without ever stepping on each other's toes. Listeners who are new to the genre would do well in giving this fine collection a try.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Pianist Jim Brickman delivers a solidly beautiful collection of his signature primarily instrumental, adult contemporary pop tunes on Escape. His first album for Sony Jazz after leaving his longtime label Windham Hill, Escape is a heartfelt, somewhat melancholy, and always pretty album that more often than not achieves a cinematic quality. In that sense, tracks such as "'Waterfall," "Paradise," and "Barcelona" are sparkling soft rock ballads that bring to mind the best of Dave Grusin. There are also some superb guests here such as on the country anthem "Never Alone" featuring vocalist Sara Evans. Similarly engaging is the dark and intimate "Winter Waltz" showcasing violinist David Klinkenberg. Add in some pristine and tasteful production that makes room for orchestral moments as well as Brickman's skillful keyboard chops, and you have an album that offers much for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

On The Disney Songbook, Jim Brickman applies his famously smooth touch to new and old classics from the revered animation studio. Brickman chooses Disney songs that work perfectly with his style, ranging from the soothing sweetness of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Reflection" to wittier, livelier tracks like "Cruella De Vil" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." He also recruits a cast of singers to help bring the songbook to life, including Wayne Brady, Kassie DePaiva, and two American Idol alumni, Kimberley Locke and Josh Gracin. Brady's "Beautiful" and Locke's "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" compare favorably with Disney's own pop versions of songs like "A Whole New World," while Gracin's "When I See an Elephant Fly" and Lila McCann's "I'm Amazed" add some country charm to the album. A good-natured listening experience, The Disney Songbook may not be among Brickman's all-time best albums, but it's never less than relaxing and sweet.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Although the enormously popular Brickman has long been known as a romantic piano sensation, a close study of his beautiful recordings has shown him to be a true fan of children's lullabies as well as pretty instrumental and vocal love songs. This time, he's unabashed about the role his piano may play in lulling children to beddy-bye. Most of the titles have a nocturnal theme and center around a slow, gentle tempo. "Little Stars" is a playful improvisation on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," in fact. The one thing Brickman's fans have come to expect is consistency, and once again he delivers a handful of sweet, to-the-point melodies, mostly with solo piano. A few tracks feature Tracy Silverman, who plays violin on "Above the Clouds" and viola on "Night Prayer," and Brickman uses an orchestra for the first time on the gorgeous, lush "Course of Love" from TV's Guiding Light. Brickman has worked with a steady stream of top singers since the success of "Valentine," his hit with Martina McBride. This collection's offerings include tracks with the vocal group All-4-One, Amy Sky (a musical interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13), and actress Jane Krakowski. For variety and added intimacy, Brickman himself sings his adaptation of the whimsical kiddie tune "I See the Moon." Another extreme crowd-pleaser from one of contemporary music's most likable composers and performers.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Fans of Jim Brickman usually love him for what he does best, simple, lush, romantic solo piano music. Recent recordings like Visions of Love and Gift have attempted to add layers to that base by adding orchestration or soaring vocals to the mix, but such things can muddle the purity of the music. Simple Things marks the return to Brickman's foundation -- beautiful, gentile songs with only minimum accompaniment, featuring ten instrumentals followed by three ballads, including the adult contemporary styled title track (sung by Rebecca Lynn Howard). With the exception of the title track, which earns its way onto the album, the vocal tracks seem a bit tacked on, but the first portion of the album is first-rate solo piano music, and Simple Things will likely reinforce Brickman's solid place in the hearts of fans of new age music.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

