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Holiday Music
* excerpts *

Holiday Submenu
   
Solo Piano/Keyboard

Angels We Have Heard on High
(original arr. - traditional
) 1:57

Away in a Manger
(original jazz arr. - Luther/Spilman
) 1:24

Morning Has Broken
(original jazz arr. - traditional Gaelic) :51

The Christmas Waltz
(original
jazz waltz arr. - J. Styne/S.Cahn) 1:18

Kinderscenen Op.15 #1
(with original variations - R. Schumann) 1:41

Ave Maria
(sampled harp - F. Schubert) 1:02

Gymnopedie #1
(classical - E. Satie) 1:18

Canon in D
(sampled harp - classical - J. Pachelbel) 1:49


click here for more non-holiday specific
solo piano selections

Alto Flute

Greensleeves
(traditional) :41

Pavane
(classical - G. Faure) 1:45


click here for more non-holiday specific
solo piano selections

 

Holiday Duo

Mary Had A Baby
(original gospel arr. - Negro spiritual) 1:29

Our Love Is Here To Stay
(medium-rare swing - G. Gershwin) 1:54


click here more more non-holiday specific
duo selections

 

Holiday Trio

Winter Wonderland
(original fusion arr. - F. Bernard) 2:08

O Christmas Time
(original swing arr. - traditional) 1:13

 

Holiday Quartet

Let It Snow
(original fusion arr. - J.Stynes/S. Cahn) 3:08

Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
(original jazz ballad arr. - H. Martin/R. Blane) 2:02


click here for more non-holiday specific
trio/quartet selections

 

Jazz Quartet + Female Vocalist

Satisfaction
(jazz waltz/double-time swing/funk - K. Richards/M. Jagger) 2:28

It Might As Well Be Spring
(up-tempo swing - R. Rodgers/Hammerstein) 1:39

Witchcraft
(funk ballad - C. Leigh/C. Coleman) 2:35

Moon River
(bossa-nova - H. Mancini, arr. by J. Eskridge/M. Smolens) 1:42

Blue Skies
(funk ballad - K. Goss/B. Murphy/S. Vaughn) 1:23

Angel Eyes
('Coltrane swing' - M. Dennis, E. Brent) 3:10

Authenticity
(ballad - W. Hunter)

 

"We absolutely loved your keyboard and trumpet duo
for our big Holiday bash at our new store. So did
the crowd.
In fact, I've never seen an audience 
applaud after every song in a Holiday context !
The combination of your clever arrangements
along with the creative interplay of the keyboard
and trumpet made quite the impact . . ."
    
—Coley Gold 
events coordinator for The Booksmith, 
San Francisco

 

"My customers tell me that they stayed longer just to hear Michael perform during our busy Holiday season. He is just spectacular ! Because we attract visitors from all over the world (and with different religious backgrounds), we count on Michael's music to make them feel welcome. Traditional carols & Christmas pop (both old & new), spirituals & gospel, seasonal jazz & classical, Jewish & even Hindu songs, he covers it all. Not only does Michael play a half-dozen different instruments and sing, but he somehow manages to do them simultaneously ! His arrangements make the familiar enchanting, and his timing is just impeccable. We're fortunate to have Michael return for his 2nd five-week run here at BOUDIN'S."

—Marisa Garcia
manager for BOUDIN'S on Fisherman's Wharf,
San Francisco

 

"Last December, I was in charge of a Holiday party that also was a celebration of our beloved Dollar Clubhouse becoming a National Historic Place in Walnut Creek. And part of my job was to find a great pianist. After listening to Michael Smolens' demo recording, I knew we were going to be in good hands. He played his arrangements of Holiday pieces beautifully, and many people stopped by to thank him, request special songs, and even inquire about private lessons with him."

—Bob Dickson
Walnut Creek

 

"Thank you for your wonderful contribution to our Holiday Party.  You play (and accompany) very well and having live music was a perfect cap to a great event."

—Erick L.

Dir. of Operations, Hired Hands Homecare

 

"I just wanted to thank you so much helping to make our Hannukah Party so amazing. Many have congratulated our Board on the party, and specifically mentioned you and your percussionist. Your choice and range of music worked great—from early Hassidic and Ladino music to Jewish folk and theater pieces. Thank also for accompanying our young prodigy, Ori, and his favorite blues piece. You are truly talented and made this event special !"

—Raoul Isaac
liason, Congregation Anshey Sfard Synagogue

 


 

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listen to solo/duo pieces by Michael Smolens listen to ensemble arrangements by Michael Smolens listen to a jazz quartet with female vocals