Grammy-nominated pianist Christian Sands has released the deluxe digital version of his holiday album Christmas Stories via Mack Avenue Records. Having performed Christmas shows with Jazz at Lincoln Center and all around the world, Sands offers classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” along with some newly revealed songs.
The pianist added two new recordings for this deluxe edition of the album, including “Sleigh Ride” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.”
Sands shares:
Christmas Stories is more than a collection of Christmas songs, it’s a representation of moments remembered or new ones created around the winter and holiday seasons. The album marks the point at which one steps into the next chapter of their life. It’s about family, peace, remembrance, nostalgia, and above all, centered around ideas of love and joy.
Fresh renditions of “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” are accompanied by a fresh interpretation of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” which takes in a lively Latin rhythm. Along with the two new bonus tracks, Sands includes in three originals: “Snow Dayz,” “Shoveling,” and “Last Christmas.”
Christmas Stories brings Sands together with members of his extended musical family: at the heart of the album is his working quartet, with guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and the pianist’s actual brother, Ryan Sands, on drums.
They’re joined by a number of special guests: saxophonist Jimmy Greene and vibraphonist Stefon Harris, both mentors to Sands, along with a pair of newer acquaintances, percussionist Keita Ogawa and guitarist Max Light.
Sands concludes:
For me, Christmas really is all about family. Especially as an artist that travels a lot, Christmas is a time when I get to see people that I might not have seen for the entire year.
Christian Sands is on tour celebrating his latest releases.
Christian Sands on Tour
Dec. 5 | Washington, DC – Blues Alley
Dec. 7 | Pittsburgh, PA – MCG Jazz
Dec. 13 | Las Vegas, NV – Smith Center
Dec. 15 | Tucson, AZ – Century Room at Hotel Congress
Dec. 17 | Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum
Dec. 20 | Boston, MA – Scullers Jazz Club
Dec. 21 – 24 | New York, New York – Dizzy’s Club
