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In case you haven't noticed, there are quite a few instrumental holiday releases on the market featuring solo piano, and the offerings can be pretty similar. The albums that do try to be daringly different can sound forced and harsh or just plain silly. I'm telling you this because Michael Massey's The Present is a distinct breath of fresh air; rather than tripping into one of the aforementioned pitfalls, Massey adeptly crafts an excellent holiday offering that stimulates, soothes, and inspires all at once. Congratulations, Michael Massey--this is one terrific solo piano release for the Christmas season.

Let me count the ways that The Present works for me. First, song selection: Massey has chosen a satisfying array of relatively serious, traditional classics that work very well together. He has interspersed two Massey originals in the mix, and both fit seamlessly. Second, length: the album provides over an hour of music, enough time for me to submerge myself in Massey's stylings while I contemplate the season. Third, focus: although many holiday albums flit from track to track to track, Massey spends on average almost five minutes per track, and that kind of rich development is greatly appreciated.

And fourth? Well, there is just that undefinable something in execution that makes The Present stand out. Massey's phrasing is creative, clean, and smart, and he makes me enjoy listening to old holiday chestnuts all over again. He commands the keyboard without being overbearing; the touch is confident, yet sensitive and controlled. The overall mood is not quite new age or classical, although it reflects elements of both. The elegant ambiance is uplifting, but in a more spiritual and contemplative way, and the tempo is relatively measured. This is easy listening music that is highly sophisticated, yet totally accessible.

The closing What Child Is This? is outstanding. The notes cascade with ever-shifting tempos; the overall effect is intensely beautiful.

The holiday music reviewing season has just begun, but I can already tell that Michael Massey's The Present will still be a favorite when the December winds blow. Bravo!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Arranged and produced by Michael Massey

Snowshine
Michael Massey, BMI, Title by Valerie Wulf
"Snowshine" is inspired by that magic light only found in winter, when the moon is shining on pristine, newly fallen snow and it's so bright and blue and quiet, it takes your breath away.

The Present
Michael Massey, BMI, Title by Robin Valley-Massey
"The Present" conjures up visions of a warm glowing kitchen, crowded with the cacophony of the sights, sounds and smells of a holiday family gathering. An unexpected doorbell interrupts the festivities and there, waiting at the door, is their soldier, home from the war. Home to stay. He or she is one of the lucky ones, a precious present indeed.

From the Website:

Michael Massey is a singer, songwriter, pianist, performer, and producer who has written or collaborated on over 250 rock, pop, country, and instrumental songs. He has three critically acclaimed albums, including Pop Album of the Year at the 2006 Madison Area Music Awards. Michael also has won numerous ADDY, TELLY, and WAVE awards for excellence in original music for advertising.

Michael Massey

The Present

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Track List