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Our Review

What a soothing version of Welcome Christmas, I thought, as I listened to the opening number from The Naked Piano Christmas, Gary Girouard's latest recording in his "naked piano" series. As we all learned in Christmas Pop Classics 101, Welcome Christmas is the signature song from the televised telling of the Dr. Seuss story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, where it was sung in a chirpy, la-la-la style by those softhearted (and a bit softheaded) Whofolk. Girouard's interpretation is delicate and understated, almost an ironic counterpoint to the original.

All of these selections--a combination of sacred and secular "hits"--are performed in an easygoing tempo, using Girouard's "naked" (meaning totally acoustic and, apparently, with the top completely ripped free of the piano) style, soothing and slow-walking. Girouard's Ave Maria was rendered enjoyably well in this style. I say this because I usually find this selection intolerable, especially when bellowed by an overweight baritone. Yep, make me love a song I hate--that's the true yardstick of a CD (for someone who listens to hundreds of the little blighters every year).

This is early a.m. or late p.m. music (it is 7 a.m. as I write this), good with either the first cup of coffee in the morning, or with the last tiny drop of chrysanthemum tea in the evening. Some people prefer hot chocolate in the evening. When I choose chocolate, I take mine with lots of melted marshmallows. I believe that Gary Girouard's The Naked Piano Christmas should go nicely with hot chocolate.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

This collection of solo piano music features traditional holiday favorites played in a "naked piano" style. Relax and enjoy your holidays with the soothing and elegant sounds of the piano. A natural complement to holiday cooking, dining and decorating!

All music arranged, performed and produced by Gary Girouard.

Gary Girouard

The Naked Piano Christmas

Artist site

Track List