Christmas in Ivory is the second solo piano album from Matt Hyzer, a pianist, free-lance writer, arranger, and teacher from Pennsylvania. The album is a collection of thirteen Christmas hymns and carols, some very familiar and some not so much. The variety in the music as well as Matt's different approaches in the arrangements give these musical gems a fresh sound that brings out the beauty and meaning of the songs (none of which are about Santa or reindeer!). Matt graduated with honors from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, earning degrees in Piano Performance and a Master of Arts in Teaching. His first album, This Is My Story, was released in 2009 and is a collection of fourteen arrangements of hymns. As a freelance writer and arranger, he has contributed more than twenty books and hundreds of arrangements to renowned publishers such as Alfred Publishing, Lifeway Christian Resources, The Lorenz Company, Mercer University Press, Shawnee Press/Hal Leonard, and Word Music/Warner. Some of these arrangements are available in the songbooks listed below.

Christmas in Ivory begins with "Joy to the World," an arrangement that gives each verse a distinctive sound that is often jazz-tinged and sometimes a bit more classical - a great start! "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" also effortlessly flows through several style-changes from dark and mysterious to much lighter and more graceful - a favorite! "See, Amid the Winter's Snow" is a carol I wasn't familiar with, and is a stately hymn given a more contemporary update. "Ding Dong! Merrily on High" all but dances out of the player - an expression of unbridled joy! Bright and lively, it's a really fun arrangement sure to bring a smile! "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" is another highlight with its graceful flow and message of hope. I'm always amazed by how many interpretations work so well with "Carol of the Bells" and Matt's arrangement is exceptional! Sometimes dark and dramatic and sometimes much lighter and more fanciful, it's another favorite. I wasn't familiar with "There's a Song in the Air," a hymn from the 1870s. Matt keeps it smooth and uncomplicated, focusing on the sweet melody. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" is another carol that holds up really well in a wide variety of styles and approaches, and Matt's arrangement seems to be a nod to jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck - another favorite! "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" dates back as far as AD 275 with Greek origins. Somber and deeply emotional, Matt keeps his arrangement spare and heartfelt - gorgeous! "Silent Night" is one of the most-beloved of all of the Christmas carols and songs, and Matt's arrangement is quiet and peaceful, effectively utilizing some subtle jazz chords to update it and give it a fresh sound. It's a lovely close to an excellent Christmas album!

As a piano teacher for 40 years and a reviewer for 26, it's not always easy to impress me with Christmas music, but I'm very impressed with Christmas in Ivory! It is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Highly recommended!