ANDREW J. SHELDEN: On Christmas Night

Andrew J. Shelden

On Christmas Night

© 2002 Andrew J. Shelden (783707634722)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

An eclectic blending of traditional holiday tunes with jazz/new age improvisational stylings. Alternating between moments of playful whimsy and ethereal beauty, between somber majesty to exuberant joy

tracks

1 God Rest You Merry, Gents
2 Light Snow
3 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Away in a Manger
4 O Come, O Come Immanuel
5 On Christmas Night
6 The First Noel
7 What Child Is This?
8 Jingle Bells
9 Here We Come A-Wassailing
10 Deck the Hall
11 Of The Father's Love Begotten
12 We Three Kings

notes

Andrew J. Shelden is a classically trained, jazz-influenced pianist, organist and composer. He also plays double bass, percussion, tin whistles and bagpipes. He began serving as organist for local churches at the age of twelve. Andrew studied music at the College of the Siskiyous and at the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music before completing his Bachelor of the Arts at Southern Oregon University. Andrew has been guest organist in churches from Ventura to Seattle and as far east as Denver and has played by invitation at the Governor's Mansion in Sacramento, CA and has toured northern Europe, performing in Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Russia. He has been composing music since before he could play. His compositions range from jazz and new age arrangements of Christmas carols and other piano solos to full orchestral pieces in Classical, Romantic and Baroque mode, as well as his own blend of Neo-Classical, Jazz and 20th Century styles. Andrew's work includes organ concert pieces, a Christmas cantata, a piano concerto and a Concerto for Irish Pennywhistle and Chamber Orchestra, in addition to dozens of pieces for solo piano and Celtic-flavored pieces and a musical comedy-adventure about pirates. Andrew serves as organist at Yreka United Methodist Church and is Staff Accompanist at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, CA, where he also teaches Advanced Ear Training and has taught both basic and advanced Music Theory.

To read why Andrew Shelden is "George Winston on steroids," check out a review of this CD on ChristmasReviews.com, go to http://www.christmasreviews.com/wandrewshelden.shtml

What the papers have said about Andrew and his performances:

"emotionally charged....incredible depth and breadth of tone and color... ...subtleties and power.......substantial classical chops and...a heaping helping of jazz and improvisational skills. The result is a blending of classical and jazz elements for interesting arrangements, complete with a wink and a smile...."
Siskiyou Daily News

"...haunting...sentimental....fiery...original...fun....delightful selections....a real crowd pleaser...."
Pioneer Press

".... accomplished...."
Medford Mail Tribune

"..free and open....Shelden's arrangements evoke a diverse range of tone, texture and emotion. ...rollicking...haunting...a delight to the ear."
Mt. Shasta Herald

reviews

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  • Yes!
    author: R. C. Collins

    Andrew J's version of We rest ye merry gents was really far out and crazy and I liked it! Andrew J needs to make a regular CD because then I could listen to it all year around without people making fun of me.

  • Cool!
    author: Jeff Doubter

    Andrew J. Shelden's On Christmas Night is awesome! I totally wish I was as awesome as this guy! I just need some motivation to get off my butt from watching old episodes of Star Trek The Next Generation and do something with my life. Andy's got it!

  • Great Arrangements
    author: Bobby Coolie

    Andrew J. Sheldon's music is very unique and could go a long way. While listening to Andrew's style you can get a taste of the emotions that he has for the piano. It's inspirational. You can take in the music and enjoy it for what it is once you get past the half fast and crappy recording job. I think Mr. Sheldon should re-do his CD and fire his Sound Engineer, David Flashner, and hire someone with solo piano recording experience. There is not much that can be done with the bad mono recording that is 'On Christmas Night'.

  • Two Thumbs up!
    author: Bradley Saunders

    Andrew J. Sheldon is definately on top of his game! This CD is far beyond any Christmas CD I've ever heard! His version of Jingle Bells is one I have never heard... I also liked track 1 because it is a nice driving rock style version of the classic piece.

  • A beatiful CD with creative and uplifting arrangements
    author: Diane Drucker

    I enjoyed this CD very much. The arrangements are creative and uplifting. If asked to choose a favorite track I would be hard pressed to find an answer. Andrew has found a way to take some old classics and put a jazzy new-age spin on them. I loved it all so much I bought two more and gave them as Christmas presents.

  • A great refreshing addition for Christmas!
    author: Ginger

    Especially great is track 2. This CD has wonderful Christmas spirit and will help all get into the mood. I love having my kids 'figure out' what the song is, and having them be able to tell me too. You will enjoy each track, and listen to this CD over and over...a great addition to our Christmas tradition.

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