RICHARD CARR: Crystalline Christmas

Richard Carr

Crystalline Christmas

© 2002 Rec'D Music (634479386121)

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Sensitive and beautifully conceived solo piano arrangemenst of Christmas carols, traditional and some off the traditional path.

notes

Composer/contemporary pianist Richard Carr, native of St. Louis, Missouri, has returned to St. Louis after the ravaging of the hurricane Katrina of his home in New Orleans.

Carr's approach to creating is one of tapping into the free-flowing consciousness of music, Richard is freely improvising on the spot. There are no sequencing or tracking techniques used during the recording. Everything is recorded in real time without any edits.

In this regard, Richard's music has been favorably compared to Keith Jarrett, George Winston and David Lanz. His concerts are highlighted by his apparent ease at the piano or keyboard and his passionate playing. Most of his audiences are also treated with a new composition or improvisation created on the spot.

Carr's improvisational composition style is full of melodic lines and rich harmonies indicative of the classical influences of the American, Russian and French composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Additionally, more modern influences as diverse as Mannheim Steamroller, Tangerine Dream, John Adams, Keith Jarrett, Cole Porter, Thomas "Fats" Waller, Steve Reich, George Winston, and George Gershwin are also evident.

ABOUT CRYSTALINE CHRISTMAS
Richard has continued his exploration of Christmas songs from around the world. Three tracks are arranged for a Kurzweil PC2x keyboard, giving a bit of variety from Richard's usual acoustic piano renditions of holiday favorites.

Crystalline Christmas received a #1 ranking in the very first New Age Reporter Radio 100 while reaching #25 on the final New Age Voice Radio 100.

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  • Some Christmas Gems
    author: Kathy Parsons

    I REALLY enjoyed Richard Carr’s first Christmas album, “Christmas Fireside,” and was looking forward to his second collection of seasonal standards and original pieces. I’m not sure why, but, for me, the newer album doesn’t have the same sparkle. It could be that I’m just tired of Christmas music at this point. Carr takes pride that his recordings are presented just as they were recorded - without edits or corrections - but I think even a little polishing would have made this a much better album. Carr performed several selections on a Kurzweil keyboard. This is the most effective on “O Come, Little Children,” a rather wistful carol from Germany. The medley of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Deck the Halls” isn’t quite as successful. It’s an interesting arrangement, and it sounds like Carr is having a great time playing it, but the bass line is too monotonous and the piece sounds a bit like a merry-go-round. Meanwhile, back at the piano, “The Holly and the Ivy” is given a simple, direct treatment that is charming. “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” are paired in an interesting medley with a gently rolling left hand accompanying the familiar melodies. I really like that Carr has introduced several less-familiar songs of the season. “Gaudete! (Rejoice!)” is a 16th century Finnish song that is dark and somber with a feeling similar to “The Coventry Carol” - Carr does a really nice job on this one. “Noel Nouvelet” is also dark and mysterious, with a beautifully plaintive melody. Aside from a few questionable notes and a heavy pedal foot, this is a gem. The closing track, “Lulajze, Jezuniu (Lullaby, Baby Jesus)” is my favorite piece. A traditional Polish carol, I’d never heard it before. Performed on the Kurzweil with a breathy flute-like sound and sweet and gentle accompaniment, this piece embodies the peace and innocence of the true Christmas spirit. Although somewhat uneven, the good tracks are really good and a few are great.

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