2. Veni, Veni, Emmanuel
3. The First Nowell
4. Christmas Improv 1: Snow Outside Is Falling
5. Cantique de Noel
6. Interlude
7. Un Flambeau, Jeanette Isabelle
8. Coventry Carol
9. Christmas Improv 2: Cocoa At The Fireside
10. W Zlobie Iezy
11. Ukranian Bell Carol
12. Christmas Improv 3: Icicles
13. Stille Nacht
14. Postlude ARTIST SITE
Truth is, Matt Wheeler's solo piano "Christmas On The Northshore" owes more to his Church background than to a genre whose best days were likely before his birth. Homeschooled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this son of a Bible software programmer (and Homeschool Choir director) and stay-at-home mom, Matt is currently working towards a Masters Degree in music in Duluth, Minnesota. He also teaches music (at his very own studio), composes original music, scores films, blogs, and is working to spread the Homeschool Choir experience to anyone interested.
"Christmas On The Northshore" demonstrates the kind of tender touch Christmas music is too rarely afforded and Matt's playing is alive with genuine spirituality. As New Age music goes (yeah, I'm sticking with that), this is more Paul Sullivan than George Winston. And there ain't nothing wrong with that. In fact, my initial mental analogy upon first listen was that this album was a Minnesota answer to Sullivan's "Christmas In Maine", one of my very favorite Christmas albums.
It's absolutely free at Matt's web site--don't even have to bring your email address. Just Matt's Christmas gift to the world. Somewhere, a Little Drummer Boy is feeling a tinge of jealousy...and admiration. Now if Matt's sister plays harp like Kim Robertson.......