Sunday, December 18, 2011

CD Review – The Keys of Christmas, by Louis Colaiannia

Composer and keyboardist Louis Colaiannia brings his unique take to the music of the holidays on this collection of traditional and original tunes.

The CD contains Colaiannia’s interpretation of Christmas classics “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” The rest of the disc features mostly brand-new tracks, with a couple of originals from previous albums.

All the songs, both old and new, are laced with Colaiannia’s signature style. He truly has a sound all his own that doesn’t sound like any of his peers. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what that sound is because it’s so different that it’s indescribable. The best I can venture is that both his playing and his composing style are stately and elegant while simultaneously very quirky. The result is an invigorating and exotic musical alchemy.

Colaiannia is supported by a solid lineup of musicians on guitar, drums, horns, and other instruments. They are a tight band, ably augmenting his musical vision.

The familiarity and freshness of the music makes this a worthwhile addition to the Christmas CD catalog.

--Raj Manoharan

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