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Our Review

Bob Piorun is a gifted songwriter, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. I always know I am in for a treat when I receive a package in the mail from him. I was privileged to hear a rough cut of It's Christmas, and my opinion hasn't changed: this is a songwriter tour de force combining blues, jazz, easy listening, acoustic, and even a little bit of polka, to round out a delightful dozen original new Christmas tunes.

Piorun is comfortable composing songs in a number of styles, and the eclecticism of his music is among its most appealing aspects. Every one of these songs can stand by itself, and yet they seem to belong together, too. If I were going to pick a favorite, it would be A Mother's Christmas. I like its singer-songwriter quality; I like its pathos; it also has a ring of truth to it; people need to feel a real relationship to a tear jerker.

Piorun also manages a magnificent manger of supporting musicians, chock full of interesting female vocalists. Connie Patti's vocals on A Mother's Christmas are a large part of what sells this song. And Julie Howard's classic 40's-style pop vocals on It's Snowin' made it a strong runner-up for my favorite.

I liked It's Christmas from the first tune to the last. I hope we continue to hear more from Bob Piorun.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Bob Piorun: guitar, vocals, banjo, bass

Julie Howard: vocals

Shane Aaserud: bass

Richard Howard: drums, bells

Lyman Strong: keyboards, piano, orchestral sounds, other sounds

Connie Pattie: vocals

Dave Conway: vocals

Nick Palumbo: clarinet

Kevin Dorsey: tuba

Dick Howard: drums

Anne Adessa: vocals

Steve Odum: Santa

Dave Conway: vocals

Emily: child's voice

Bob Piorun

It's Christmas

Artist link

Track List