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Our Review

Elegantly pristine and exquisitely simple, Scot Wisniewski brings just his cabaret/Broadway voice and the piano to ten holiday favorites on A Classic Christmas. The numbers span a wonderful range of the sacred and secular, ancient carols and contemporary. Wisniewski does everything well, and the song selection is just right. "Classic" does describe this marvelous album, and it's the perfect easy-listening/pop bouquet for the Christmas season.

In this sort of intimate setting, the singer's voice is center stage with nowhere to hide. Fortunately for Wisniewski (and the audience!), his sublime baritone is warm and welcoming; this artist comfortably owns every seasonal piece with effortless aplomb. His emotive approach is reverent on the moving "Silent Night" and boldly sassy on "We Need a Little Christmas." Wisniewski's drum articulation ("Pa rum-pum-pum-pum!") on "The Little Drummer Boy" is terrific, and the crystalline purity of his "Ave Maria" will bring tears to your eyes. The piano accompaniment is excellent, providing just the right support without overshadowing Wisniewski's fine pipes.

A Classic Christmas is a very sweet package for the holiday season, although the treat disappears relatively quickly. At just 32 minutes, Scot Wisniewski's winning voice fades away much too soon! Next time, Scot, please double the dose!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Voice: Scot Wisniewski
Piano & musical director: Bryon Sommers

A message from Scot. . .

Christmas is by far my favorite time of the year. As a child, I fondly remember running through five feet of snow in upstate New York. Now, living in New York City, the Christmas season shines even brighter. However, I still love to return home to visit with family and friends in front of a roaring fire and making memories that will last a lifetime. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to capture the many wonderful sounds of the Holiday Season.

Many hard decisions and choices went into recording this album. There were so many wonderful Christmas songs to choose from, which made the final song selection very difficult. However, I decided to record the Christmas songs that have meant the most to me over the years--my personal favorites. I toiled with the idea of having many musicians on the album, and then I decided just my voice and a piano was all I needed. Nothing too fancy. Just calm, peaceful music and singing. After all, isn't that what this season is all about? I hope you enjoy the album as much as I enjoyed recording it.
--Scot Wisniewski

Scot Wisniewski

A Classic Christmas

Artist link

Track List