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Nice playing and nice room. What is the keyboard instrument in the back left corner?

That is a seven foot double manual Morley harpsichord, built in London in 1969. I rescued it and rebuilt it a few years ago. I play it in the recitals occasionally. I prefer the piano, of course, but it is fun to play.

Sam

I enjoyed that, Sam! Great playing, and I love your Christmas tree!

Your C3 sounds as good as ever, as does your playing!

Rick

Sam - very cool arrangement and lovely playing! Your C3 has a full, rich tone. I like the major resolve at the end.

Sam, you sound beautiful!

Great playing, Sam. Thank you for another holiday treat!

Tennessee Christmas/I Saw Three Ships (ROUSE)

Here is the 2nd arranger -- Jay Rouse. The first one, "Tennessee Christmas," is a contemporary carol, compliments of Amy Grant and Gary Chapman. The second is a traditional English carol, updated to a jazz waltz. Enjoy!

I enjoyed your recordings, Tim! Very nice.

I wish you would record a video of your playing as well, so I can watch your hands and fingers as you play. You play well.

All the best!

Rick

I don't think I have ever heard that first one - but it definitely has a Christmas song feel to it. Why is that, I wonder? I have never heard it, don't know the words, but still - what is there about that song that makes it Christmas? These are both great arrangements! Thanks for playing them!

Sam

I was feeling like playing a little Christmas blues on the piano today, and recorded Elvis Presley's version of "Merry Christmas Baby". Had some fun with it too.

Anyway, I thought I'd share it here. So, here is my bluesy rendition of Elvis Presley's "Merry Christmas Baby", via Dropbox.

"Merry Christmas Baby"

Rick

Loved it, Rick!

Rick - this is what I was hoping to hear from you! Your voice and piano are outstanding - Thank you, Thank you very much! (Rickster has left the building).

Rick - loved that! "Oh Yeah!"

I am lucky to belong to the same local piano group as Rick - Piano Buddies - so I get to hear him in person about once a month!

Sam

Thanks, Sam! The flip side of the local piano group is that I get to hear you play in person about once a month or so myself! And, that is always a real treat!

And, thank you, Cathy, and Bill, for the kind words!

Looking forward to more Holiday Music recordings from others.

Rick

I'm really enjoying the variety of music on this holiday thread so far.

Tim - Loved the Rouse arrangements - especially 'I Saw Three Ships' with the lively rhythm and elegant key changes.

Rickster - You'd be the life of any holiday party with your voice and piano rendition of 'Merry Christmas Baby'.

I’ll throw one more musical Yule Log on the fire. Here is a recording of White Christmas I made earlier this month.

Merry Christmas ABF!

That was great Bill! Merry Christmas!

Sam

I really enjoyed that, Bill! You play very well and sing very well! What a combination!

Merry Christmas to you, my friend!

Rick

Sing We Now/Hark, the Herald (Tornquist)

Arranger #3 is Carol Tornquist --- I quite like her approach to carols; they are light and airy, but both harmonically and rhythmically inventive. Enjoy!

Joy to the World/God Rest Ye -- Wolaver

Arranger #4 is Bill Wolaver -- it seems to me that he is more thoroughly a "jazzer"; certainly the reflective and introverted "Joy to the World" is basically a primer for Jazz reharmonization. Enjoy!