After four gold albums and two number one adult contemporary singles, pianist Jim Brickman released this live CD that serves as a pseudo greatest-hits collection. The problems are that the vocals are performed by different artists and not all the hits are here. Released to coincide with a PBS special, Brickman is joined by Olivia Newton-John (who fills in for Martina McBride on Valentine and who co-wrote "Change of Heart" with him), Donny Osmond (who fills in for Michael W. Smith on "Love of My Life"), saxophonist Dave Koz, keyboardist David Benoit, violinist Tracy Scott Silverman, and longtime Brickman collaborator, singer Anne Cochran. Brickman's vocal-accompanied ballads are certainly competent for the A/C field, but with maudlin, sophomoric lyrics like "You are the half that made me whole/you are the anchor of my soul" (in The Love I Found in You on which he performs vocals and sounds eerily like Michael W. Smith), it's clear that his real strengths are his instrumentals. Though they lack the melodramatic pizzazz of some of the best new age music, that understatement is valued, and they are mostly evocative and always pretty, with "Rocket to the Moon" and "Freedom" being standouts.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Anyone soul-stirred by the Cleveland native's 1997 breakthrough Picture This will find the simple, mood-enhancing pleasures of Destiny -- a rich, accomplished work with not one throwaway cut -- a similarly perfect soundtrack to the big romantic interlude in the midst of life's day to day chaos. While Brickman delves a bit more into up-tempo smooth jazz playing over Herb Alpert's brisk, rising harmony lines on the strutting "Rendezvous," for the most part he sticks to his stock in trade: seductive, three-minute long pop songs that range in mood from happy-go-lucky ("Part of My Heart," "Meant to Be," "By Chance") to lilting and melancholy ("Crooked River"). Brickman says he aims to lift the listener into a journey of self-realization and provides the starting points with simple word or phrase titles like "Remembrance" or "Crossroads." He's rarely inclined to use outside harmonic enhancement on these pieces, but Richard Dodd's weeping cello accents on "Bittersweet" add a deeper sensitivity.

Brickman's facile way with a pop piano hook has translated to huge success on the adult contemporary charts, where has scored vocal hits with Martina McBride ("Valentine") and Susan Ashton and Collin Raye ("The Gift"). While Carly Simon's kindly performance on "Hush L'il Baby" keeps Brickman's tradition of including childhood nursery rhymes on every project intact, any of the other three instantly hummable vocal tunes (think power ballads lite) are candidates for first dance wedding songs that can endure through the ages. Michael W. Smith's raspy voice adds thrust to "Love of My Life," while young R&B stars Jordan Hill and Billy Porter make a convincing vow on the soaring title cut. "Your Love" sung by Michelle Wright is, lyrically and melodically, the perfect sequel to "The Gift."

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Brickman's trademark schmaltz kicks into high gear on this collection of duets. Partners in crime include Janis Ian, Peabo Bryson and Stephen Bishop. Even the most sentimental music lover should have the insulin ready, this one is a doozy.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Pianist Brickman, a favorite of the easy to listen to crowd, brings his ear for melody to a set of holiday favorites. While his forte has been solo piano, here he enlists the aid of Kenny Loggins, Point of Grace and other vocalists as well as some additional instrumentalists. The results are pleasant if not exactly groundbreaking.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

Jim Brickman's simple, straightforward solo piano melodies have made the extraordinary breakthrough onto soft rock radio alongside the Whitney Houstons and Mariah Careys. Perpetuating his belief that less is more, the former jingle writer keeps the romantic pieces on his eloquent third release, Picture This, short and hooky, with most clocking in under three minutes. Though his label association might lean towards his categorization as a new age artist, Brickman is pure pop all the way, with none of the pretentious grandeur of so many of new age's top players. Most of the songs are lighthearted and whimsical, easy to fall in love with and to, but a few (like the moody "Edgewater," which features oboe harmony) hint at a deeper artistry. A tender Martina McBride vocal will no doubt open doors in the country market, but contemporary fans will better enjoy the lush duet Brickman plays with saxman Boney James. It's hardly innovative, but its quiet beauty still runs circles around anything Kenny G's ever done. And it established Brickman as the premier romantic piano sensation of his generation.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

...Brickman delivers an album filled with peaceful melodies that evoke romantic images and intimate feelings. He considers himself a pop songwriter, using piano-based instrumentals as a canvas, allowing him to connect with mainstream listeners on his sonic paintings of romantic longings. The song "On the Edge" features a duet with cellist Martin Tillman, while other selected tracks include string and percussion. The album closes with the title track "By Heart," highlighted by Laura Creamer, an exciting vocalist known for her work with Bruce Hornsby and Michael Bolton.

