Winter's Lullaby is a collection of thirteen traditional pieces and one original composition that celebrate the winter season and the holidays that go with it. This is Kevin Kern's first album since his 2016 When I Remember, and it's wonderful to have new music from him! Nine of the tracks on the album are solo piano, one is a piano/cello duet with Greg Byers, and four are piano, cello and violin trios with Byers and Jill Olson-Moser. It is worth mentioning that the solo piano arrangements aren't the same as what Kevin plays with the strings even though they are the same songs - the versions are quite different from each other. Kevin also added some references to classical pieces here and there, making these arrangements unique while adding some surprises to the familiar holiday tunes.

I think this album reveals Kevin's jazz background more than most of his earlier releases, as there are some interesting harmonies as well as jazz rhythms in some of the music. (When he was growing up, Kevin was mentored by jazz great George Shearing in addition to his classical training.) Having hosted Kevin in quite a few house concerts over the years, I'm familiar with this very important side of his musicality, but it might surprise some of his longtime "new age") fans.

Winter's Lullaby begins with the title track, the one original piece on the album. It starts with a celesta, sounding very much like a toy piano, and then fades to a Steinway B piano, keeping it sweet, simple, and innocent - a real charmer! "We Three Kings" is performed by all three musicians and is something of a jazz waltz - very soulful! "Deck the Halls" is solo piano and is also arranged as a jazz waltz, bringing this very old carol into the 21st century. Near the end, there is a reference to Satie's Gymnopedie #3" - another surprise! The first arrangement of "Toyland" is a dreamy piano and cello duet that effectively contrasts the light-hearted piano with the more poignant cello - beautifully done! In the trio version of "Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella," Kevin "fused" the carol with the Bach "G Major Cello Suite" arranged in 3/4 time - a surprising combination that works seamlessly and is one of my favorites. The solo piano "Sing We Now of Christmas" is rather dark and haunting. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" has been one of my favorite carols at least in part because it is so adaptable to many different musical styles and genres. This trio version feels very classical with the string harmonies blending with the piano. "O Little Town of Bethlehem," a piano solo, really brings out the stillness and peace of nighttime - elegant yet very heartfelt. "Auld Lang Syne" always feels nostalgic and sentimental, and the trio arrangement really expresses that. The last five tracks are all solo piano. "We Three Kings" is lively and upbeat while expressing a sense of urgency. There are some very interesting harmonies in this piece that give it a different "vibe" than usual. "Toyland" is bright and cheerful with just a touch of bittersweet. The solo "Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" doesn't have any references to Bach, so it is much lighter and more contemporary, as is "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." Appropriately, the album comes to a close with the very soulful "Auld Lang Syne."

Winter's Lullaby is available from this link. Sheet music for the solo piano versions is also available from SheetMusicPlus.com, SheetMusicDirect.com and MusicNotes.com. Welcome back, Kevin Kern! We really missed you!