Simply Christmas lives up to its title - nothing more, nothing less than favorite Christmas songs given a traditional, sometimes nostalgic treatment. Shirley Cason’s piano is complemented with synthesized accompaniments which are also simple and straightforward. If you like your carols without a lot of trills and fanfare, this CD will suit you well. All eleven of the featured songs are among the most-popular carols. The only one missing from the list is “Jingle Bells”, but it really wasn’t needed. One of my favorites is Cason’s arrangement of “Carol of the Bells”, which is upbeat and joyful. The minor chords in this piece often sound almost tragic, but this version is lively and happy. “Away in a Manger” is a lovely lullaby with synth flute and guitar. “Simply Christmas” would make a great musical backdrop for a Christmas Eve supper or for opening gifts around the tree. By keeping the arrangements simple, Cason has allowed us to fall into our own Christmas memories as well as her own.