Though classically trained, pianist Jim Brickman prefers to play more pop-flavored, gently lyrical new age music. His unique compositions are emotional and structured, but not rigidly so. Brickman enrolled in the Cleveland Institute of Music in his late teens. The focus was on classical music, but Brickman could not escape the lure of mainstream music and at age 19 began writing commercial jingles. This led him to compose music for such major outfits the Gap, Isuzu, Sprint, and Kellogg's as well as with Jim Henson and Henson Associates. During his association with Henson, he composed for the Muppets and for projects on Sesame Street. He also assisted on some of Henson's Disney projects. Brickman recorded his debut album, No Words, on Windham Hill in 1994. The following year he released By Heart on the same label, and in 1997 issued Picture This as well as The Gift, a collection of seasonal favorites. Visions of Love followed a year later, and in early 1999 Brickman returned with Destiny. A classy live effort, My Romance: An Evening with Jim Brickman appeared in 2000. Two years later, Brickman crafted a beautiful children's album called Love Songs and Lullabies. Efforts such as Grace, Peace, and The Disney Songbook followed in the relaxing yet elegant vein of his earlier work. In 2006, Brickman left longtime label Windham Hill and released Escape on Savoy Jazz. The holiday-themed Homecoming followed in 2007.

...The first piano solo artist to sign with the record label in seven years. Brickman is no mere repeat; he throws his own spin on the traditional Windham Hill sound of expressive, moody piano pieces. His music tends toward a pop sound without the words. It is upbeat and romantic. Cuts such as "Open Doors" are as fine an adagio as one may hear anywhere in the genre. "Old Times" is imbued with feeling for a fond past and that is remembered time and time again.

Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, November 23, 1955. His mother, also a pianist, would play for him as a young child, planting the seeds for what would become a fruitful, illustrious career. Einaudi studied under Luciano Berio at the Conservatory of Milan, graduating with a diploma in composition. In 1982 his talents would win him a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival. The experience opened Einaudi's ears to new ideas like minimalism, world music influences and aspects of pop music. He spent the next several years composing for the ballet, including Sul Filo d'Orfeo (1984), Time-Out (1988) and The Wild Man (1991). Einaudi turned a corner in 1996 with the release of his first collection of solo performances, entitled Le Onde. This record started Einaudi down the path towards becoming one of Europe's best selling pianist/composers. 1999's Eden Roc and 2001's I Giorni, both for BMG, captured the solo piano world's attention, both remaining best-sellers for years to come. While seemingly at the top of the composition world, Einaudi ventured into the world of film composition, a journey punctuated by his Best Film Score award in 2002 for his work on Luce Die Miei Occhi. Einaudi noted interviews during that period that he missed concretizing, and began performing again regularly. New works blossomed from this effort, including 2004's Una Mattina and 2006's Diario Mali. 2007 welcomed Einaudi's seventh studio album, titled Divenire, where he is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi has worked in many musical areas over the years, producing music for theatres, movie directors and ballet companies, as well as releasing solo albums notable for their sophisticated restraint and elegant minimalism. Divenire - Einaudi's seventh studio album – is a slight diversion in that it's the first time the composer has collaborated with a full orchestra: the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic to be exact. Einaudi's compelling piano pieces are still at the core of Divenire and remain as mesmerizing as ever, but the orchestral embellishments lend his work a richer, more sweeping ambience. Divenire also sees Einaudi experiment with electronics, though these are used sparingly; primarily as textural devices. While not as minimal as earlier works, Divenire does not embrace the epic, preferring instead to ebb and flow gently between pared-down piano pieces and the fuller, more emotive sentiments of "Primavera," or the 11-minute opus, "Oltremare." Representing yet another stage in a formidably progressive career, Divenire sees Ludovico Einaudi at the height of his imaginative powers.


'Divenire' is the seventh studio album from Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi. Originally conceived back in 2002 - when Einaudi was invited to compose and perform a piece for the ISuoni Delle Dolomiti festival - 'Divenire' sees Einaudi backed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic giving a new dimension to his minimalist and moving piano pieces.

Review by Jonathan Widran :

Sometimes dubbed a "minimalist" for his simple elegance and openness of expression, the bestselling Italian contemporary classical composer and pianist mixes eloquent solo piano pieces like the graceful, reflective "Monday," dramatic, film score-flavored compositions recorded with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (the moody title track, a sweeping and soaring &"Primavera"), and other tracks, swirling his piano with such quirky effects as loops, cello improvisation and overdubs, and reverse piano loops. Beyond those, one of his most striking compositions is "Fly," which builds an orchestral intensity on par with "A Day in the Life" and adds the touch of electric guitars to a spacy, liquid landscape. His masterful, multifaceted texturing skills make this thought-provoking, breathtaking in spots disc effective as a hypnotic, new age pop type listen perfect for meditation as well as an extension of his actual film score work.

Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, November 23, 1955. His mother, also a pianist, would play for him as a young child, planting the seeds for what would become a fruitful, illustrious career. Einaudi studied under Luciano Berio at the Conservatory of Milan, graduating with a diploma in composition. In 1982 his talents would win him a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival. The experience opened Einaudi's ears to new ideas like minimalism, world music influences and aspects of pop music. He spent the next several years composing for the ballet, including Sul Filo d'Orfeo (1984), Time-Out (1988) and The Wild Man (1991). Einaudi turned a corner in 1996 with the release of his first collection of solo performances, entitled Le Onde. This record started Einaudi down the path towards becoming one of Europe's best selling pianist/composers. 1999's Eden Roc and 2001's I Giorni, both for BMG, captured the solo piano world's attention, both remaining best-sellers for years to come. While seemingly at the top of the composition world, Einaudi ventured into the world of film composition, a journey punctuated by his Best Film Score award in 2002 for his work on Luce Die Miei Occhi. Einaudi noted interviews during that period that he missed concretizing, and began performing again regularly. New works blossomed from this effort, including 2004's Una Mattina and 2006's Diario Mali. 2007 welcomed Einaudi's seventh studio album, titled Divenire, where he is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

A masterpiece album by Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi and African Kora player Ballake, Sissoko. The music is dialogue between two cultures, two different worlds. Echoes of renaissance music, African music, Blues and Caraibic music.

Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, November 23, 1955. His mother, also a pianist, would play for him as a young child, planting the seeds for what would become a fruitful, illustrious career. Einaudi studied under Luciano Berio at the Conservatory of Milan, graduating with a diploma in composition. In 1982 his talents would win him a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival. The experience opened Einaudi's ears to new ideas like minimalism, world music influences and aspects of pop music. He spent the next several years composing for the ballet, including Sul Filo d'Orfeo (1984), Time-Out (1988) and The Wild Man (1991). Einaudi turned a corner in 1996 with the release of his first collection of solo performances, entitled Le Onde. This record started Einaudi down the path towards becoming one of Europe's best selling pianist/composers. 1999's Eden Roc and 2001's I Giorni, both for BMG, captured the solo piano world's attention, both remaining best-sellers for years to come. While seemingly at the top of the composition world, Einaudi ventured into the world of film composition, a journey punctuated by his Best Film Score award in 2002 for his work on Luce Die Miei Occhi. Einaudi noted interviews during that period that he missed concretizing, and began performing again regularly. New works blossomed from this effort, including 2004's Una Mattina and 2006's Diario Mali. 2007 welcomed Einaudi's seventh studio album, titled Divenire, where he is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Ludovico Einaudi is fast becoming one of the most popularly acclaimed contemporary classical/composer/performers of our time. This 2CD set was recorded live at La Scala, Milan and features most of his most popular pieces amongst the 21 tracks. It reflects his ability to electrify an audience during the concert. Einaudi is clearly a man who is passionately in touch with his music. Ricordi. 2004.

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As an alternative to 'Echoes', last years' Einaudi collection, this is a strange beast. It is, naturally, a live recording of a concert in 2003, during which Einaudi plays his most popular music with a track list almost identical to 'Echoes', which is the problem. The piano playing is so perfect, it actually seems identical to the studio recordings. A little thought to the track list might have eased this criticism. The sense of deja-vu is not helped by the audience which is so quiet that you wonder if he is playing in an empty hall until the end of each disc when the applause starts, but of course, this is no rock concert.

The music is of course wonderful and fans will love every minute of this intimate and perfectly played concert. But for other not so serious fans, consider the (cheaper) 'Echoes' collection first.

Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, November 23, 1955. His mother, also a pianist, would play for him as a young child, planting the seeds for what would become a fruitful, illustrious career. Einaudi studied under Luciano Berio at the Conservatory of Milan, graduating with a diploma in composition. In 1982 his talents would win him a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival. The experience opened Einaudi's ears to new ideas like minimalism, world music influences and aspects of pop music. He spent the next several years composing for the ballet, including Sul Filo d'Orfeo (1984), Time-Out (1988) and The Wild Man (1991). Einaudi turned a corner in 1996 with the release of his first collection of solo performances, entitled Le Onde. This record started Einaudi down the path towards becoming one of Europe's best selling pianist/composers. 1999's Eden Roc and 2001's I Giorni, both for BMG, captured the solo piano world's attention, both remaining best-sellers for years to come. While seemingly at the top of the composition world, Einaudi ventured into the world of film composition, a journey punctuated by his Best Film Score award in 2002 for his work on Luce Die Miei Occhi. Einaudi noted interviews during that period that he missed concretizing, and began performing again regularly. New works blossomed from this effort, including 2004's Una Mattina and 2006's Diario Mali. 2007 welcomed Einaudi's seventh studio album, titled Divenire, where he is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, November 23, 1955. His mother, also a pianist, would play for him as a young child, planting the seeds for what would become a fruitful, illustrious career. Einaudi studied under Luciano Berio at the Conservatory of Milan, graduating with a diploma in composition. In 1982 his talents would win him a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival. The experience opened Einaudi's ears to new ideas like minimalism, world music influences and aspects of pop music. He spent the next several years composing for the ballet, including Sul Filo d'Orfeo (1984), Time-Out (1988) and The Wild Man (1991). Einaudi turned a corner in 1996 with the release of his first collection of solo performances, entitled Le Onde. This record started Einaudi down the path towards becoming one of Europe's best selling pianist/composers. 1999's Eden Roc and 2001's I Giorni, both for BMG, captured the solo piano world's attention, both remaining best-sellers for years to come. While seemingly at the top of the composition world, Einaudi ventured into the world of film composition, a journey punctuated by his Best Film Score award in 2002 for his work on Luce Die Miei Occhi. Einaudi noted interviews during that period that he missed concretizing, and began performing again regularly. New works blossomed from this effort, including 2004's Una Mattina and 2006's Diario Mali. 2007 welcomed Einaudi's seventh studio album, titled Divenire, where he is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Product Description
Ludovico Einaudi studied piano & composition at the Conservatory in Milan & also with composer Luciano Berio. His early career produced several chamber & orchestral compositions, but he expanded his works in the mid-1980s by creating a series of successful dance & multimedia works. His move to film music in the mid-1990's seemed a logical progression where his innovative & imaginative composing style has had significant impact on his peers, who have bestowed him with 4 major international awards as of this writing. His 21st Century pieces fuse a myriad of styles, including ambient, minimalist and avant-garde, drawn from his admiration of rock groups like Radiohead and Red Hot Chili Peppers, attracting fans from across the popular musical spectrum. Einaudi performed this rich, melodic set of chamber pieces himself, accompanied by Djivan Gasparian and Quartetto David.

Pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, November 23, 1955. His mother, also a pianist, would play for him as a young child, planting the seeds for what would become a fruitful, illustrious career. Einaudi studied under Luciano Berio at the Conservatory of Milan, graduating with a diploma in composition. In 1982 his talents would win him a scholarship to the Tanglewood Music Festival. The experience opened Einaudi's ears to new ideas like minimalism, world music influences and aspects of pop music. He spent the next several years composing for the ballet, including Sul Filo d'Orfeo (1984), Time-Out (1988) and The Wild Man (1991). Einaudi turned a corner in 1996 with the release of his first collection of solo performances, entitled Le Onde. This record started Einaudi down the path towards becoming one of Europe's best selling pianist/composers. 1999's Eden Roc and 2001's I Giorni, both for BMG, captured the solo piano world's attention, both remaining best-sellers for years to come. While seemingly at the top of the composition world, Einaudi ventured into the world of film composition, a journey punctuated by his Best Film Score award in 2002 for his work on Luce Die Miei Occhi. Einaudi noted interviews during that period that he missed concretizing, and began performing again regularly. New works blossomed from this effort, including 2004's Una Mattina and 2006's Diario Mali. 2007 welcomed Einaudi's seventh studio album, titled Divenire, where he is accompanied by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

The music of the composer/pianist Ludovico Einaudi has been described as minimalist, classical, ambient, contemporary and deeply touching. Einaudi's name has become synonymous with contemporary classical style. This new album, Una Mattina, features Ludovico Einaudi on solo piano and includes several haunting tracks with piano and cello.

After many years working as a composer of scores and then working in pure classical music, this album is Einaudi's mostprogressive work to date. It takes lyrical influence from non-typical and pop related topics and this is melded with Einaudi's contemporary classical sound.