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Steve Hulse is a talented guy who not only writes and performs his own CDs, he also composes great music for TV and feature films, and has worked with legends like Henry Mancini. His vibrant Jazzed for the Holidays II is an excellent instrumental CD featuring Hulse's extensive talents in the jazz piano arena.

With over an hour of music, Hulse's album covers considerable ground, including the lovely Hannukah folk song "Mi Y'Malel." The remaining nine tracks are mostly classic seasonal songs, but not entirely the best known fare; instead, Hulse picks lesser luminaries such as "I Saw Three Ships" (a personal favorite), "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," and "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Every cut works very well; the improvisations are warm and creative, while retaining the essence of each number. I especially loved the lively "Twelve Days of Christmas" and the richly emotive "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

This well-executed album creates a polished ambiance of intensely fun, yet soothing, jazz delights. The music would provide the perfect backdrop for a holiday dinner party or a quiet evening wrapping gifts. The presentation is relatively gentle, almost meditative, but never dull.

I highly recommend Steve Hulse's Jazzed for the Holidays II. Albums like this make getting jazzed for the season an easy affair!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Performed and recorded by Steve Hulse
Produced by Steve Hulse and Lisa Capehart Hulse

This second CD of holiday songs is a direct result of the success of my first one, Jazzed for the Holidays. Because of all the great stories and wonderful compliments I received from so many people, I decided to do another one just like it. This CD contains more great songs of the season, including a few that are lesser known.

The mood of this CD continues from the first one--a mood of hope, love and peace. Now, more than ever, this holiday music reminds us how far we have come, and how far we have yet to go in our quest for "Peace on earth, good will to all." I hope you find some peace for yourself in this music.

From the Web site:

Steve Hulse's music CDs come in two distinct styles - jazzy solo piano, great for listening to anytime and relaxation music, perfect for your meditation or quiet time.

Steve Hulse is a Montana-born composer who has worked with Henry Mancini, Merv Griffin and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has written music for projects as diverse as "WKRP in Cincinnati" and an Academy Award-nominated documentary, "Building Bombs." Besides writing and performing music for his own CDs, he composes music for documentaries and feature films, TV and new media.

Steve Hulse

Jazzed for the Holidays II

Artist site

Track List