Christmas On My Mind is a charming collection of ten traditional songs and medleys and three original compositions played and orchestrated on piano and keyboards by Christine Brown. Designed to create a warm, relaxing holiday atmosphere, the pace of all of the pieces is leisurely and peaceful. I especially like Christine’s arrangement of “Carol of the Bells,” which is often a high-energy piece. Her arrangement is much more tranquil than some of the versions I’ve heard - very beautiful. I also really like her pairing of “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” as a medley. Both have very simple, heartfelt melodies, and Brown gives them a gentle grace. “Christmas Wish” is one of the original pieces, and has a sweet, childlike sense of wonder and innocence - another highlight. The medley of “O Christmas Tree” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” has a gentle poignance that is a little different treatment of these two Christmas classics - I like it! “Snow Angel” is another original piece, and is delicate and shimmering with flute highlights in the background. I also like the pairing of “What Child Is This” and “We Three Kings.” The two minor-key pieces work well together, and Brown’s arrangement has an elegant simplicity that emphasizes the melodies. The third original piece, “Magic In the Air,” sparkles with anticipation and quiet joy - another beauty.

Christmas On My Mind is a lovely CD to unwind with or to have playing while decorating and wrapping gifts - or any number of other holiday activities where seasonal music adds to the experience. It is available from www.christinebrownpiano.com and cdbaby.com. Enjoy!