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Our Review

Lisa Addeo is a self-described Liberace protege, performing for many years with him in Radio City Music Hall. Her Spirit of the Holidays demonstrates her solid piano chops, in addition to showcasing a few vocals. Originally marketed exclusively as a 2-CD set, Addeo now offers Spirit of the Holidays I (13 tracks, 40 minutes) and Spirit of the Holidays II (14 tracks, 35 minutes) as separate releases. If you decide to bring the lovely Lisa Addeo into your home this Christmas, just make certain that you know which package you are purchasing.

On cuts like I'll Be Home for Christmas, the Liberace influence seems strongest; the elegant, lush runs bring that stylish performer to life. Although Addeo has a fine voice, the vocals are (at least sometimes) augmented by synth reverb, and that tends to undercut the intimacy projected by the solo piano efforts. As a result, I particularly relished her instrumentals; the quiet simplicity of pieces such as There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays sends a heartwarming message of charm, grace, and elegance. I also very much enjoyed White Christmas, an expressive instrumental that highlights the emotions that make the season special, and Addeo's spare--but playful--Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Sweet! Of the vocal numbers, Addeo's breathy Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is the most compelling. Overall, my favorite number is probably Addeo's excellent, low-key interpretation of John Lennon's amazing Imagine (not a Christmas selection, strictly speaking, but providing a theme that is very appropriate this time of year).

Liberace? What a blast from the past! Despite the undeniable Liberace connections, Lisa Addeo is not all about sequins and glitz. Like her mentor, she is a gifted pianist, a passionate performer who clearly loves to entertain. Her Spirit of the Holidays embodies a full range of seasonal favorites, with a few vocals seasoning the instrumental mix. Tasty!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your holiday celebration! I hope this CD inspires Peace, Love, Comfort and Joy for you and yours during this holiday season and in years to come.

Produced by Lisa Addeo
Piano & all vocals: Lisa Addeo


From the Website:

I am a Liberace protégé that sings. I have over 100 songs recorded and available for you to download right here. I am writing and recording more music every day.

As a young adult I broke every record ever set at Radio City Music Hall when I performed with Liberace in NYC. I have a Master's degree in Composing, Arranging and Conducting from the prestigious Grove School of Music in LA. I have 100's of fans on my mailing list. I am a member of Local 47 Musician's Union, ASCAP and SAG. I began playing around age 6 and performing at 9. My passion and mission was obvious to me at an early age. I have performed at major venues and resorts across the world ~ my music has taken me to some very exotic places. I have performed the National Anthem for Mayor Giuliani and have had my songs recorded in Swedish. I've played piano in movies with Lauren Bacall, Dan Aykrod, James Garner and Jack Lemmon. I've collaborated with Wilford Brimley and opened for Don Rickles. I have played and sang for celebrities, international dignitaries and Fortune 200 corporations across the US. I've been in 4 episodes of 'Seinfeld' and several episodes of 'Ellen' and I've driven on precision driving teams for Warner Brothers. It's been quite a journey!

A beautiful collection of Christmas favorites including a few original compositions by Lisa. 2 CDs. These CDs get a lot of airplay during the holidays and is on radio play lists with the likes of Kenny G and Joe Sample. It makes a great gift!

Lisa Addeo

Spirit of the Holidays

Artist link

Track List