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Our Review

Sometimes solo piano music can be cold and brittle, classically inaccessible, or ho-hum boring. George Skaroulis' Season Traditions is none of that; his offering projects a warmth and accessibility that is perfect for holiday listening. Fans of Yanni or Jim Brickman will find much to love here--Skaroulis' music is "new age" in the best sense of the term. Listening to this album just makes the listener feel good; the notes are serene, uplifting and richly rewarding. And on a purely superficial level, George Skaroulis is also a very handsome guy with a killer smile and soulful eyes, projecting a George Clooney-like masculine aura, but I digress!

Nothing is superficial about Season Traditions. The "lucky 13" cuts cover 10 well-familiar holiday classics, two Skaroulis originals, and the gorgeous final piece, "Greek New Year Song," which I did not recognize by name, but certainly remembered immediately upon playing. Everything works well on this instrumental album; Skaroulis produces full-bodied, elegantly-textured numbers that effortlessly fill the room with a passionate glow for the holidays and everything that connotes, including friends, family, and precious memories.

Although it is difficult to label particular cuts as favorites in an offering as strong as Season Traditions, Skaroulis does an exceptional job of pumping fresh life into the ubiquitous "Silent Night," and his creative interpretation of "Carol of the Bells" makes the number wholly new. As for his two original pieces, "The Gathering" is more fully developed and radiates the sense of immediate familiarity, as though you've been listening to the tune all your life.

Bravo, George Skaroulis! Your beautiful Season Traditions will shortly become a season tradition at the Swanson house, beginning this year!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

All songs performed, produced and arranged by: George Skaroulis.

All songs public domain except: "The Gathering" and "Coming Home" composed by: George Skaroulis. From the Web site:

George Skaroulis is fast earning a reputation as one of the best pianists in contemporary instrumental music. With several internationally distributed albums to his credit, Skaroulis' music is effortless, full of grace, and emotionally uplifting.

Skaroulis began his career in the restaurant industry while a teenager, and dedicated over 20 years of his life to the business. Time at the piano was often his own private escape, and Skaroulis, shy about his lack of formal training, was very selective about performing publicly. Never had he considered pursuing his love of music as a career, but over the years, the piano kept calling him back.

The message was loud and clear to Skaroulis after attending a Yanni concert years ago. He was amazed and moved by the music, and at the audience's response. Realizing that perhaps his music had a chance to touch people, Skaroulis recorded his debut album Homeland in 1996.

Skaroulis also performs live concerts, many of which are for benefits and charities throughout world.

Skaroulis' dreams continue to become realities. His music is broadcast on both conventional and web radio stations around the world, in theatre, and in television broadcasts. His passion has always been for film and television scoring, so he is understandably proud that his compositions have been included in the nationally-aired PBS programs Visions of Italy and Visions of Greece.

George Skaroulis

Season Traditions

Artist link

Track List