For those not in the know, Brian Culbertson is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer known for his distinct brand of genre-crossing contemporary jazz, R&B and funk.

Mining the urban sounds of musically-rich Chicago, he began his musical studies on piano at age eight and quickly picked up several other instruments by the time he was twelve, including drums, trombone, bass and euphonium.

Inspired by the iconic R&B-jazz-pop artists of the 1970s like Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Chicago, David Sanborn and others, Culbertson started composing original music for his seventh grade piano recital and hasn’t stopped since.

Amassing 30 Billboard #1 singles (and counting!) and a deep catalogue of 18 albums, most of which have topped the Billboard contemporary jazz charts, released this past October 4th, 2019 via his own BCM Entertainment, Brian's Winter Stories album now becomes his 19th new release.

Featuring Steve Rodby on acoustic bass and Khari Parker on drums (on brushes), Winter Stories is Brian’s first foray into a traditional jazz sounding album and whilst it is obviously still melodic and well-produced, at its roots it is also a very cultured, and very earnest jazz-oriented album.

1. 'Sitting By The Fire'
2. 'Montana Skies'
3. 'Morning Walk'
4. 'Flurries'
5. 'City Sleigh Ride'
6. 'Waltz For M'
7. 'Island Dream'
8. 'Northern Lights'
9.. 'Frosted Window'
10. 'Starry Night'

Whereas most all artists that release a Christmas album tend to focus on re-recording standards, maybe perhaps including a brand new track they have written especially for inclusion, Brian has written and produced ALL 10 of these new Holiday-inspired tracks; which is pretty darn amazing, if you ask me.

He begins with the dulcet piano lead into 'Sitting By The Fire' and backs that up beautifully with both the expressive 'Montana Skies,' and then the light bounce and skip of 'Morning Walk' is brought forth.

The crystalline 'Flurries' (a track that if you close your eyes could also easily apply to listening to the gentleness of rain running down your windows) is then followed by the jazz club vibe of my own personal favorite on this quite wondrous new album, 'City Sleigh Ride.'

The sweet-sounding 'Waltz For M' is a pure, unadulterated joy to behold and is backed by the finger-snappin,' rhythmic hipsway of 'Island Dream,' and then the delicately rounded, if you wish, ballad 'Northern Lights' comes next.

The joyous, sitting by a roaring fire late at night ambiance of 'Frosted Window' is along next with this highly addictive new Holiday album rounding out with the seasoned (if you'll pardon the pun) 'Starry Night.'

www.BrianCulbertson.com

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