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Quite frankly, I didn't want to take this one out of the changer to put it back into computer to get the track info. My evening with Cory Reese's Silent Night, Instrumental Music for the Christmas Holidays was the first time this season I had actually sat down and just listened, no laptop, no distractions, no deadlines. It was also the first music I had played with the home theatre in quite awhile. Heard under these conditions, the effect of Reese's music was deeply moving. Every last one of his arrangements was sweetly compelling. A piano stylist, Reese gives the standard carols his own stamp; His embellishments remind me more than anyone of Joni Mitchell, though I always wonder how much an artist gets from the pop Zeitgeist. I don't know his age but Reese's arrangements easily please a boomer sensibility, they have that sort of sentimental sweetness.

The uniqueness of this CD is driven home by the timely placement of three Cory Reese compositions: "The Gift", "Eyes Of A Child", and "Precious One". With compelling melodies and gentle, forceful play, he weaves them into the other sacred carols, arriving at something very listenable for all denominations and brands of Christmas music listener.

I enjoyed all of this one. A day into this review, I still have not pulled it out of the player.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

"It was a daunting task for me trying to attempt creating a Christmas record. There is so much amazing music out there, and I wasn't sure I would be able to match up. There is a feeling of peace, friendship, happiness, and compassion during Christmas that is unmatched during any other time of the year. I wanted to allow the listener of this music the ability to connect with these emotions and celebrate the birth of Christ, the most wonderful "gift" we could be given."

--Cory Reese

Cory Reese

Silent Night,
Instrumental Music for The Christmas Season

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Track List