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Michael Allen Harrison is an unstoppable piano artist; just last year, I reviewed two of his excellent holiday offerings: Christmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto and Enchanted Christmas: Volume Three. Harrison has more improvisational artistry in one fingernail than most musicians have in a full set of digits. This prolific pianist has produced more than a dozen seasonal releases over the years, and his 2008 offering, Christmas Anthology, provides a 2-CD "best of the best" compilation, presenting more than 146 minutes of free-flowing, inspired, and inspiring holiday music.

A classical musician at his core, Harrison incorporates contemporary flourishes, dynamic keyboard "story telling", and new age synthesizer effects. The overall product is emotional and energizing.

I really like the fact that Harrison's tracks average over 4 minutes each in length. He gives each cut its due; every familiar tune is a well-developed personal adventure in its own right. I particularly enjoyed the simple grace of Silent Night, a crystalline joy that occupies nearly 6 minutes.

If you are unfamiliar with the pleasures of Michael Allen Harrison's holiday fare, then this is the one to get. Christmas Anthology is a generous seasonal gift that your family will long to unwrap every December for many years to come!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

2 CDs

Michael Allen Harrison

Graphic Design by Kevin Poole Design
Production by AMP CD


From the Website:

Steinway Signature artist, Michael Allen Harrison's music is best described as a genre of its own. His cutting edge, classical contemporary style carves a distinct niche of timeless music which far exceeds the scales of his Steinway keyboard. As a sought after producer, composer and arranger, this well-known concert pianist has been in the music scene for over two decades.

Performing for President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Quincy Jones and the Dalai Lama, Michael has also been the opening act for the Celebrity Forum Speaker Series highlighting Walter Cronkite, Jerry Spence, Margaret Thatcher, Jerry Lewis, Colin Powell, Jan Schlichtman and James Whitmore. He has received many accolades including a NASA Orbiting Certificate for air play in space on the space shuttle ENDEAVOR and one of his albums went up on the space shuttle DISCOVERY. Michael has also performed at the United Nations premiering his tribute song "Remembrance" for the 50th Anniversary of Israel's Independence, as well as The World Peace Conference at the Hague, in the Netherlands. Joining the ranks of Vera Katz (former Mayor) and Oregon Symphony Conductor, James Depriest, Michael also had a Star set in stone named in his honor in front of the Portland, Oregon Performing Arts Center recognizing his talent and his significant contributions to the arts.

Michael Allen Harrison

Christmas Anthology

Artist link

Track List