Jazz on a Winter's Night 2 + CD: 10 Christmas classics for jazz piano (Nikki Iles Jazz series)

I would recommend to anyone who wants some refreshingly different Christmas music. Most of the 10 pieces are about grade 5 or 6 and maybe some more advanced. They all seem to fall naturally under the hands, are beautifully arranged in an interesting way and are so rewarding to play.If like me, you find most carol books far too basic in their harmonies and arrangements, then this book would be great! However, it is not a carol book per se and hence the tile 'Winter's Night' I suppose. The pieces fall into two main categories. There are the ones which are atmospheric with interesting with unusual harmonies but which still sound approachable. They often have interesting time signature changes and there is scope to put your own mark on them. The other main style is bouncy, happy, jazz, swing type style pieces.The pieces are drawn from a huge time span from centuries old carols revamped into a modern pieces, there's some tradition carols, some modern poplar songs and some lesser known modern songs. ‘Away in a Manger' is a sing along one that has lush chords but still manages to keep a simple, lullaby feel.'See Amid the Winter's snow' which is more free time. 'Angels from the Realms of Glory which is cleverly arranged into a calypso!My absolute favourite in the book is an incredibly soothing and special arrangement of 'We three Kings'. This one at first listen doesn't sound recognisable however, it is one of the most magical pieces I have ever played and transports you away, I can't stop playing it! Flowing, atmospheric with scope to put your own mark on it.'Sussex Carol' and 'Adam Lay Ybounden' two lesser known carols which are centuries old and beautifully atmospheric.The others are modern day well known festive songs such as 'Rudolf the red Nose Reindeer' which is arranged in a playable and recognisable way.'Let it Snow' is great, if a little tricky at first and is in a swing, jazzy style with a written out improvisation section.Then the lesser known songs ''Zat You Santa Claus' and 'Past Three O'clock', these are my least favourite.As usual, Nikki Iles' book is full of great pieces and a must and especially if you want to have the pleasure of playing 'We Three Kings!

Thoroughly enjoyed playing these 10 Christmas Classics for Jazz Piano. Nikki Iles has done it again with her stylish arrangements. I specially liked “Zat you Santa Claus” such a fun piece. I have all the books in her series and find that playing these Jazz arrangements really frees up my classical playing. Highly recommended.

This is the third book of Nikkis I have bought and find them easy to play. A gentle nuance to Christmas. Just buy it 💐

100% recommend this Intermediate level publication. It's Nikki Iles and I love her. xxx

Marvellous jazz versions of well known and not so well known Christmas songs/ tunes. Highly recommended.

Rather a disappointment following the others in the series.

collecting the series the arrangements are so scrummy. :)

Came up to all expectations. Ideal for cold winter evenings