Christian Sands – Christmas Story
Mack Avenue Records

Release date: October 6, 2023

Pianist/composer Christian Sands’ cinematic approach to popular holiday classics takes center stage with Christmas Stories, his first album since his critically acclaimed, GRAMMY® nominated 2020 release Be Water. Having performed in-demand Christmas shows at Jazz at Lincoln Center and worldwide, Sands offers such classics as “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” as well as a few surprises. Joining the NAACP Image Award nominee are vibraphonist Stefon Harris, saxophonist Jimmy Greene, guitarists Max Light and Marvin Sewell, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, percussionist Keita Ogawa, and drummer Ryan Sands.

Christian Sands – piano, ​​keyboards, Musser Ampli-Celeste (track 9), sleigh bells (track 9)

Yasushi Nakamura – acoustic bass

Ryan Sands – drums

Marvin Sewell – guitar

Max Light – guitar

Stefon Harris – vibes

Jimmy Greene – sax

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Each week, WDNA music director, Michael Valentine shares his album of the week. Michael’s picks often focus on new jazz releases, but sometimes dip into history with notable and classic releases worth revisiting.