In the Bleak Midwinter is a soothing solo piano Christmas album from the incredibly-prolific James Michael Stevens. Perfect for the quieter moments of the holidays, the twelve pieces on the album are mostly the hymns of Christmas, so don’t look for any Santa songs on this one. James’ arrangements really bring out the beauty of the melodies without a lot of embellishment or fancy finger-work. It would be a lovely accompaniment to a quiet holiday meal, an evening by the fireplace, wrapping gifts, and so much more. A piano songbook is also available that features all twelve pieces transcribed by James himself. (See the review on MainlyPiano.com.)

In the Bleak Midwinter begins with the title track and reflects on the stillness of this time of year, keeping it simple but heartfelt. “Ukrainian Bell Carol” is often a very big, bold piece, but James’ arrangement is very gentle and played at a slower tempo than you usually hear it, but still very beautiful. “Away in a Manger” is the first Christmas song a lot of children learn, and James keeps it simple and innocent. He created a medley of “O Holy Night” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” that works very well with a rolling broken-chord accompaniment supporting the melodies. “Silent Night” often ranks high on people’s favorites list, and James has modernized some of the chords here and there, but lets the melody sing throughout (on the piano, not vocals!). “Sing We Now of Christmas” is not heard as often as many of the carols, but its haunting melody is one of my favorites. James adds a short interlude in the middle of the piece that fits in beautifully. I wasn’t familiar with “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,” but it’s always nice to be introduced to a new Christmas hymn - and this one is lovely! James included a verse from “Jesus Loves Me,” which fits in beautifully! “Still, Still, Still” seems to have become more popular over the past several years - probably because it works so well as an instrumental. James added a new intro and there is a meditative passage between verses that works really well. He wove some phrases from “Joy To the World” into “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,” and that also works seamlessly. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is a song that does well with a wide range of styles and tempos, making it another of my favorites. James’ arrangement is much slower and more peaceful than many I have heard and played, but the melody sings throughout. “The First Noel” has an original intro and passage between verses, and is, again, very peaceful and calming. Appropriately, James closes the album with “Auld Lang Syne,” again very simple and from the heart.

So if you are looking for some peaceful and meaningful solo piano Christmas music, In the Bleak Midwinter could be a really good choice. It is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. A songbook is also available and is reviewed on MainlyPiano.com.