Jim Brickman Releases 'Homecoming' New Holiday CD

On September 25, 2007, Brickman released his most diverse holiday collection yet, "Homecoming" on SLG Records, an inspired triptych of original compositions and instrumental covers that promises to toast the seasonal embers.  Holiday music is nothing new to this artist. Among the platinum-selling pianist's greatest gifts are his seasonal albums: "The Gift" in 1997, Grammy-nominated "Peace" in 2003, and hymn-laden "Grace" in 2005, in addition to his 2006 Target-exclusive "Christmas Romance."

Within the first week "Homecoming" was released, the album received chart topping success on Billboard with a #1 New Age album, #1 Top Seasonal album and #3 Top Internet album. Along with "Homecoming", since the 1994 debut album, "No Words," Brickman's signature romantic style has made him a marquis among contemporary instrumental hit makers selling six Gold and Platinum albums, and delivering three No. 1 and 12 Top 10 adult contemporary radio hits. Among his numerous accolades are a Grammy nod for "Peace", SESAC Songwriter of the Year award, and gospel Dove Award for "The Gift." He has had consistent No. 1 debuts on Billboard Magazine's New Age Albums chart and two No. 1s on Top Kid Audio.

Brickman has also collaborated on numerous vocal events with the likes of Martina McBride, Olivia Newton-John, Michael W. Smith, Carly Simon, Colin Raye, Richie McDonald, Herb Alpert, Dave Koz and Sara Evans, fostering crossover success on the country, Christian, contemporary jazz and smooth jazz singles charts.

"Homecoming," his 16th CD overall, differs from previous seasonal albums in that it is quieter and more organic, he says. "The tone is spiritual. Songwriters reflect on what's going on in the world and I think this album is cognizant of that."

Two new compositions with vocals are showcased: First single "Coming Home for Christmas" features the warm, familiar vocals of Lonestar lead Richie McDonald ("Amazed," "I'm Already There") in an emotional ballad the pair wrote with Victoria Shaw.

The second vocal collaboration, title track "My Angel," a duet with the late Gerald Levert, who went to Shaker Heights High School in suburban Cleveland, OH as did Brickman. The two previously worked together on "My Angel," a track from 2006 album "My Escape."  Unfortunately, Levert died in November 2006 at age 40, leaving "My Angel" his final vocal recording. Brickman says, "Gerald was so much fun to work with, such a feeling man, always happy and laughing. Everything he did seemed to exude the joy of living and communicating through the music he dedicated his life to."

The album also contains three original instrumental tracks, "Thanksgiving" and "Gathering" feature simply piano and strings, which conjures a fall family get together; and "Bethlehem," a gentle, reflective hymnal.

Instrumental covers include "I Heard the Bells," featuring Anne Cochran on vocals and Peter White on jazz guitar, "Joy" with David Klinkenberg on solo violin, and piano renditions of British carols "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "I Saw Three Ships," "Silent Night," album finale "Ole Lang Syne" and "Good King Wenceslas," an instrumental take on the age-old Christmas carol.

In addition to the release of "Homecoming", Brickman will unwrap his latest melodic gifts with a robust holiday season tour, beginning Nov. 23 through the new year, with nearly three dozen dates confirmed.

Photo: Jim Brickman