Pianist Christian Sands to Release Deluxe Edition of “Christmas Stories” on Nov. 22nd | WATCH VIDEO! Announces New Tour for December 2024
Pianist/Composer Christian Sands to Release
Deluxe Edition of Christmas Stories
Bonus Tracks Include “Sleigh Ride” & “Do You Hear What I Hear”
Available November 22 via Mack Avenue Records
Pianist Returns to NYC’s Dizzy’s Club in December with Additional
Performances Announced in Tucson, Boston, Las Vegas and more
November 14, 2024: GRAMMY®-nominated pianist Christian Sands has announced the upcoming DELUXE digital release of his cherished holiday album Christmas Stories via Mack Avenue Records. Having performed in-demand Christmas shows with Jazz at Lincoln Center and all around the world, Sands offers such beloved classics as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” along with some new gifts to be unwrapped. The deluxe collection will be available for streaming on November 22.
Sands’ album overflows with the joy of holiday songs old and new. The acclaimed pianist added two brand new recordings for this deluxe version: “Sleigh Ride” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.”
Sands shares, “Christmas Stories is more than a collection of Christmas songs, it’s a representation of moments remembered or new ones created around the winter and holiday seasons.” He continues, “The album marks the point at which one steps into the next chapter of their life. It’s about family, peace, remembrance, nostalgia, and above all, centered around ideas of love and joy.”
The album is a spirited mix of cherished memories and new inspirations, blending enduring traditions with unexpected surprises. Fresh renditions of “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” are accompanied by a fresh interpretation of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” which takes a surprising turn with a lively Latin rhythm. Along with the two new bonus tracks Sands packs in three originals: the rollicking “Snow Dayz,” the melancholy “Shoveling,” and the solemn “Last Christmas.”
Christmas Stories brings Sands together with members of his extended musical family: at the heart of the album is his working quartet, with guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and the pianist’s actual brother, Ryan Sands, on drums. In the holiday spirit, they’re joined by a number of special guests: saxophonist Jimmy Greene and vibraphonist Stefon Harris, both mentors to Sands, along with a pair of newer acquaintances, percussionist Keita Ogawa and guitarist Max Light.
“For me, Christmas really is all about family,” Sands says. “Especially as an artist that travels a lot, Christmas is a time when I get to see people that I might not have seen for the entire year.”
Christian Sands is on tour celebrating his latest releases.
Christian Sands on Tour
Dec. 5 | Washington, DC – Blues Alley
Dec. 7 | Pittsburgh, PA – MCG Jazz
Dec. 13 | Las Vegas, NV – Smith Center
Dec. 15 | Tucson, AZ – Century Room at Hotel Congress
Dec. 17 | Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum
Dec. 20 | Boston, MA – Scullers Jazz Club
Dec. 21 – 24 | New York, New York – Dizzy’s Club
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