Classic Hymns is a collection of eight well-known hymns arranged for solo piano and performed by award-winning pianist, composer and arranger Joseph Nimoh. This is Joseph's fourteenth album and, like his previous releases, it clearly indicates his varied background in classical, gospel and jazz stylings. While the arrangements are beautiful and Joseph's playing is masterful, it is clear that the most important goal of the album was to update these classic hymns with a fresh, heartfelt expression that enhances the beauty of their melodies and gives a new voice to their messages (wordless messages in this case!).

Joseph Nimoh studied piano at Berklee College of Music and has served as as the Director of Music for several churches around the US. He has also been a music and worship workshop clinician and speaker, piano instructor, and producer and arranger for several artists. He has also produced music for video games and advertisements. He released his first album, Quiet Time In His Presence, in 2017.

Classic Hymns begins with possibly the most classic hymn of them all, "Amazing Grace." The first part of the piece is the melody with a simple accompaniment followed by a short interlude before going to the next verse. The second interlude is a bit longer, and then the third verse has the melody in the lower end of the piano. It's a gentle and very beautiful arrangement! "Blessed Assurance" has a warm and graceful flow, keeping the melody at the forefront - I really like this one, too! "Close To Thee" dates back to 1874 and Joseph's arrangement overflows with warmth and tenderness. "Immortal Invisible" is a new hymn for me, but it dates back to 1867 and has a warm and prayerful feeling. I think "Jesus Loves Me" is one of the first hymns most children learn - I 'm pretty sure I was about five years old! Joseph has added some original passages, but the main melody overflows with the sweet innocence and trusting nature of childhood. "Jesus Paid It All" is very slow, open and reflective in the first half and becomes somewhat more intense in the second half - a very beautiful and heartfelt interpretation. "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" can be quite lively, but Joseph's arrangement is very quiet and reflective of an inner peace and a deeper, lasting form of joy - my favorite track on the album! This inspiring album closes with "Peace, Perfect Peace," the most dramatic track on the album. It begins with some low octaves on the piano keyboard, and then the first verse is very soft and gentle, played in the upper half of the piano keyboard. Each verse after that becomes stronger and more powerful, giving Joseph an opportunity to show us what a dynamic and expressive pianist he really is! It's a great ending for an excellent album!

Classic Hymns is available from Joseph Nimoh's website, Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and many streaming services including Spotify and Pandora.