Christmas Around the World (Bradley Joseph album)

Infobox Album
Name = Christmas Around the World
Type = studio
Artist = Bradley Joseph


Background = lightsteelblue
Released = October 31, 2000
Genre = Contemporary instrumental
Adult contemporary (soft)
Easy listening
| Length = 50:55
Label = Robbins Island Music
Producer = Bradley Joseph
Reviews = [http://www2.bitstream.net/~billb/bradley_joseph.htm Wind and Wire Magazine]
Last album = 3rd
"Solo Journey"
(1999)
This album = 4th
"Christmas Around the World"
(2000)
Next album = 5th
"One Deep Breath"
(2002)

"Christmas Around the World" is Bradley Joseph's fourth album, (see 2000 in music), reaching NAV's top 100 radio playlist.

"In a thousand different ways, people join together every year to celebrate Christmas with their own unique customs and traditions. Pianist Bradley Joseph has hand-picked songs from around the world and recreated them with his own unique style. Each melody contains history and meaning that has endured for centuries."cite album-notes |title=Christmas Around the World |bandname=Bradley Joseph |year= 2000|format= CD liner|publisher=Robbins Island Music|publisherid=CATW-3D]

"A mix of world beat, smooth jazz, soft piano,and a splash of holiday".

*"Far Away on Christmas Day" and "A Minnesota Snowfall" written by Bradley Joseph.

Critical reception

In a review for "Wind and Wire Magazine", Michael Debbage writes, "Author Jules Verne took his characters "Around The World In Eighty Days". However, musician Bradley Joseph takes us around the world in one play of this 51-minute long CD. Partially a conceptual project, Joseph presents World Christmas melodies that have endured for centuries making this a unique Christmas project that allows you to enjoy it all year long."cite web|author=Debbage, Michael| url=http://www2.bitstream.net/~billb/bradley_joseph.htm|title= Review of "Christmas Around the World"|publisher= Wind and Wire Magazine (windandwire.com)|accessdate=2006-12-21] While Debbage believes the concept clearly supports the continued "ambitious talents of this creative and warm musician", he does not think this album quite meets the high standard that is associated with Bradley Joseph, stating, "the concept is offset by a limited thin and sparse production", "...most evident via the upbeat 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' that includes "poor use of loops and drum machines".

Debbage does go on to say that Joseph's stronger arrangements are via the less traditional ventures evident via the exotic Mexican-rooted carol "Riu, Riu Ciu" and the self-penned "Far Away On Christmas Day". "The latter shows influences of the fluid and flowing Bradley Joseph I have come to know and love", states Debbage. The only other self-penned composition is "A Minnesota Snowfall" that reflects a more "naked bare-boned ballad approach".

Track listing

#"Quickly on To Bethlehem" (Przybiezeli do Betlejem) – Poland
#"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" – England
#"Ríu, Ríu Chíu" – Mexico
#"Sheep Fast Asleep" (Hitsuji wa Nemureri) – Japan
#"I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve" (Jeg er glad hver Julekveld) – Norway
#"Far Away On Christmas Day" – USA
#"Praise The Lord O My Soul" – Russia
#"Silent Night" (Stille Nacht) – Austria
#"Joy To The World" – Germany
#"He Is Born" (IL est ne) – France
#"A Minnesota Snowfall" – USA
#"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" – Germany

(History of each song: [http://www.bradleyjoseph.com/Christmas_Traditions.asp Christmas_Traditions] )

Personnel

*All music arranged and performed by Bradley Joseph.

*Art and Design – Tony Horning
*Photography – Erin Horning

References

External links

* [http://www.bradleyjoseph.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gk2gtq4zpu45 "Christmas Around the World] at Allmusic
* [http://www.discogs.com/release/783219 "Christmas Around the World] at Discogs
* [http://www2.bitstream.net/~billb/bradley_joseph.htm "Christmas Around the World"] at Wind and Wire Magazine
* [http://www.last.fm/music/Bradley+Joseph/Christmas+Around+The+World " Christmas Around the World"] at Last.fm