http://www.christmasreviews.com/wbradleyjoseph7.shtm
by Carol Swanson, ChrismasReviews.com
Care for an hour of well-executed new age piano? Then Bradley Joseph is your man; his Classic Christmas delivers straight-ahead, gentle renditions of 14 holiday favorites. The music creates a comforting blanket of nostalgic piano instrumentals--these are the songs you have loved all your life, from the seriously sacred to the light-hearted secular.
Joseph's playing is measured and thoughtful, but never plodding. The listener is carried on a reassuring wave of calming carols; each swell delivers familiarity in a simple, warm framework. My favorite tracks are We Three Kings, the longest cut, and Up on the Housetop. The former is elegant in its simplicity, with just a touch of exotic flavors. The latter is a tune I learned in kindergarten; the sweet anthem rarely appears on holiday albums, and it is an innocent delight here.
This music would provide an ideal backdrop for a quiet holiday affair at home. Never intrusive, Classic Christmas is the lovely watercolor mural on the walls, filling the room with subtle holiday hues. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)
The piano is always true to me. In times of despair, happiness, and joy, its mood is always my own. -- Bradley JosephThe object is to transport my listeners to another place, some place sacred and spiritual that will make them glad they took the ride. -- Bradley Joseph
