Ol' Saint Nick: Piano/Vocal/Chords

Brickman's arrangements transform familiar holiday material into sophisticated, pianistically rewarding pieces that honor both the tradition and his own modern sensibility. The collection balances well-known carols with original compositions and unexpected selections like "Christmas in Brazil," giving pianists genuine musical variety rather than standard holiday fare. Each piece sits comfortably under the hands while maintaining the emotional depth that defines his musical voice.

These arrangements wrap familiar melodies in a contemporary harmonic language that feels both intimate and sophisticated. The collection moves between reverent stillness and gentle motion, creating moments of genuine warmth without sentimentality or simplification.

Solo pianists preparing recital repertoire, singers looking for contemporary yet accessible accompaniments, and musicians who want holiday programming that rises above generic arrangements. This collection serves pianists ranging from upper-intermediate through advanced levels who appreciate musical substance in seasonal material.

• Honor the lyrical quality of Brickman's piano lines; resist rushing tempos even when passages move quickly. His style depends on singing phrasing from the keyboard.
• Layer the chord symbols thoughtfully rather than playing them literally. Listen to how the arranged voicings interact with the melody before deciding whether to add or simplify harmonies.
• Use pedal generously but deliberately in the slower pieces. Brickman's arrangements often benefit from sustained harmonic wash, particularly in pieces like "That Silent Night" and "Bethlehem Sunrise."
• Balance the vocal line with accompaniment when performing these as piano/vocal arrangements. The piano part should support rather than overwhelm the singer's phrasing.

Program individual selections across a holiday concert rather than performing the entire collection at once. "Bethlehem Sunrise" and "That Silent Night" work beautifully as opening or closing moments; lighter pieces like "I Wish It Was Christmas All Year" and "Christmas in Brazil" provide effective tonal contrast within a larger seasonal program. These pieces also function well as preludes before a choral finale or as solo interludes between ensemble numbers.

• Balancing melody and accompaniment in piano/vocal textures
• Interpreting chord symbols and understanding harmonic choices in contemporary arrangements
• Sustaining lyrical phrasing across longer phrases without rhythmic stiffness
• Managing pedal to create harmonic color while maintaining clarity
• Adapting arrangements from chord charts rather than relying solely on written notation