Leon Russell

Recognized primarily for his gruff voice and earthy song subjects, Leon Russell's holiday album, Hymns of Christmas, is unusual as it is a collection of seasonal instrumentals. Billed simply as Leon Russell: Piano and Orchestra, the album contains ten very traditional selections, including "Oh, Holy Night," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "It Came upon a Midnight Clear," and "Silent Night." Originally released in 1995 and re-released in 2001, Hymns of Christmas is a pleasant collection of piano-centered classic Christmas songs, with a tint of an old-parlor sound, courtesy of Russell's loose playing style. While the orchestra may be in question (it sounds more like elaborate keyboard trickery, but that could just be the way it was recorded), the songs themselves are well-played and certainly enjoyable. ~ Zac Johnson, All Music Guide